Senior Controls Engineer (Automated Distribution)

At SanMar, the work you do makes a difference. What's the Short Version? The Senior Controls Engineer leads the optimization, maintenance, and expansion of our automated wholesale distribution network. They are the technical anchor for our high-volume facilities, ensuring our Automated Material Handling Systems (AMHS) operates at peak efficiency. They support and contribute to design, programming, and perform troubleshooting measures for PLCs, industrial networks, and robotic sorting systems while bridging the gap between our operational technology (OT) and Warehouse Management Systems (WMS). What Will You Be Doing? Collaborate on and validate the architecture strategy of hardware and software control strategies, validate and provide input on electrical schematics, and layouts for control panels. Collaborate on writing and debugging Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) code, Human-Machine Interfaces (HMIs), and Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) software, configure, and optimize PLCs (Allen-Bradley/Rockwell, Siemens) and HMI/SCADA systems to maximize warehouse throughput. Lead the technical support, logic tuning, and deployment of conveyors, high-speed sorters, Automated Storage and Retrieval Systems (ASRS). Oversee Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT), system validation, and on-site startup troubleshooting. Partner with software teams to integrate hardware controls with Warehouse Control Systems (WCS) (Allen-Bradley/Rockwell, Siemens) and Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) for seamless data flow. Act as the Tier-3 escalation point for complex electrical, mechanical, and network faults to minimize critical supply chain downtime. Partner with project management teams on automation capital projects from concept through commissioning, including vendor management, budget oversight, and factory acceptance testing (FAT). Guide and train multisite maintenance technicians and junior engineers on advanced troubleshooting and automation best practices. Perform other duties as assigned. Comply with all policies and standards. What Are We Looking For? Bachelor's Degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Automation, or a related technical field (equivalent hands-on experience will be considered). 4+ years years of experience in industrial controls engineering, with at least 2 years dedicated to high-volume distribution centers, e-commerce fulfillment, or logistics hubs. Advanced proficiency with Allen-Bradley (Studio 5000/Logix) or Siemens (TIA Portal), and industrial networks (EtherNet/IP, Profinet, Modbus). Hands-on experience with barcode scanners, print-and-apply labeling systems, and automated weight/dimension check zones. Experience with Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs) or Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs) is preferred. Knowledge of SQL databases, Python, or scripting languages used to bridge PLC data to the cloud is preferred. Experience with Lean Manufacturing or Six Sigma methodologies is preferred. Domestic Travel 50-60%