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Controls Estimation Engineer

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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.

This full-time position is on-site in Grand Rapids, Michigan with some hybrid flexibility.

**Immigration sponsorship is not available for this role.**

Controls Estimation & Solutions Development

  • 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
  • Influence operational flows, system designs, sales strategies, & DLN Standards
  • 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

Technical Evaluation & Design Support

  • Review controls engineering documentation including electrical drawings, communication architecture diagrams, and control schematics
  • Evaluate vendor solutions, panel designs, SCADA blocks, and device-level requirements.

Project & Cross-Functional Collaboration

  • 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

Commissioning Insight & Risk Identification

  • 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.

Process & Standards Development

  • Support refinement of internal estimation tools, controls standards, and design templates.
  • Maintain familiarity with new automation technologies used in material handling (including AS/RS, robotics, AMRs)

Required 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, DeviceNet, 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

Preferred Qualifications

  • 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%).

Key Measures of Success

  • Design clear, correct, and technically sound solutions considering multiple inputs
  • Deliver accurate estimations in a timely manner
  • Ability to modulate in real time the level of detail required for each opportunity
  • Manage multiple opportunities at various different stages simultaneously
  • Strong collaboration with all DLN Teams
  • Risk Identification & documentation
  • Demonstrated growth in knowledge of new automation technologies

DLN Integrated Systems is a trusted partner enhancing competitive edge with advanced distribution solutions. We were founded in 2002 and have continued to grow since then, helping our clients optimize their material handling and supply chain operations with expert design, installation and support.

Our team includes mechanical, controls, software and robotics engineers, as well as project managers, technicians and an active sales team.

DLN is an independent systems integrator, which means our day-to-day tasks are richly varied, with exposure to the most cutting-edge automation technologies in our industry. Because our systems are thoughtfully customized to our clients’ unique needs, our concepts and designs are limitless.

DLN prides itself on being an employer of choice for people at all stages of their careers. Generous benefits, competitive compensation and paid time off are standard. We also offer work-from-home options, flexibility in schedule, and when you’re at the office you’re free to bring your dog. Our team also has opportunities to develop their skills with professional development, and leadership regularly recognizes the achievements and contributions of our team.

Outside of work, DLN actively participates in several non-profits, including a major role in the Kent County Toys for Tots program, and an annual golf outing benefiting the Epilepsy Foundation of Michigan.

We offer generous benefits, competitive compensation, paid time off, opportunity for growth, and the chance to work with a winning team in a great company culture. Candidates may be required to pass a drug screen, pre-employment physical, background check, motor vehicle report, and reference checking.

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