Project Leader Engineering II (PLC/Controls)

Vanderlande•Marietta, GA

About The Position

The Project Leader Engineering 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. As the technical authority and primary liaison among engineering teams, customers, and internal stakeholders, this position drives successful project outcomes. The Project Leader oversees projects from concept through customer handover and coordinates complete system design, including hardware systems, network architecture, PLC and/or PC-based software development, electrical installation, component integration, commissioning, and testing. The role develops and maintains engineering plans and schedules, coordinates with project and site leaders and subcontractors, manages engineering documentation and reporting, monitors engineering budgets, and coordinates health and safety activities during the engineering phase. The role is based in Marietta, Georgia, or may be performed remotely within the USA. Travel of up to 80% is required or may vary with project milestones.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in engineering or equivalent practical experience.
At least 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, particularly under pressure.
Ability to balance quality, schedule, cost, scope, and resources.
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 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, ensuring technical execution, financial performance, and overall project success.
Oversee system design activities involving 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 regular updates.
Coordinate engineering activities with the Project Manager, Site Manager, subcontractors, and other stakeholders.
Collaborate across the value chain to support aligned and efficient project execution.
Create and maintain functional system specifications, interface specifications, and high-level test plans for FAT, SAT, and CAT, including validation activities.
Manage engineering-related project information and ensure documentation is controlled and archived appropriately.
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.
Lead, motivate, mentor, and support specialized team members on complex technical projects.