Project Leader Engineering II (PLC/Controls)

Vanderlande•Atlanta, GA

About The Position

The Project Leader Engineer II (PLC/Controls) leads cross-functional engineering teams in transforming sold projects into fully realized, high-performing system designs. The role requires planning, coordination, and communication to deliver projects on time, within budget, and to high technical standards. Acting as a technical authority and primary liaison among engineering teams, customers, and internal stakeholders, the Project Leader drives successful project outcomes. The position leads projects from concept through customer handover and oversees system design activities, including hardware systems, network architecture, PLC and/or PC-based software development, electrical installation, component integration, commissioning, and testing. It develops and maintains engineering plans and schedules; coordinates work with the Project Manager, Site Manager, subcontractors, and other stakeholders; and supports aligned project execution across the value chain. The role also creates and maintains system and interface specifications and high-level FAT, SAT, and CAT test plans, including validation activities. It manages engineering project information and document control, reports project progress, risks, issues, and opportunities to the Project Manager and Engineering Manager, monitors engineering budgets, and performs health and safety analyses and coordinates engineering-phase safety activities. Location: Marietta, GA or USA remote. Travel up to 80% or as required by project milestones.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in engineering or equivalent practical experience.
Minimum of 5 years of experience working on large-scale material handling systems.
Ability and willingness to travel up to 80% or as required by project milestones.
Proactive, hands-on, and self-directed work style.
Strong problem-solving skills, especially under pressure.
Ability to balance quality, schedule, cost, scope, and resources effectively.
Demonstrated ability to lead specialized teams on complex technical projects.
Ability to motivate, mentor, and support team members.
Basic understanding of mechanical installation and design standards.
Working knowledge of controls engineering principles.
Familiarity with electrical installation and design standards.
Proficiency with the Microsoft Office Suite.

Nice To Haves

Project Management certification or relevant project management experience.
Technical background in material handling processes and applicable industry standards.
Advanced knowledge of software testing methodologies.
Leadership experience managing project teams and contributing to people development.

Responsibilities

Lead projects from concept through customer handover, supporting technical execution, financial performance, and overall project success.
Oversee system design activities, including hardware systems, network architecture, PLC and/or PC-based software development, electrical installation, component integration, commissioning, and testing.
Ensure functionality, technical accuracy, and quality across material handling solutions.
Develop and maintain detailed engineering project plans and schedules, monitor progress, and provide updates.
Coordinate engineering activities with the Project Manager, Site Manager, subcontractors, and other key stakeholders.
Collaborate across the value chain to support aligned and efficient project execution.
Create and maintain functional system specifications, interface specifications, and high-level FAT, SAT, and CAT test plans, including validation activities.
Manage engineering project information and ensure documentation control and archiving.
Report progress, risks, issues, and opportunities to the Project Manager and Engineering Manager.
Monitor and control engineering budgets throughout the project lifecycle.
Perform health and safety analyses and coordinate safety-related activities during the engineering phase.
Motivate, mentor, and support team members.