Automation Engineer

Cushman & Wakefield•Visalia, 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 partners with maintenance to troubleshoot and maintain equipment including conveyors, sortation systems, scanners, cameras, print-and-apply labeling systems, scales, HMI systems, and control cabinets. The engineer also supports operations and maintenance by implementing solutions to complex problems and tracking related projects, and may lead or assist technicians in their development through knowledge sharing. The position works in a clean, climate-controlled, modern facility. The role provides technical guidance and subject matter expertise for material handling controls and electronic control systems. It serves as the first level of escalation for automation issues, coordinates escalation of downtime situations, monitors system metrics, contributes to reliability assessments, and works with operations leadership, vendors, suppliers, and engineering on new technology installations and capital projects. The position communicates technical issues, project timelines, and production impacts to relevant teams. C&W Services describes itself as a global company with more than 400 offices in 60 countries and emphasizes an inclusive, safety-first workplace. Compensation is listed as $103,706.46–$122,007.60, with actual pay dependent on factors including location, experience, qualifications, and applicable agreements.

Requirements

At least 3 years of cumulative work experience in the listed 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 a range of conveyors 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.
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 1–2 hours per day.

Nice To Haves

Associate degree focused 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 and related controllers, networks, and drives.
Act as the first level of escalation support for equipment automation issues and escalate downtime situations to vendors and/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 equipment 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 with building leadership, operations, and maintenance, explaining production impacts and coordinating with operations and engineering.
Lead and/or assist other technicians with their development through continuity of knowledge.
Track projects related to solutions for complex operational and maintenance problems.