Controls Engineer

Crocs•Dayton, OH

About The Position

The Controls Engineer is responsible for supporting the performance, reliability, and continuous improvement of PLC-controlled automation systems within a highly automated distribution center environment. This role serves as the primary technical resource for the controls layer, providing advanced troubleshooting, system optimization, and data-driven analysis across integrated automation systems. The Controls Engineer partners closely with Operations, Maintenance Technicians, and cross-functional teams to ensure high system uptime and consistent operational performance.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Engineering Technology, or equivalent experience
5+ years of experience supporting or engineering PLC-controlled industrial automation systems
Strong experience with PLC/HMI troubleshooting and diagnostics
Hands-on experience with Rockwell and/or Siemens platforms
Experience with industrial controls including sensors and drives
Experience troubleshooting integrated automation systems
Experience performing root cause analysis using system data
Familiarity with enterprise systems integration
Ability to read electrical schematics

Nice To Haves

Experience supporting automated material handling systems
Familiarity with WMS platforms such as Manhattan, HighJump, or Blue Yonder
Experience with automation analytics platforms such as AutoStore Unify
Expert level knowledge of Allen Bradley and/or Siemens with familiarity with Beckoff PLC
Experience with scan tunnels and vision systems
Knowledge of industrial communication networks
Experience supporting multi-site environments

Responsibilities

Troubleshoot and support PLC-controlled automation systems, including conveyor networks, sortation systems, goods-to-person automation, and AS/RS platforms
Diagnose and resolve complex system-level controls issues, including PLC logic, HMI interfaces, I/O systems, and industrial control networks
Serve as the technical escalation point for advanced automation and controls problems
Interface with Systems and IT teams to support integration, troubleshooting, and performance of automation systems
Diagnose issues across the automation-to-WMS/WCS interface, including data flow, system handoffs, and operational synchronization
Partner with Operations, Maintenance Technicians, and cross-functional teams to support system performance and drive improvements in reliability and throughput
Lead and support data-driven root cause analysis (RCA)
Monitor and analyze automation performance data to identify trends and improvement opportunities
Support and oversee analytics platforms and system performance reporting
Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on uptime and system stability
Support troubleshooting and optimization of scan tunnels and vision systems (Datalogic, SICK, Cognex or similar)
Diagnose system performance issues including read rates and alignment
Support controls infrastructure including PLC programs, control cabinets, and industrial networks
Support automation system improvements, upgrades, and modifications
Provide technical input for system changes, testing, and commissioning support
Support network and automation initiatives and travel as required
Be available on call as needed for critical automation issues