---
title: 'Controls Engineering Co-op at Diversified Automation'
canonical: 'https://feeny.ai/job/controls-engineering-co-op-diversified-automation-louisville-ea40dfmgnrpy'
type: 'job'
last_seen: '2026-09-07'
---

# Controls Engineering Co-op at Diversified Automation

- **Company:** Diversified Automation
- **Location:** Louisville, KY
- **Work type:** onsite
- **Posted:** 2026-08-13
- **Last confirmed live:** 2026-09-07
- **Apply:** https://jobs.lever.co/diversified-automation/02ac2964-5362-4ff2-934c-b122ba26c365

## Job description

Position Summary:

The Controls and Commissioning Co-op is part of a cross-discipline project team, supporting the successful execution of conveyor system integration projects. Under the guidance of experienced controls engineers, the co-op will assist with electrical controls engineering, PLC programming, testing, documentation, and commissioning activities while gaining hands-on experience in industrial automation and material handling systems.

The Controls and Commissioning Co-op will aid in the testing, implementation, and commissioning of PLC programs used to control conveyor systems and related equipment within the Material Handling Industry. This includes participating in system testing, assisting with field commissioning activities, and helping ensure compliance with customer specifications and project requirements.

The position provides valuable exposure to PLs, industrial networking, HMI systems, electrical design, troubleshooting, and field commissioning while working alongside experienced Controls Engineers.

Tasks

- Review electrical drawings, I/O lists, control narratives, and system documentation.
- Participate in system testing and validation efforts to ensure compliance with design requirements.
- Assist with completion of testing and commissioning documentation.
- Support field commissioning and startup activities for assigned projects.
- Aid in troubleshooting PLC programs, HMIs, industrial communication networks, and field devices.
- Travel to customer sites to support system testing, commissioning, and startup activities.

## Skills

- Active Listening: Giving full attention to what others are saying and asking questions when appropriate.
- Troubleshooting: Assisting in identifying causes of equipment and system issues.
- Critical Thinking: Applying logical analysis to technical problems and potential solutions.
- Reading Comprehension: Understanding technical drawings, specifications, and engineering documentation.
- Complex Problem Solving: Supporting engineers in analyzing and resolving technical challenges.
- Technical Aptitude: Interest in industrial automation, controls systems, and material handling equipment.
- Ability to work effectively within a team environment.
- Strong organizational and communication skills.

Attributes

- Strong desire to learn and develop technical skills.
- Positive attitude and strong work ethic.
- Problem-solving mindset and attention to detail.
- Ability to work independently and within a team environment.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills.
- Ability to adapt to changing project priorities and schedules.
- Willingness to travel and support field activities as required.

## Requirements

- Currently pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related engineering field.
- Basic understanding of industrial automation, electrical controls, or PLC programming preferred.
- Familiarity with Rockwell Automation platforms, HMIs, or industrial communication networks is a plus but not required.
- Valid driver’s license
- Ability to travel up to 80-90% during co-op assignments as project needs require.

Work Environment

- This job operates in a professional office environment. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, etc.
- When traveling the job environment shifts to a site-based, typically industrial. When traveling this role routinely uses appropriate PPE, electrical diagnostic tools, electrical implementation tools, laptops, and networking equipment.

Physical Demands

- The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
- Ability to lift 25 pounds
- Ability to climb ladders
- Ability to navigate safely over and around warehouse automation equipment
- Physical stamina may be required for prolonged standing, bending, stooping, and/or working in cramped quarters.
- Exposure to potentially dangerous tools and equipment amidst a variety of building materials is probable, as is occasional exposure to moving mechanical parts.
- The noise level in the work environment can vary from being relatively quiet, to moderate, to excessive.

## About Diversified Automation

## Company Overview
- **One-liner**: Diversified Automation is a full-service industrial automation integrator specializing in controls, software, and material handling solutions for the parcel, e-commerce, automotive, baggage, and manufacturing industries.
- **Entity Type**: Private (acquired by Leadec Holding BV & Co. KG in 2021; subsidiary of a private German industrial services group)
- **Headquarters**: Louisville, Kentucky, United States (additional offices in Grapevine, TX; Las Vegas, NV; and teams in Dallas, Atlanta, Indianapolis, Columbus, and Los Angeles)
- **Founded**: 2002
- **Founders**: Tony Young (Founder & President), who previously spent 13 years as a Project Engineer at United Parcel Service (UPS)

## Core Business
- **Primary Industry**: Automation Machinery Manufacturing / Industrial Controls Integration (NAICS 333, SIC 353)
- **Target Customers**: B2B / Enterprise — Fortune 500 logistics and parcel carriers (UPS, FedEx, Amazon, DHL), plus mechanical integrators and operators in e-commerce distribution, airports/baggage handling, automotive, and general manufacturing
- **Mission/Purpose**: "Create Raving Fans by leveraging technology and leading innovation today, while transforming business and impacting our world tomorrow." The company was founded on the philosophy that system controls make the difference in any material handling system, and that customers' needs should come first — above all else.

