Lead Controls Engineer

Fortna, Inc.; Peachtree Corners (GA); On-site; USD 100,000 - 152,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading logistics technology company is seeking a Lead Controls Engineer. In this role, you will write and implement PLC code, design Human Machine Interfaces, and mentor entry-level engineers. Candidates should have a Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering and over 7 years of experience, particularly with Rockwell PLC and HMI programming. The position offers a base salary range of $100,700 to $151,100 based on experience and performance.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of experience in an industrial controls environment.
• Experience with HMI programming like FactoryTalk View and Ignition.
• Knowledge of industrial communication networks (EtherNet/IP, Modbus).

Responsibilities

• Implement modular PLC code and on-site controls engineering tasks.
• Design and develop HMI using commercial products.
• Lead a team executing complex automated systems.

Skills

Self-motivated

Detail-oriented

Results-focused

Advanced project management

Troubleshooting controls I/O problems

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or equivalent

Tools

Rockwell PLC

FactoryTalk View

Ignition

Microsoft 365 – Office Apps

Job description

Lead Controls Engineer

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Overview

FORTNA partners with the world’s leading brands to transform omnichannel and parcel distribution operations. We design and deliver solutions powered by intelligent software to optimize fast, accurate and cost‑effective order fulfillment and last‑mile delivery. Our innovative approach and proprietary algorithms ensure optimal operations design and material and information flow, delivering exceptional value through services and products including network strategy, distribution center operational design, material handling automated equipment, robotics and lifecycle services.

Responsibilities

• Write and implement modular and reusable PLC code and assist in all on‑site controls engineering tasks.
• Design and develop Human Machine Interface (HMI) using commercial products such as Ignition, Wonderware, FactoryTalk View or FactoryTalk Optix.
• Implement PLC and HMI programs to satisfy current design and customer specifications.
• Work with FORTNA employees, customer representatives and third‑party vendors to ensure all project aspects are considered during design and execution phases.
• Review electrical designs and provide accurate as‑built drawings for approval.
• Provide technical solutions to a wide range of difficult problems that are imaginative, thorough, practicable and consistent with organizational objectives.
• Guide the successful completion of major programs and may function in a project leadership role.
• Serve as a mentor to entry‑level Controls Engineers.
• Provide support to commissioning team members as required.
• Lead a team to execute complex automated systems, provide site engineering support and complete system acceptance testing.
• Interface and coordinate with other departments on requirements and standards.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Electrical Engineering Technology or equivalent.
• 7+ years of experience within an industrial controls environment, including PLC programming (Rockwell required, Siemens, Schneider or others).
• Experience with HMI programming (FactoryTalk View, Ignition, Wonderware, Indusoft).
• 3+ years of experience developing in Ignition.
• Input and output device design, implementation, and troubleshooting.
• Industrial communication networks (EtherNet/IP, Profinet, Modbus, etc.).
• Low voltage electrical design and drawing understanding and creation.
• Equivalent work experience may substitute for education.
• Experience with networked VFDs, servos, and other motor controllers.
• Experience with Microsoft 365 – Office Apps.

Skills & Abilities

• Self‑motivated, self‑aware, detail‑oriented, results‑focused.
• Understanding of VFDs, induction motors, PLCs and industrial networks.
• Demonstrates advanced understanding of project management, service management, or relationship management principles.
• Advanced abilities and knowledge in practices and techniques gained through experience and exposure to complex and diverse techniques, theories, and principles.
• Ability to troubleshoot and isolate controls I/O problems.
• Schedule, manage, and execute basic system implementations, enhancements, and retrofits.
• Collaborate and communicate with FORTNA team members, project managers and customers in a professional written and spoken manner.
• Provide direction and leadership to junior level controls engineers.

Work Environment

This role operates in a professional office environment and routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers and phones. When traveling, the job environment shifts to a site‑based, typically industrial setting. Travel may require appropriate PPE, electrical diagnostic tools, implementation tools, laptops, and networking equipment.

Travel

Requires up to 25% travel to various sites.

Salary

Base salary range is $100,700 to $151,100, depending on experience, location, and performance.

Physical Demands

• Ability to lift 50 pounds.
• Ability to climb ladders.
• Ability to navigate safely over and around warehouse automation equipment.
• Physical stamina may be required for prolonged standing, bending, stooping, and/or working in cramped quarters.
• Exposure to potentially dangerous tools and equipment amongst a variety of building materials is probable, as is occasional exposure to moving mechanical parts.
• Noise levels in the work environment may vary from quiet to moderate to excessive.

Equal Employment Opportunity

FORTNA and its affiliated companies provide equitable employment opportunities to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, etc. FORTNA complies with all relevant federal, state, and local laws and will provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities.

Employees may be required to perform any other job‑related duties as requested by their supervisor.