Controls Engineer III

Trew, LLC; Chester; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading engineering firm in Chester seeks a Controls Engineer III to design electrical control systems for automated material handling. The role involves project management and collaboration with engineering teams. Candidates must have a Bachelor's degree and 5–7 years of relevant experience, with skills in PLC programming and project documentation. This position offers opportunities for travel and training others.

Benefits

Training opportunities

Health benefits

Travel opportunities

Qualifications

• Minimum 5–7 years of experience designing industrial controls systems.
• Experience with material handling equipment controls preferred.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement electrical controls systems for automated equipment.
• Lead projects independently and define project scopes.
• Generate and review project documentation.

Skills

Ability to multi-task and maintain deadlines

Self-motivated

Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Good organizational and leadership skills

Proficient with MS Office

Knowledge of AutoCAD and AutoCAD Electrical

Advanced knowledge of RSLogix/Studio 5000

Advanced knowledge of Allen Bradley PLC/PAC controllers

Knowledge of industrial communication networks

Education

Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering or equivalent

Tools

AutoCAD

RSLogix/Studio 5000

Job description

Position Description

TREW is a provider of Automated Equipment, Control Systems and Warehouse Execution Software. As a Controls Engineer III, you will design and implement electrical controls systems for automated material handling equipment in a project/application-based capacity including development of specifications, reviewing electrical drawings, and creating PLC/PAC logic. Project design and testing occurs in the office and completed work is installed and tested at client facilities. You must be self‑motivated, adaptive, possess a strong technical background in electrical and controls systems, and have excellent organizational and communication skills. You will be the primary technical contact for projects, working closely with Mechanical Engineering, Controls Engineering, and Project Management.

Duties / Responsibilities

• Meet with client and internal project teams to define applications and produce description of operation documents.
• Lead training and mentoring of co‑op personnel and junior engineers on design process, system commissioning, and department methods.
• Lead small to medium‑sized projects by defining and issuing work to assigned team members; work independently with minimal supervision.
• Lead large‑sized projects to execute design per project requirements with minimal supervision.
• Define and maintain a project schedule and ensure milestones are met.
• Define and maintain the project forecast for resources, materials, and expenses.
• Meet or exceed the financial budget for resources, materials, and expenses.
• Direct and assign teammates, prioritize tasks to meet project needs.
• Generate project‑specific documentation using standard company formats.
• Review electrical design and communication architecture diagrams, providing feedback to electrical engineers.
• Design interfaces to devices such as network I/O, variable speed drives, camera/laser scanner ID systems, and scales.
• Customize standard products to meet project requirements.
• Configure interfaces to WCS or WES software systems.
• Use automation programming software to create PLC programs for automating machinery.
• Configure standard PLC programs for real‑time control of automated equipment and collection of diagnostic and production data.
• Generate new PLC programs, methods, and standards.
• Develop application programs to control automated equipment based on electrical and mechanical system design and operational requirements.
• Create application programs for HMI screen design.
• Conduct in‑house preliminary testing and onsite testing of the system as installed at the customer’s facility.
• Interact with mechanical and electrical engineering during project design reviews.
• Work closely with electrical, mechanical, and software engineers to integrate project solutions.
• Participate and lead design reviews with project teams.
• Perform on‑site technical checkout, often working with installation teams.
• Perform on‑site system commissioning at client sites to validate controls software.
• Provide customer training and support during project turnover to the end user.
• Provide continuing support for finished projects.
• Ensure all project checklists and “as‑built” documentation is complete and archived at project completion.
• Assist engineering leadership in completion of workflow process and updates to workflow instructions.
• Report project status to project managers and department supervisor/manager.
• Direct assigned team in the field and assign priorities consistent with project requirements.
• Identify methods and tools that improve department efficiency.

Required Skills / Abilities

• Ability to multi‑task and maintain deadlines while ensuring quality in a collaborative, team‑oriented environment.
• Self‑motivated, able to operate independently with minimal supervision.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Good organizational and leadership skills.
• Proficient with MS Office (Word, Excel, Outlook).
• Proficient with personal computers and Microsoft Windows operating systems.
• Knowledge of AutoCAD and AutoCAD Electrical.
• Advanced knowledge of RSLogix/Studio 5000.
• Knowledge of 480vac 3‑phase power.
• Knowledge of 120vac and/or 24VDC controls circuits.
• Advanced knowledge of Allen Bradley PLC/PAC controllers or similar automation controllers.
• Advanced knowledge of ladder logic, structured text, function block or other high‑level programming languages.
• Knowledge of safety PLCs and safety systems is a plus.
• Advanced knowledge of industrial control systems including PLC and HMI systems.
• Proficient with industrial communication networks such as Ethernet/IP & AS‑Interface.
• Ability to read and understand system layouts, schematics and other controls system drawings.
• Ability to perform electrical troubleshooting using hand tools and meters.

Education & Experience

• Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering (BSEE), Electrical Engineering Technology (BSEET), Computer Science (BSCS), Computer Engineering (BSCE), Computer Engineering Technology (BSCET) or equivalent experience.
• Minimum 5–7 years of experience designing industrial controls systems.
• Experience with material handling equipment controls; industry experience preferred but not required.

Work Environment

• Ability to work effectively in a warehouse and/or construction environment for system testing.
• Climbing ladders and moving around on platforms to maneuver equipment.
• Flexibility to travel, often via air, with ability to travel 30–40% of the calendar year to job sites domestically and internationally. Travel may include weekends and/or holidays.
• Ability to work non‑traditional hours that may include nights, weekends and/or holidays.

Physical Requirements

• Capable of working in a construction site environment (no air conditioning, dusty, loud, etc.) and following all site safety rules such as wearing personal protective equipment (hard hats, safety shoes, hearing protection, etc.).
• Ability to frequently move about the work site to access equipment and remain standing or stationary for extended periods of time.

EEO Statement

Trew and its companies are an equal opportunity employer. Applicants will be considered for employment without regard to age, race, creed, color, national origin, ancestry, marital status, affectional or sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, nationality, sex, or veteran status.

Other Duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.