Sr. Controls Specialist / Automation Engineer
1 day ago
Wilmington
Job Description Summary and Objective: The Senior Controls Specialist is responsible for advanced troubleshooting, maintenance, and optimization of electrical, mechanical, and automation systems within a high-volume pallet manufacturing facility. This role focuses on ensuring maximum equipment uptime, reliability, and safety through expert-level diagnostics, hands-on repair, and control system support. The Senior Controls Specialist serves as a technical leader for PLCs, robotics, motor control systems, and complex industrial machinery, while also supporting continuous improvement initiatives and providing remote technical assistance as needed. Duties and Responsibilities: 1. Troubleshoot, diagnose, and repair complex electrical, mechanical, and automation-related issues on pallet manufacturing equipment., 2. Support and maintain advanced robotics, PLC-controlled machinery, servo systems, and VFD-driven equipment., 3. Perform detailed troubleshooting of 480V three-phase power systems, 110 VAC, and 24 VDC control circuits., 4. Analyze and interpret electrical schematics, ladder logic, wiring diagrams, and control drawings., 5. Troubleshoot and maintain sensors, encoders, safety devices, pneumatics, and hydraulic systems., 6. Modify, maintain, and back up PLC programs for a variety of production equipment and control systems., 7. Work with Allen-Bradley, Siemens, Carel, or similar PLC and automation platforms., 8. Specify, select, and support electrical and automation components including motors, circuit breakers, relays, VFDs, controllers, sensors, and related hardware., 9. Support commissioning, testing, and validation of new or modified equipment., 10. Provide remote troubleshooting and technical support via phone, email, and text to maintenance teams and operations personnel., 11. Use CMMS software to document work orders, repair activities, preventive maintenance tasks, and parts usage., 12. Assist with spare parts management, component standardization, and inventory optimization., 13. Support safety initiatives, lockout/tagout procedures, and compliance with electrical and machine safety standards., 14. Collaborate with maintenance, engineering, and operations teams to improve equipment reliability and performance. Minimum Required Qualifications: 1. High school diploma or equivalent required; technical degree or equivalent experience strongly preferred., 2. Minimum of 7 years of industrial maintenance or controls experience in a manufacturing environment., 3. Advanced troubleshooting skills with PLC-controlled equipment, robotics, and automated machinery., 4. Strong working knowledge of 480V three-phase, 110 VAC, and 24 VDC electrical systems., 5. Proven experience troubleshooting PLCs, motor drives (servo and VFD), sensors, and industrial control circuits., 6. Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics, control drawings, and ladder logic., 7. Experience using CMMS software for work orders, documentation, and parts tracking., 8. Strong communication skills with the ability to provide technical support in person and remotely., 9. Willingness to work flexible hours, including on-call or off-shift support as required. Desired or Preferred Qualifications: 1. Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Automation, Mechatronics, or a related field., 2. Hands-on experience with Allen-Bradley, Siemens, Carel, or similar automation platforms., 3. Experience working in wood products, pallet manufacturing, or heavy industrial environments., 4. Knowledge of industrial networking (EtherNet/IP, Profinet, Modbus, etc.)., 5. Experience with safety PLCs, machine safety circuits, and risk assessments., 6. Familiarity with robotics integration, vision systems, and advanced motion control., 7. Experience standardizing control components and developing preventive maintenance strategies. Core Competencies: 1. Humility (lacks ego, team agenda, transparent, trainable, servant orientation), 2. Hungry (extra mile, internally driven, self-starter, excellence, passionate, change agent), 3. People Smart (interpersonal, group dynamics, influential, self-aware, motivating), 4. Competent (knows and can accomplish the task at hand – job, challenges, requirements), 5. Integrity (honest, reliable, transparent, strong character, loyal, righteous) Supervisory Responsibilities: This position may or may not have supervisory responsibilities for individual contributors as assigned; Indirect supervisory responsibilities also exist and rely heavily on influential capabilities. Physical Demands: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit, stand, walk, talk, listen and work on the production floor for extended periods. The employee is occasionally required to use hands to handle or feel, reach with hands and arms, and to stoop, kneel or crouch. The employee must be able to lift, push, and pull up to 50 pounds with or without assistance. Ability to work around moving machinery, electrical equipment, and industrial environments. Visual acuity sufficient to read schematics, displays, diagnostic indicators, close vision, distance vision, and depth perception. The employee must be able to wear required personal protective equipment (PPE) and comply with all safety requirements. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Work Environment: Work is performed primarily in an industrial production environment with exposure to moving machinery, automated equipment, electrical systems, wood dust, noise, vibration, and varying temperatures. The role requires frequent presence on the production floor. Exposure to high-voltage electrical systems, robotics, pneumatic and hydraulic equipment, and mechanical hazards are expected. Work may occasionally be performed in control rooms, maintenance shops, offices, or remote locations when providing troubleshooting support via phone, email, or text. The position may require extended hours, off-shift work, weekends, or emergency call-ins to support production needs and minimize downtime. Fast-paced environment requires the ability to prioritize tasks, respond quickly, and work effectively under pressure. Collaboration with maintenance technicians, engineers, operators, vendors, and management is a regular part of the role. Hours of Work: This is a full-time position. Days and hours of work are normally Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Some night and weekend work is required as needed. The role requires phone accessibility 24/7 and emergency situations would dictate that the incumbent is available to always respond. Travel: This position requires limited travel of 5-10%. AAP/EEO Statement: All recruiting, hiring, training, promotion, compensation, and other employment related decisions are provided fairly to all persons on an equal opportunity basis without regard to race, creed, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Other Duties: Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice. Company DescriptionTree Brand Packaging has been a leading manufacturer of custom wood pallets, crates, and packaging products for over 30 years. With eight locations across the Southeast (NC, SC, AL, TN, LA), we serve a wide range of industries, including steel, automotive, telecommunications, material handling, military, aerospace, and import/export. Our innovative design solutions and commitment to exceptional customer service help meet the unique needs of our clients. We aim to build valued partnerships, address supply-chain challenges, and support customers in reducing costs and improving profitability.Tree Brand Packaging has been a leading manufacturer of custom wood pallets, crates, and packaging products for over 30 years. With eight locations across the Southeast (NC, SC, AL, TN, LA), we serve a wide range of industries, including steel, automotive, telecommunications, material handling, military, aerospace, and import/export. Our innovative design solutions and commitment to exceptional customer service help meet the unique needs of our clients. We aim to build valued partnerships, address supply-chain challenges, and support customers in reducing costs and improving profitability.