Senior Controls Systems Engineer
Chewy · Jessup
Job Description:
Our Opportunity
Chewy is looking for a Senior Controls Systems Engineer to offer regional field support and lead network-wide efforts within our Fulfillment Center (FC) operations! This role is highly visible and suited for a controls expert who can balance remote troubleshooting with strategic standardization and ongoing improvement! The Senior Controls Systems Engineer reports directly to the Associate Director of Automation & Engineering and collaborates closely with onsite Maintenance Managers and Controls Systems Engineers (CSEs) to maintain consistent standard work, outstanding performance, and readiness for new technology throughout the network.
What You'll Do
- Act as the regional technical expert for control systems that support conveyors, sortation, scanners, cameras, print-and-apply, and robotics.
- Provide reactive support for complex downtime events, addressing critical issues, troubleshooting, remediation, and root cause analysis.
- Collaborate with onsite Maintenance Managers and CSEs to ensure controls standard work, change control, and documentation are accurate, current, and consistently applied.
- Lead and approve (or coordinate approval of) regional automation and controls change requests through the appropriate systems and governance.
- Manage regional controls condition assessments and lifecycle/upgrade path planning; interpret outcomes into prioritized development plans and capital or expense proposals.
- Drive proactive performance management by monitoring network indicators (uptime, efficiency, chronic faults, MTBF/MTTR, system availability) and implementing corrective actions to meet or exceed outstanding benchmarks.
- Develop and deliver training and mentoring for CSEs and maintenance teams (including recurring network training sessions), growing technical capability and reducing repeat failures.
- Lead or support commissioning readiness, acceptance testing, and standardization of new equipment launches; partner with Operations, Engineering, IT, and vendors to align resourcing, procedures, and validation.
- Identify and implement continuous improvement opportunities, including reliability enhancements, control logic improvements, alarm rationalization, and improved recovery procedures.
- Own drafting of Correction of Error (COE) / After Action items for major events; present outcomes, findings, and long-term solutions to leadership.
- Influence cross-functional partners (Operations, Safety, Facilities, Engineering, and Vendors) to improve system performance, safety, and scalability.
What You'll Need
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in Electrical Engineering, Controls Engineering, Mechatronics, or a related field.
- 6+ years of progressive experience in PLC-based controls build, development, troubleshooting, and support within automated fulfillment, distribution, manufacturing, or material handling environments.
- Strong background in industrial controls platforms (Rockwell/Allen-Bradley preferred), HMI creation, and industrial networking technologies (EtherNet/IP, device networks, scanners/sensors).
- Strong understanding of WMS/WCS/WES integrations, PLC network topology, and field device interface development (scanners, cameras, print-and-apply, servo/VFD systems).
- Demonstrated ability to lead cross-site technical initiatives, set standards, and drive measurable performance improvements.
- Demonstrated skill in identifying root causes and transforming insights into lasting corrective measures.
- Working knowledge of motor controls (starters, VFDs) and standard electrical components; ability to troubleshoot end-to-end controls/electrical issues.
- Strong project management, communication, and collaborator management skills; comfortable presenting technical topics to operations and senior leaders.
- Proficiency with MS Office (Excel/PowerPoint) and Visio (or equivalent) for documentation and technical communication.
- Ability to travel approximately 25% to 40% regionally, with occasional additional travel for launches or critical events.
- Ability to participate in rotational weekend and after-hours on-call support for blocking issues.
Added Bonus
- BS or MS in Electrical/Controls/Mechatronics Engineering or equivalent experience.
- Experience working with industrial robotics, ASRS systems, or sophisticated goods-to-person automation.
- Experience working for a leading industrial automation or material handling system integrator/OEM.
- Lean / Six Sigma training (Green Belt or higher) and demonstrated use of data-driven reliability improvement methods.
- Strong customer service approach with the ability to build trust and influence without direct authority.
Work Environment & Expectations
This position is a regional field-support role with frequent visits to FCs. You are encouraged to operate independently, balance multiple demands across various sites, and advance standardized solutions that expand effectively. Travel, adaptable hours, and on-call support are needed to ensure timely handling of critical automation events.
Chewy is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ancestry, national origin, gender, citizenship, marital status, religion, age, disability, gender identity, results of genetic testing, veteran status, as well as any other legally-protected characteristic. If you have a disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act or similar law, and you need an accommodation during the application process or to perform these job requirements, or if you need a religious accommodation, please contact CAAR@chewy.com.