Senior Controls Engineer (Automated Distribution)

SanMar is hiring a Senior Controls Engineer to optimize, maintain, and expand its automated wholesale distribution network. The role leads technical support for automated material handling systems, develops and troubleshoots controls and industrial networks, and integrates operational technology with warehouse systems.

Responsibilities

Collaborate on and validate the architecture strategy of hardware and software control strategies, validate and provide input on electrical schematics, and layouts for control panels

Collaborate on writing and debugging Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) code, Human-Machine Interfaces (HMIs), and Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) software, configure, and optimize PLCs (Allen-Bradley/Rockwell, Siemens) and HMI/SCADA systems to maximize warehouse throughput

Lead the technical support, logic tuning, and deployment of conveyors, high-speed sorters, Automated Storage and Retrieval Systems (ASRS)

Oversee Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT), system validation, and on-site startup troubleshooting

Partner with software teams to integrate hardware controls with Warehouse Control Systems (WCS) (Allen-Bradley/Rockwell, Siemens) and Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) for seamless data flow

Act as the Tier-3 escalation point for complex electrical, mechanical, and network faults to minimize critical supply chain downtime

Partner with project management teams on automation capital projects from concept through commissioning, including vendor management, budget oversight, and factory acceptance testing (FAT)

Guide and train multisite maintenance technicians and junior engineers on advanced troubleshooting and automation best practices

Perform other duties as assigned

Comply with all policies and standards

Preferred

Experience with Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs) or Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs)

Knowledge of SQL databases, Python, or scripting languages used to bridge PLC data to the cloud

Experience with Lean Manufacturing or Six Sigma methodologies

AGV/AMR Experience

SQL Databases

Python

Scripting Languages

PLC-to-Cloud Data Integration

Lean Manufacturing

Six Sigma

Benefits

Annual discretionary bonus up to 10% of base salary.

Paid time off accrued bi-weekly based on hours worked, up to 112 hours per year to start.

8 paid holidays and 1 paid family day off.

Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits.

401k plan with a $1-for-$1 match up to 4% of earnings, matched and vested at every pay cycle.

Life insurance.

Short- and long-term disability coverage.

Paid maternity/paternity leave.

Pet insurance.

Company

Wholesale supplier of imprintable clothing and accessories

Issaquah, Washington, USA

http://www.sanmar.com/

Founded in 1971

1001-5000 employees

Qualifications

Bachelor's Degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Automation, or a related technical field (equivalent hands-on experience will be considered)

4+ years years of experience in industrial controls engineering, with at least 2 years dedicated to high-volume distribution centers, e-commerce fulfillment, or logistics hubs

Advanced proficiency with Allen-Bradley (Studio 5000/Logix) or Siemens (TIA Portal), and industrial networks (EtherNet/IP, Profinet, Modbus)

Hands-on experience with barcode scanners, print-and-apply labeling systems, and automated weight/dimension check zones

Experience with Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs) or Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs)

Knowledge of SQL databases, Python, or scripting languages used to bridge PLC data to the cloud

Experience with Lean Manufacturing or Six Sigma methodologies

4+ years years of experience in industrial controls engineering, with at least 2 years dedicated to high-volume distribution centers, e-commerce fulfillment, or logistics hubs.

Required skills

Industrial Controls Engineering, High-Volume Distribution Centers, PLC Programming, Allen-Bradley Studio 5000/Logix, Siemens TIA Portal, EtherNet/IP, Profinet, Modbus, Barcode Scanning, Print-and-Apply Labeling Systems, Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs), Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs), SQL, Python, Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma

Experience

4+ years