Project Leader Engineering I - Controls

About the role

A Project Engineering Leader I - Controls is a leadership role accountable for the design and implementation of automated control systems. This position requires strong technical expertise in control systems engineering, automation, and software, along with leadership and project management skills to guide teams and ensure control system performance, quality, safety, and reliability. The role involves technical leadership throughout the project lifecycle, including planning, design, fabrication, and implementation, as well as acting as a business partner to provide oversight for multiple projects and strategy development.

Responsibilities

• Execute projects from conception through client handover, ensuring positive contributions to technical performance, financial results, and organizational goals.
• Manage control system design, including hardware, system and network design, software development (PLC and/or PC-related systems), electrical installation, component integration, system commissioning, and testing.
• Oversee work performed by control system subcontractors and internal employees.
• Ensure control system designs comply with specifications, codes, and client requirements.
• Perform independent reviews and approve technical documentation, such as low-voltage electrical controls drawings, panel drawings, I/O drawings, network drawings, test plans, and operating manuals.
• Manage all control system documentation during the project, including internal review, customer approval, document control, and final project archiving.
• Participate in project meetings and collaborate with colleagues, customers, and subcontractors to develop and maintain strong relationships.
• Coordinate with the Project Leader Engineering and/or Project Manager to manage project timelines and resources, communicating status updates and potential issues to stakeholders.
• Present technical solutions confidently to stakeholders, addressing concerns and answering questions in real time.
• Manage requirements and changes throughout the project lifecycle.
• Assist with quotation bids alongside systems and sales departments for new projects or project changes.
• Collaborate with other groups within the organization, such as mechanical engineering, project management, planning, supply chain, sales, service, and installation.
• Execute health and safety analysis and coordinate safety during the engineering phase of control system design.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering or equivalent.
• Minimum 7 years of experience in implementing and managing highly complex and large-scale material and/or baggage handling systems.
• Minimum 10 years of experience in the design and engineering of instrumentation and control systems in a project team environment for heavy industrial facilities, with a focus on integrated, detailed system design for new or brownfield facilities.
• Project management experience.
• Experience with integration and configuration management.
• Willing and able to travel up to 25%.
• Knowledge of digital hardware and software components commonly used in industrial control system platforms, such as Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs), Human-Machine Interfaces (HMIs), and SCADA systems.
• Experience in electrical design of electrical panels, I/O systems, motor/VFD controls, and Ethernet-based networks.

Skills

• Previous experience leading a controls engineering team.
• Experience reviewing design drawings created by others.
• Strong aptitude for technical problem-solving, interpersonal skills, written and oral communication, and teamwork.
• Client service focus.
• Technical knowledge/background in material handling processes.
• Proactive and hands-on work ethic.
• Self-motivated with proven ability in problem-solving, especially in intense situations.
• Pragmatic and capable of balancing quality, lead time, costs, and technology.
• Ability to lead a specialized team responsible for complex projects.
• Strong analytical and computer skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks while working effectively with all levels of staff and management.
• Familiarity with project management principles, including planning, scheduling, and budgeting.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience utilizing MS Project, Primavera, or other scheduling software.
• Knowledge of mechanical engineering theories and principles.
• Familiarity with Computer-Aided Design (CAD) software (e.g., AutoCAD, REVIT, Navisworks).
• Knowledge of TSA Planning Guidelines and Design Standards (PGDS).