Automation Engineer

Cushman & Wakefield•Milpitas, CA

About The Position

The Automation Engineer supports the site maintenance team in maintaining the operational performance and efficiency of Material Handling Equipment (MHE) control systems. The role works with maintenance and operations teams to troubleshoot and maintain conveyors, sortation systems, scanners, cameras, print-and-apply labeling systems, scales, HMI systems, control cabinets, and related equipment. The engineer implements solutions to complex problems, tracks related projects, and may lead or assist technicians with their development through knowledge sharing. The work takes place in a clean, climate-controlled, modern facility, although warehouse temperatures may fluctuate.

Requirements

At least 3 years of cumulative work experience in the specified areas, or a relevant 2-year degree plus 1 year of work experience in those areas.
Experience programming or commissioning HMIs, PLCs, and VFDs.
Experience with SCADA systems and KPIs.
Ability to interpret and modify mechanical and electrical drawings.
Experience supporting a range of conveyors and sortation systems.
Experience with equipment control components such as relays, motor starters, VFDs, and HMIs.
High school diploma or equivalent.
Positive attitude and ability to effectively problem-solve.
Ability to reach overhead, kneel, squat, climb steps and ladders, use an aerial lift, and frequently lift up to 50 pounds of equipment.
Ability to perform tasks while wearing required PPE, which may include a hard hat, face mask, face shield, and composite-toe shoes.
Ability to crouch or bend and reach to install or move equipment.
Ability to move between departments, floors, and properties, averaging 6 to 12 miles per day.
Ability to work in a warehouse environment with fluctuating temperatures.
Ability to type on a computer regularly for 1 to 2 hours per day.

Nice To Haves

Associate’s degree with a focus in Electronic Technology or a similar field.
Bachelor’s degree in a STEM-related field.
At least 4 years of experience in the electrical field, or in control systems development, troubleshooting, and programming.
At least 4 years of experience supporting advanced automation controls systems maintenance and development.
At least 3 years of experience supporting a wide range of conveyors and sortation systems.
Leadership and project management experience.

Responsibilities

Promote a safe working environment by following all safety procedures.
Provide guidance on maintaining material handling control systems, industrial motor control systems, servo and frequency drives, and electrical distribution systems.
Troubleshoot and modify software projects for material handling control systems, including PLC/PC controllers and Allen Bradley ControlLogix and CompactLogix PLC platforms using Rockwell software.
Support industrial networks, motor control systems, servo drives, frequency drives, and electrical distribution systems.
Act as the first level of escalation for equipment automation issues and escalate downtime situations to vendors or network support teams as appropriate.
Apply subject matter expertise in material handling and electronic control systems to maximize building utilization of systems.
Monitor MHE metrics and partner with mechatronics technicians to resolve electrical problems that cause performance deficiencies.
Perform control systems assessments to maintain and improve equipment reliability.
Partner with facility Operations leadership, equipment vendors, and parts suppliers to plan and coordinate new technology installations.
Act as the technical consultant for capital projects inside the building.
Communicate technical issues and project timelines to building leadership, operations, and the maintenance team, explaining production impacts and working with operations and engineering to ensure a thorough understanding of system impacts.
Support technician development through continuity of knowledge, and lead or assist other technicians as needed.