Senior Controls System Engineer

Make an impact

Modernization Services EMEA is a centralized function within Customer Service EMEA, focused on helping customers maximize the value, availability, reliability and lifecycle of their automation investments. As part of Swisslog's transformation into a Master Solution Integrator, we take an outcome-driven approach to modernization. Customers expect reliable operations, future-ready solutions and measurable business outcomes. Our mission is to develop modernization strategies that improve site performance, reduce operational risks and ensure long-term lifecycle sustainability.

As a Senior Controls System Engineer, you will play a key role in advancing lifecycle and modernization strategies across our installed base in EMEA. You will create customer-specific lifecycle roadmaps, perform assessments, and develop modernization concepts aligned with customer objectives and Swisslog's controls, software and technology strategies.

You will act as a trusted advisor to customers and contribute to Swisslog's modernization growth strategy. In addition, you will leverage technologies, expertise and best practices from across the KUKA Group to develop innovative modernization offerings that maximize customer value and strengthen Swisslog's position as a long-term partner.

• Develop and maintain lifecycle and modernization roadmaps for customer sites across EMEA, particularly strategic and global key accounts
• Analyze controls architectures, software landscapes, hardware platforms and automation systems to identify modernization opportunities and lifecycle risks
• Integrate obsolescence information, including End-of-Life (EOL), End-of-Support (EOS) and product discontinuation data into lifecycle planning
• Define modernization strategies and priorities to optimize customer value, system availability, reliability and operational continuity
• Create migration and implementation roadmaps that minimize downtime and align with customer business priorities
• Collaborate with Lifecycle Software Delivery teams to coordinate hardware modernization, software upgrades and migration activities
• Support local teams in conducting customer site assessments
• Evaluate existing system landscapes and translate findings into practical, scalable modernization solutions
• Present lifecycle roadmaps, modernization concepts and recommendations to executive, operational and technical stakeholders
• Act as a trusted advisor on technology evolution, lifecycle planning and investment decisions
• Identify modernization opportunities and service campaigns using installed base intelligence, market trends, emerging technologies and regulatory requirements
• Analyze EMEA installed base data to identify opportunities for standardized modernization solutions
• Support the development and rollout of modernization campaigns with Account Management, Product Management and Marketing
• Provide technical expertise for customer presentations, value propositions, campaign materials and lifecycle communications
• Translate technical topics into customer-focused business benefits and value propositions
• Collaborate with Product Management and T&S teams to identify future solution requirements and drive innovation
• Act as a bridge between customer needs, modernization strategy and engineering capabilities.
• Promote standardization by aligning modernization solutions with Swisslog's controls strategy, lifecycle framework and technology roadmap
• Partner with Global Customer Service and the KUKA Group to align modernization programs, share best practices and leverage synergies
• Contribute to Swisslog's Master Solution Integrator strategy by delivering holistic solutions focused on customer business outcomes

What you need to succeed

• Degree in Automation Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Controls Engineering, Software Engineering, Computer Science or a comparable technical qualification.
• Extensive experience in industrial automation, controls engineering and lifecycle management within automated material handling, intralogistics or related industries.
• Deep understanding of PLC-based control systems, software architectures, automation technologies and modernization concepts.
• Strong knowledge of lifecycle management, technology obsolescence management, migration strategies and modernization planning.
• Experience in technical consulting, assessments, solution development and customer engagement.
• Strong understanding of automation system architectures and their interaction with software, hardware and operational processes.
• Ability to develop structured modernization roadmaps and long-term lifecycle strategies.
• Strong analytical capabilities and experience working with installed base data and technology portfolios.
• Excellent presentation and communication skills.
• Ability to engage effectively with customer stakeholders at all organizational levels, from operational management to senior technical experts.
• Proven ability to work successfully in international and cross-functional environments.
• Strong business acumen combined with hands-on engineering expertise.
• Excellent English communication skills; additional languages are considered an advantage.
• Willingness to travel across EMEA.

Who You Are:

• Outcome-driven and passionate about creating measurable customer value.
• Open-minded, curious and constantly searching for better solutions.
• Positive, motivating and capable of influencing others through expertise and credibility.
• Strong communicator with outstanding interpersonal and intercultural skills.
• Trusted advisor who builds long-term relationships with customers and internal stakeholders.
• Strategic thinker who can connect customer challenges, technology capabilities and business outcomes.
• Collaborative network builder who thrives in international and matrix organizations.
• Comfortable working with global key accounts and complex stakeholder environments.
• Able to balance technical depth with high-level business discussions.
• Passionate about innovation, modernization and continuous improvement.
• Committed to representing Swisslog and the KUKA Group as reliable, trustworthy and future-oriented partners.