Material Handling Automation Controls Specialist

Coldwell Banker Richard Ellis - USA

Pontoon Beach, IL

Pay: $100,000-$101,379/yr

**Love solving tough controls problems?**

-----------------------------------------

Do you thrive when a conveyor won’t sync, a sensor is misreading, or a PLC rung needs a precise tweak? Join us to elevate high-throughput facilities that depend on conveyors, sortation, scanners, vision systems, print‑and‑apply equipment, PLCs, and SCADA. Your work will directly increase uptime, safety, and efficiency.

What will you work on?

• Troubleshoot and enhance software for material handling control systems—PLC/PC controllers with Allen‑Bradley ControlLogix/CompactLogix using RSLogix 5000.
• Act as first-line escalation for controls issues—both on-site and remotely—during and after business hours; respond rapidly to emergencies.
• Inspect equipment against design capabilities and client requirements; bring systems back into spec.
• Own scopes of work, initiate requests, schedule tasks, and verify quality for contractors performing licensed installs, upgrades, and specialized maintenance.
• Design and deploy reliability improvements from idea to network implementation.
• Monitor industrial networks and power/drive systems: Ethernet, ControlNet, DeviceNet, Profibus, AS‑i, servo drives, VFDs/frequency drives, motor control, and electrical distribution.
• Track MHE performance metrics; partner with site teams to eliminate electrical issues creating throughput gaps.
• Lead failure reviews and recommend process changes or retraining to prevent repeats.
• Communicate clearly with leadership, operations, and maintenance on technical risks, timelines, and production impacts.
• Foster excellent relationships with the client and the Operations Maintenance team; contribute wherever needed.

What do you bring?

• Bachelor’s degree preferred and 2–5 years of relevant experience; equivalent education/experience considered.
• Experience across at least two full design cycles: specification, component selection, and programming.
• 2+ years with PLC programming, robotics components/controls, and SCADA-based monitoring/control.
• Flexibility to support varied shifts including nights, weekends, and holidays.
• Ability to work independently, follow general instructions, and resolve problems with minimal oversight.
• Physical readiness: stooping, standing, walking, climbing stairs/ladders, and lifting/carrying 50+ lbs.
• Comfort facilitating sensitive or complex conversations, setting expectations, and addressing issues.

Nice-to-have experience

• 2+ years apprenticeship or equivalent in control systems troubleshooting/programming.
• Exposure to diverse conveyors and sortation systems.
• Robotic maintenance experience.
• Strong Microsoft Office skills (Word, Excel, Outlook, etc.).
• Top-tier organization and a curious, investigative mindset.
• Advanced math proficiency (percentages, fractions, financial calculations).

Proficiency targets

• PLC programming

* SCADA

Right to work

Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States without the need for visa sponsorship now or in the future.