Electrical Systems Engineer- Joliet IL

The Electrical Systems Engineer serves as the subject matter expert of all Material Handling Equipment (MHE) within the Distribution Center (DC). Primary function is to ensure high availability, up-time and performance of the system. Through preventive and predictive maintenance processes, the candidate will efficiently and effectively troubleshoot equipment breakdowns, and quickly restore equipment to service to support the operations teams. They will work with Facilities, Operations, IT, Planning, and Engineering partners to optimize performance and freight flow of MHE.

They will lead building automation, continuous improvement, and new installation initiatives within our supply chain. This role provides an escalated support resource during downtime events, ensuring proper training and processes are developed utilizing root cause analysis post incidents. They will also be working proactively to ensure the overall health of the building’s MHE by using expert knowledge of system controls logic, material flow optimization to provide training to in house technicians.

As the subject matter expert, will be critical to maintain a level of expertise around all electrical, mechanical / control system communication for MHE systems onsite, including, but not limited to conveyor systems, sortation equipment, robotics and shuttle systems (Storage and Retrieval). Diagnostic tools and software will be utilized to collect and analyze data to identify trends and recommend improvements to the building MHE.

This role will conduct technical interviews for internal and external technician candidates, evaluate technical skills and abilities, and train and coach internal technicians. They will support training plan development and progress follow up. They will impart expert knowledge through training site technicians on appropriate safety procedures, use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) while maintaining equipment (Lock Out / Tag Out, Arc Flash, etc.), and maintaining a safe work environment by eliminating potential equipment safety hazards.

The candidate will be self-motivated, able to inspect, maintain, troubleshoot, repair, train, and coach across various resources and scenarios. Strong ability to multitask and work well under pressure.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Coordinate and plan work activities for the maintenance team to accomplish goals and objectives of Harbor Freight.
• Work closely with building Operations, Engineering, Startup Teams, IT, and Safety in supporting MHE systems optimization and project implementation.
• Understand, maintain and troubleshoot material handling control systems, including PLC / PC controllers and industrial networks such as Profibus, Ethernet, ControlNet, DeviceNet, motor control systems, servo drives, frequency drives, and electrical distribution systems.
• Monitor MHE metrics and partner with maintenance for system performance issues and provide analysis across all operations.
• Act as first level escalation support for the Facilities Team, during and after business hours, troubleshooting locally and remotely.
• Appropriately escalate downtime situations to vendors or corporate for support to restore equipment operation.
• Mentor and develop Maintenance Technicians within the network.
• Facilitate downtime Analysis and Incident Review processes and implement process improvements or retraining to avoid future incidents to assess material handling system performance
• Partner with other building Operations leadership, equipment vendors and parts suppliers to plan and coordinate new technology installations. Act as the technical SME for capital projects for the DC network.
• Communicate MHE breakdown issues and project timelines with building and corporate leadership.
• Assist with tech skill matrix for tech positions within maintenance teams.
• Participate in conference calls and coordinate with engineering team to complete all tasks required.
• Provide weekly site controls reliability information to regional maintenance manager and engineering team.
• Travel up to 20%; but 50% or more travel requirement during new building launch to complete various training tasks.
• Ability to work flexible schedules / shifts / areas, including weekends, nights, and / or holidays.
• Additional job duties as assigned by manager.
• Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering, Controls Engineering or equivalent degree.
• Minimum 8 years of relevant field experience in PLC and Facilities & Maintenance.
• Available to work all days and shifts (24 hours a day, 7 days a week operation, including holidays).
• Experience with electrical theory, Robotics, Controls components, MHE equipment.
• Experience identifying, maintaining, troubleshooting, programming, and designing HMI, control network components, Motor Controls including motor starters, Variable Frequency Drives, DC drives, standard electrical components and both mechanical and electrical drawings.
• Industrial electrical hands-on experience and troubleshooting, including 480V 3-phase, 110 VAC, and 24VDC systems.
• Experience identifying, maintaining, and utilizing SCADA systems and KPIs
• Experience with programming software such as RSLogix5000 studio, FT View, and other controls software platforms.
• Experience supporting a wide range of Robotics work cells, different conveyors and sortation systems.
• Able to lead techs during manager absence and interact with all levels of management.
• Systems trainer or training experience and the Ability to train others with lesser skills
• Excellent written, verbal and customer service skills.
• Proven history of remote technical phone support.
• Experience with advanced automation controls systems, industrial robotics, and ASRS systems.

Requirements :

Education and Experience

Education Requirements

Years of Experience

Skills

Safety

The anticipated salary range for this position is $126,700 – $190,100 depending on location, knowledge, skills, education and experience. This position is also eligible for an annual discretionary bonus. In addition, we offer comprehensive and competitive benefits to Associates (and their families) such as medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term and long-term disability. Eligible Associates are able to enroll in our company’s 401k plan. Associates will accrue paid time off up to 200 hours per year (inclusive of PTO, floating holidays, and paid holidays). Paid sick time up to 80 hours per year unless otherwise required by law.