Systems Controls Engineer
About the role
The Systems Controls Engineer is directly responsible for maintaining, troubleshooting, and optimizing all conveyor, automation, and building systems to support the operational goals of the distribution center. This role ensures maximum uptime through proactive preventive maintenance, rapid response to system issues, and implementation of reliability improvements. It requires advanced expertise in PLC programming, electrical systems, and operational controls, as well as leadership skills to mentor technicians, oversee contractors, and manage complex projects. The position plays a critical role in supporting safety, compliance, and continuous improvement initiatives across the facility.
Responsibilities
- Serve as the primary responder for complex system issues involving conveyors, sortation, AS/RS, cross-belt systems, and goods-to-person fulfillment systems.
- Troubleshoot, diagnose, and repair electrical, pneumatic, hydraulic, and control system components, including but not limited to:
- PLCs (Siemens, Allen Bradley)
- DC drives, AC inverters, and VFDs
- Linear motors
- Print-and-apply systems
- Encoders, barcode scanners
- Power distribution and communication networks
- Design, implement, and document PLC programming changes as authorized.
- Manage the scope, timeline, and execution of controls-related capital projects and infrastructure upgrades.
- Maintain accurate technical documentation, wiring diagrams, and system configurations.
- Ensure compliance with electrical safety standards, OSHA regulations, LOTO protocols, and NFPA 70E Arc Flash requirements.
- Use predictive maintenance tools such as thermal imaging, monitoring systems, and CMMS to detect and address potential issues.
- Oversee and coordinate work performed by contractors, service providers, and other maintenance personnel.
- Operate and maintain all material handling systems within the distribution center.
- Provide training and mentorship to facilities technicians, enhancing skills in processes, safety, and technical abilities.
- Collaborate with network teams, vendors, and cross-functional partners to identify, resolve, and document system issues and improvements.
- Respond to changing priorities and emergencies; participate in 24-hour on-call rotation.
Requirements
- Associate’s degree in engineering, electrical or related technical field required.
- Bachelor's degree preferred.
- PLC Controls Certificates
- 5+ years of experience in facilities or equipment maintenance, including at least 2 years on Dematic or similar conveyor systems.
- Experience in troubleshooting, maintaining, and optimizing automated distribution and building systems.
- Completion of technical training in electronic controls, power distribution, and PLC troubleshooting.
- Ability to travel up to 40%
Qualifications
W.W. Grainger, Inc. is a leading broad line distributor with operations primarily in North America, Japan and the United Kingdom. At Grainger, We Keep the World Working® by serving more than 4.5 million customers worldwide with products and solutions delivered through innovative technology and deep customer relationships. Known for its commitment to service and award-winning culture, the Company had 2024 revenue of $17.2 billion across its two business models. In the High-Touch Solutions segment, Grainger offers approximately 2 million maintenance, repair and operating (MRO) products and services, including technical support and inventory management. In the Endless Assortment segment, Zoro.com offers customers access to more than 14 million products, and MonotaRO.com offers more than 24 million products. For more information, visit www.grainger.com.
Skills
- Advanced expertise in PLC programming, electrical systems, and operational controls.
- Leadership skills to mentor technicians, oversee contractors, and manage complex projects.
- Proactive preventive maintenance and rapid response to system issues.
- Completion of technical training in electronic controls, power distribution, and PLC troubleshooting.
- Ability to troubleshoot, maintain, and optimize automated distribution and building systems.
- Compliance with electrical safety standards, OSHA regulations, LOTO protocols, and NFPA 70E Arc Flash requirements.
- Use of predictive maintenance tools such as thermal imaging, monitoring systems, and CMMS.
- Overseeing and coordinating work performed by contractors, service providers, and other maintenance personnel.
- Operating and maintaining all material handling systems within the distribution center.
- Providing training and mentorship to facilities technicians.
- Collaborating with network teams, vendors, and cross-functional partners.
Benefits
With benefits starting on day one, our programs provide choice and flexibility to meet team members' individual needs, including:
- Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance plans with coverage starting on day one of employment and 6 free sessions each year with a licensed therapist to support your emotional wellbeing.
- 18 paid time off (PTO) days annually for full-time employees (accrual prorated based on employment start date) and 6 company holidays per year.
- 6% company contribution to a 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan each pay period, no employee contribution required.
- Employee discounts, tuition reimbursement, student loan refinancing and free access to financial counseling, education, and tools.
- Maternity support programs, nursing benefits, and up to 14 weeks paid leave for birth parents and up to 4 weeks paid leave for non-birth parents.
Pay
The anticipated base pay compensation range for this position is $95,000 – $158,400. This role is eligible for an incentive target of up to 10%, based on the achievement of individual and company performance objectives in accordance with the current terms of the incentive program which are subject to change.
Schedule
You will be located at our Houston, TX distribution center. You will travel expectations up to 40% with on-call responsibilities.