Controls Automation Engineer
Role summary
A leading global e-commerce company is seeking a field-based Controls Automation Engineer for a 12-month+ contract role. The engineer will be responsible for commissioning and troubleshooting large-scale robotics, packaging, and material handling systems across multiple U.S. sites. This role requires strong hands-on experience with Allen-Bradley/Rockwell PLCs, Ladder Logic, and troubleshooting in live environments. The candidate must be self-driven, willing to travel 100% domestically, and comfortable working independently on site. Experience with industrial vision systems, robotics, and structured commissioning documentation is preferred.
Role:
Controls Automation Engineer
Client:
Leading Global E-Commerce Company
Location:
USA
Travel:
100% required across domestic US
Start:
ASAP (June/July)
Duration:
12 months+
Overview
We are supporting a confidential global automation client delivering large-scale robotics, packaging, and material handling systems across multiple U.S. sites. We are seeking Controls Engineers with a strong automation and commissioning mindset, comfortable owning equipment deployment in live environments and working independently on site.
This is a field-based deployment role, not a plant maintenance or design-only position.
Key Responsibilities
- Commission conveyor, packaging, or closely related automation systems on live sites
- Follow provided documentation to bring equipment online, then troubleshoot issues as they arise
- Diagnose and resolve PLC-driven faults including alarms, wiring issues, and I/O problems
- Perform hands-on commissioning across multiple machines per site (typically 6–12 units)
- Configure and troubleshoot cameras, sensors, and field devices
- Work independently on site after ramp-up, escalating only complex issues
- Coordinate daily with Project Managers and remote support engineers
- Support phased ramp-up from shadowing to supervised delivery to solo ownership
Must-Have Skills & Experience
- Strong hands-on experience commissioning automation systems (conveyors, packaging, sortation, or similar)
- Allen-Bradley / Rockwell PLC experience
- Comfortable troubleshooting PLC-controlled systems in live environments
- Ladder Logic familiarity (Studio 5000 exposure preferred)
- Proven field experience commissioning equipment on unfamiliar sites
- Self-driven, proactive troubleshooting mindset
- Willingness to travel frequently and work across multiple sites
Nice-to-Have Experience
- Experience with industrial vision systems (Keyence, Cognex, or similar)
- Robotics or material handling equipment exposure
- Prior deployment or field service engineering background
- Experience working to structured commissioning documentation
