Systems Controls Engineer

Work Location Type: Onsite

Req Number  332186

About Grainger

W.W. Grainger, Inc. is a leading broad line distributor with operations primarily in North America and Japan. At Grainger, We Keep the World Working® by serving more than 4.6 million customers worldwide with maintenance, repair and operating (MRO) products and value-added solutions delivered through innovative technology and deep customer expertise. Known for its commitment to service and purpose-driven culture, the Company reported 2025 revenue of $17.9 billion. For more information, visit www.grainger.com.  

Compensation

The anticipated base pay compensation range for this position is $95,000 – $158,400. This role is eligible for an incentive target of up to 10%, based on the achievement of individual and company performance objectives in accordance with the current terms of the incentive program which are subject to change.

Rewards and Benefits

With benefits starting on day one, our programs provide choice and flexibility to meet team members' individual needs, including:

• Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance plans with coverage starting on day one of employment and 6 free sessions each year with a licensed therapist to support your emotional wellbeing.
• 18 paid time off (PTO) days annually for full-time employees (accrual prorated based on employment start date) and 6 company holidays per year.
• 6% company contribution to a 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan each pay period, no employee contribution required.
• Employee discounts, tuition reimbursement, student loan refinancing and free access to financial counseling, education, and tools.
• Maternity support programs, nursing benefits, and up to 14 weeks paid leave for birth parents and up to 4 weeks paid leave for non-birth parents.

For additional information and details regarding Grainger’s benefits, please click on the link below:

https://experience100.ehr.com/grainger/Home/Tools-Resources/Key-Resources/New-Hire

Grainger Benefits

The pay range provided above is not a guarantee of compensation.  The range reflects the potential base pay for this role at the time of this posting based on the job grade for this position. Individual base pay compensation will depend, in part, on factors such as geographic work location and relevant experience and skills.   

The anticipated compensation range described above is subject to change and the compensation ultimately paid may be higher or lower than the range described above. 

Grainger reserves the right to amend, modify, or terminate its compensation and benefit programs in its sole discretion at any time, consistent with applicable law.

About Grainger

W.W. Grainger, Inc., is a leading broad line distributor with operations primarily in North America, Japan and the United Kingdom. At Grainger, We Keep the World Working® by serving more than 4.5 million customers worldwide with products and solutions delivered through innovative technology and deep customer relationships. Known for its commitment to service and award-winning culture, the Company had 2024 revenue of $17.2 billion across its two business models. In the High-Touch Solutions segment, Grainger offers approximately 2 million maintenance, repair and operating (MRO) products and services, including technical support and inventory management. In the Endless Assortment segment, Zoro.com offers customers access to more than 14 million products, and MonotaRO.com offers more than 24 million products. For more information, visit www.grainger.com. 

Position Details

The Systems Controls Engineer is directly responsible for maintaining, troubleshooting, and optimizing all conveyor, automation, and building systems to support the operational goals of the distribution center. This role ensures maximum uptime through proactive preventive maintenance, rapid response to system issues, and implementation of reliability improvements. It requires advanced expertise in PLC programming, electrical systems, and operational controls, as well as leadership skills to mentor technicians, oversee contractors, and manage complex projects. The position plays a critical role in supporting safety, compliance, and continuous improvement initiatives across the facility.

You will be located at our Houston, TX distribution center. There will be heavier travel during onboarding for the first 2-3 months; and then occassional travel up to 20% and occassional on-call responsiblities thereafter.

You Will

• Serve as the primary responder for complex system issues involving conveyors, sortation, AS/RS, cross-belt systems, and goods-to-person fulfillment systems.
• Troubleshoot, diagnose, and repair electrical, pneumatic, hydraulic, and control system components, including but not limited to:
  • PLCs (Siemens, Allen Bradley)
  • DC drives, AC inverters, and VFDs
  • Linear motors
  • Print-and-apply systems
  • Encoders, barcode scanners
  • Power distribution and communication networks
• Design, implement, and document PLC programming changes as authorized.
• Manage the scope, timeline, and execution of controls-related capital projects and infrastructure upgrades.
• Maintain accurate technical documentation, wiring diagrams, and system configurations.
• Ensure compliance with electrical safety standards, OSHA regulations, LOTO protocols, and NFPA 70E Arc Flash requirements.
• Use predictive maintenance tools such as thermal imaging, monitoring systems, and CMMS to detect and address potential issues.
• Oversee and coordinate work performed by contractors, service providers, and other maintenance personnel.
• Operate and maintain all material handling systems within the distribution center.
• Provide training and mentorship to facilities technicians, enhancing skills in processes, safety, and technical abilities.
• Collaborate with network teams, vendors, and cross-functional partners to identify, resolve, and document system issues and improvements.
• Respond to changing priorities and emergencies; participate in 24-hour on-call rotation.

You Have

• Associate’s degree in engineering, electrical or related technical field required.
• Bachelor's degree preferred.
• PLC Controls Certificates
• 5+ years of experience in facilities or equipment maintenance, including at least 2 years on Dematic or similar conveyor systems.
• Experience in troubleshooting, maintaining, and optimizing automated distribution and building systems.
• Completion of technical training in electronic controls, power distribution, and PLC troubleshooting.

We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity or expression, protected veteran status or any other protected characteristic under federal, state, or local law. We are proud to be an equal opportunity workplace.

We are committed to fostering an inclusive, accessible work environment that includes both providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities during the application and hiring process as well as throughout the course of one’s employment, should you need a reasonable accommodation during the application and selection process, including, but not limited to use of our website, any part of the application, interview or hiring process, please advise us so that we can provide appropriate assistance.