Controls Estimation Engineer
Listed on 2026-10-17
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Engineering
Automation & Mechatronics Engineer, Systems Engineer, Electrical Engineering, Robotics
We are seeking a dynamic and detail-oriented Controls Estimation Engineer to join our team and drive the success of electrical and control system projects. The Controls Estimation Engineer will be responsible for developing accurate and competitive controls system estimates, conceptual designs, and functional scopes for automated material handling solutions. This position requires experience working with industrial automation - including PLCs, HMIs, SCADA, VFDs, robotics interfaces, and conveyor/sortation equipment - and the ability to collaborate closely with all DLN business units including sales, solutions engineering, mechanical, controls, software, and project management.
This role is challenged by the need to manage often competing expectations with a highly dynamic sales cycle.
- Develop controls system concepts, budgets, and BOM-level estimates for conveyor, sortation, AS/RS, AMR, and robotic systems.
- Review and interpret customer RFP requirements, specifications, and functional design expectation
- Produce preliminary system architectures including PLC platforms, network topology, field I/O counts, safety circuits, and HMI needs.
- Support sales and solutions teams by delivering complete controls scope packages, including functional description outlines and cost models.
- Perform in-person site audits & technical presentations
- Review controls engineering documentation including electrical drawings, communication architecture diagrams, and control schematics
- Evaluate vendor solutions, panel designs, SCADA blocks, and device-level requirements.
- Collaborate with mechanical engineering, project managers, and applications engineers to ensure alignment between mechanical scope, throughput expectations, and controls costs.
- Lead concept reviews, estimation reviews, and internal handoffs
- Apply knowledge of commissioning practices - including I/O validation, PLC/HMI debugging, system checkout, and throughput verification
- Identify risk factors, integration complexity, resource assumptions, and schedule impacts.
Skills & Experience:
- 5+ years of experience in automation, controls engineering, Software, or system integration.
- Bachelor's Degree in controls, software, mechanical, mechatronics, robotics, or industrial engineering.
- Strong understanding of PLC programming (Allen Bradley preferred), HMI development (AB or Ignition), and industrial communication networks such as Ethernet/IP, Device Net, or Profinet
- Familiarity with conveyor/sortation systems and integration of scanners, cameras, and robotics
- Ability to read, interpret, & generate electrical schematics and panel layouts.
- Ability to clearly communicate technical concepts with audiences who have wide ranging skill sets including internal & external stakeholders.
- Experience with estimating or sales engineering in material handling automation.
- Experience with AutoCAD Electrical.
- Knowledge of safety standards (NFPA 79, NEC).
- Experience with AS/RS, AMRs, AGVs, robotics, or warehouse execution systems.
- Ability to travel occasionally for site visits (20%).
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