Automation Engineer

Cushman & Wakefield•Rialto, CA

20d•$108,091 - $127,166

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 partners 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 other equipment. The engineer helps resolve complex problems, tracks related projects, and may lead or assist other technicians by sharing knowledge. The work takes place in a clean, climate-controlled, modern facility, with warehouse conditions that may have fluctuating temperatures. The Automation Engineer provides technical support for material handling control systems, including PLC/PC controllers, Allen Bradley ControlLogix and CompactLogix PLCs, Rockwell software, industrial networks, motor control systems, servo and frequency drives, and electrical distribution systems. The role is the first escalation point for automation issues, supports restoration of equipment operation, monitors performance metrics, assesses system reliability, and coordinates installations and capital projects with operations leadership, vendors, and parts suppliers. The engineer also communicates technical issues, timelines, and production impacts to building leadership, operations, maintenance, and engineering teams. C&W Services offers weekly pay, benefits beginning on the first day, and training, development, and advancement opportunities. Eligible employees may enroll in benefit programs that generally include health, vision, and dental insurance, flexible spending accounts, health savings accounts, retirement savings plans, life and disability insurance, and paid and unpaid time away from work. Compensation for this position is $108,091.02–$127,165.90, subject to applicable eligibility and other factors.

Requirements

At least 3 years of cumulative work experience in the specified technical 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 different conveyor and sortation systems.
Knowledge of 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, move between departments, floors, and properties averaging 6 to 12 miles per day, and type on a computer regularly for 1 to 2 hours per day.

Nice To Haves

Associate degree focused on 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 and associated PLC/PC controllers, networks, motor controls, drives, and electrical distribution systems.
Act as the first level of escalation support 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, partner with mechatronics technicians to resolve equipment electrical problems affecting performance, and conduct control systems assessments to maintain and improve reliability.
Partner with facility Operations leadership, equipment vendors, and parts suppliers to plan and coordinate new technology installations.
Act as a technical consultant for capital projects inside the building.
Communicate technical issues, project timelines, and production impacts to building leadership, operations, maintenance, and engineering teams.
Support technician development by sharing knowledge and, when appropriate, leading or assisting other technicians.