Senior Automation Support Engineer (Controls)

Job Title Senior Automation Support Engineer (Controls) Job Description Position Summary: As an Automation Support Engineer (Controls), you will be part of a dedicated Launch Support Team, focused on supporting large, high-throughput customer sites during system startup. This includes ramp-up-support during go live, and hyper care phases, where system stability, fast recovery, and clear communication are critical to daily operations. You will work closely with the customer’s on‑site technical teams, acting as a local technical coach and helping them understand, troubleshoot, and stabilize the system. During incidents, you will be the primary technical link between the site team and Vanderlande, ensuring effective troubleshooting, timely escalation, and clear alignment between all parties. This role supports fast paced environments where systems operate at high speed and high volume. You will help customers achieve reliable system availability, meet performance targets, and build confidence to operate the system independently. The role requires flexibility and being comfortable working irregular hours during launch windows, including nights and weekends when system availability is critical. While launching new sites is the primary focus, you will also support existing customer sites when not deployed on new launches. You will routinely work on-site at customer buildings for extended periods (typically 2 to 4 weeks). During these assignments, Vanderlande’s Short-term Assignment policy will apply. You will work alongside customer employees in a consultant role, supporting incident recovery, root cause analysis, and system automation improvements. The role includes a specialization in Vanderlande Cross Belt Sorter (SCS) controls, which are based on a Siemens IPC communicating with field devices via Profinet. When not on-site, you will support the North American Service Center (NASC) by providing remote support and technical guidance for Cross Belt Sorter issues at existing sites. Essential Functions Support and troubleshoot incidents on Cross Belt Sorter systems both on-site and remotely Support systems during go‑live, ramp‑up, and hyper care phases Work alongside customer teams and the NASC to perform root cause analysis Act as the main technical liaison between the site and NASC for SCS-related issues Provide clear direction during incidents and escalate issues when required Work effectively under time pressure and changing priorities in live operations Challenge assumptions and work with incomplete or evolving documentation Write incident summaries and provide reports as required Maintain a safety‑first mindset when working on or near live automated systems Required Education & Experience Education or equivalent hands‑on experience in Electrical Engineering, Controls, Automation, Mechatronics, or a related field Minimum 3 years of experience in controls or automation support Hands ‑on experience with industrial networks (Profinet, Profibus, Ethernet/IP) Preferred Education & Experience Experience with distributed control architectures On‑site commissioning, ramp‑up, or launch support experience Bachelor’s degree in engineering or computer science 5 years of experience supporting Material Handling Systems or automated logistics environments Required Competencies Strong communication skills, both written and verbal Strong troubleshooting and root‑cause analysis skills Ability to work effectively under pressure and ambiguity, especially during launches Comfortable acting as “the expert in the room” during technical incidents Strong stakeholder management skills when working with customers on‑site Ability to work independently and take ownership of issues Able to prioritize work in fast‑changing, high‑volume environments Willing to learn, adapt, and continuously improve technical skills Practical, solution‑oriented mindset Strong safety awareness and commitment to safe working practices Flexible and comfortable working irregular hours during launch windows Travel This role is focused on launching new customer sites in North America and requires frequent travel on short‑term assignments. Expected travel is approximately 25%–75%, depending on launch schedules. Aspire. Grow. Achieve. Together Are you looking to develop your career and satisfy your ambitions at a company where you can aspire to new heights, enjoy personal growth and thrive on achievement? At Vanderlande, we seek passionate and ambitious people capable of making a positive impact on our key customer projects while developing a successful and prosperous career in a challenging and rewarding international environment. We are the global market leader for future-proof logistic process automation at airports – from London Heathrow to Singapore Changi – and in the parcel market for leading players such as UPS and FedEx. Furthermore, we are also a leading supplier of solutions for warehousing giants, including Walmart, which seamlessly integrate innovative systems, intelligent software, and life-cycle services. If you aspire to a position of responsibility and want to make a difference by facilitating the delivery of what matters most to consumers, passengers, and businesses, the next step on your path to global opportunities is to join Vanderlande. As part of our network and unique culture of freedom and flexibility, you will be able to express yourself and become connected to our dedicated people, building strong relationships and rising to the challenge of industry-leading projects. You will grow, take ownership and make every day better as you continue on the road to success with your spirit of adventure – and fulfill your ambitions for personal development through our Academy. Vanderlande will give you the necessary knowledge, tools, and support so that together we have the confidence and ability to exceed our customers’ expectations in over 100 countries. To achieve our collective goals, you will seize the initiative and have a hands-on role working in a positive environment to deliver tangible, state-of-the-art products and improve the competitiveness of our highly visible customers. As an integral part of our team, you will have the enthusiasm and be driven to reach our destination before your next journey with Vanderlande begins… So, if you would like to join a profitable and growing company that will enable you to reach your goals and focus on your future, please get in touch with us.