## Products & Services
- **Parcel Automation Solutions**: End-to-end controls and software engineering for express parcel shipping hubs, including sortation controls, SCADA systems, and conveyor system integration. The company has completed 600+ freight/parcel projects and installed 1,800+ systems.
- **E-Commerce Distribution Systems**: Controls and software that increase efficiency of distribution centers and system controls to boost productivity and throughput.
- **Baggage & Terminal Enhancement**: Solutions to optimize and expand airport baggage handling and terminal operations.
- **Manufacturing Automation**: Downtime elimination and speed/quality maximization for industrial manufacturing lines.
- **Turnkey Controls Integration**: Full-service fabrication, installation, and production of cost-effective material handling solutions — delivered on-time and within budget.
- **Controls & Commissioning Engineering**: Hardware design, software engineering, project management, and on-site commissioning services for automated systems.

## Market Standing
- **Valuation/Market Cap**: Not disclosed (private company)
- **Key Metric**: Annual revenue of approximately **$100M USD** (reported at time of 2021 acquisition; current figures not publicly disclosed)
- **Headcount**: 176 employees (+43.3% YoY, +65 people), with workforce distributed across 5 countries (United States, Mexico, Canada, India, Germany)
- **Ownership**: Acquired by **Leadec Holding BV & Co. KG** effective December 31, 2020 (announced January 11, 2021). Leadec is a Stuttgart, Germany-based industrial services company focused on the factory life cycle. The acquisition expanded Leadec's portfolio into parcel automation and strengthened its North American operations.
- **Notable Customers/Partners**: UPS, FedEx, Amazon, DHL, and other Fortune 500 companies
- **Growth Signals**: 43% year-over-year headcount growth; expansion into new geographies via Leadec's European network; active hiring for site supervisors across multiple states (NC, MA, TX, CA, OK); co-op program for controls, hardware, and software engineering students.

## Competitive Advantages
- **Deep domain expertise in parcel/express shipping**: Founder Tony Young built some of the world's most sophisticated automated material handling systems during 13 years at UPS; the company has since delivered 600+ parcel projects — a specialized niche few integrators match.
- **Full-service integration capability**: Unlike software-only or hardware-only vendors, DA handles fabrication, installation, controls, software, and project management in-house.
- **Fortune 500 trust**: Long-standing relationships with UPS, FedEx, Amazon, and DHL create high switching costs and a strong reference base.
- **Parent-company backing**: Leadec provides automotive industry relationships, a global footprint (especially Europe), and financial stability — enabling DA to pursue larger, cross-border projects.
- **Proven track record**: 1,800+ installed systems and a reputation for on-time, on-budget delivery.

## Strategic Focus
- **Global expansion via Leadec**: Leveraging Leadec's European presence to serve UPS, FedEx, DHL, and Amazon throughout Europe and surrounding territories, opening substantial new markets.
- **Cross-selling into automotive**: Using Leadec's automotive reputation in the US to diversify beyond parcel/e-commerce into manufacturing automation.
- **Talent growth**: Aggressively hiring engineers, co-ops, and site supervisors to keep pace with project demand and the e-commerce-driven automation boom.
- **Continued innovation in controls & software**: Maintaining a technology-forward approach to sortation, SCADA, and system controls as parcel volumes and processing speeds increase.

## Why Work Here
- **Engineering culture**: DA is a controls-first company — the founder built the business on the belief that system controls make the difference in material handling. Engineers work on large-scale, mission-critical systems for the world's biggest logistics operators.
- **Career development**: Structured co-op programs (Controls, Hardware, Software) plus full-time engineering roles provide a clear pipeline from education into industrial automation.
- **Growth trajectory**: 43% headcount growth in the last year signals a scaling organization with promotion potential — one current opening is a "Project Claims & Commercial Controls Manager" on the leadership track.
- **Work modes**: Most engineering and co-op roles are on-site in Louisville, KY; site superintendent roles are on-site at customer locations; some leadership roles are remote.
- **Culture & compensation**: Employee reviews (3.9/5.0 across 47 reviews) highlight strong compensation (4.1/5.0) and culture (4.1/5.0); work-life balance rates lower at 3.3/5.0, typical of project-based industrial integration roles.
- **Company values**: Founder-led emphasis on putting customers first, creating "Raving Fans," and a long-term career mindset — "We are always looking for talented people in the industry and we want to retain them for a long, advancing career."
- **Geographic reach**: Opportunities to work across the US at various customer sites, with offices in KY, TX, NV, and presence in Dallas, Atlanta, Indianapolis, Columbus, and Los Angeles.

## Sources
1. [diversified-automation.com (Services/Industries)](https://diversified-automation.com/services/)
2. [diversified-automation.com (Apply/Careers)](https://diversified-automation.com/apply/)
3. [diversified-automation.com (Media Release — Leadec Acquisition)](https://diversified-automation.com/news/media-release/)
4. [jobs.lever.co/diversified-automation (Open Positions)](https://jobs.lever.co/diversified-automation)
5. [linkedin.com/company/diversified-automation-inc. (Company Profile & Ratings)](https://linkedin.com/company/diversified-automation-inc.)

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