Automation Engineer

Cushman & Wakefield•Salinas, CA

4d•$113,526 - $133,560

About The Position

The Automation Engineer (AE) supports the site maintenance team in ensuring 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 AE supports operations and maintenance by implementing solutions to complex problems and tracking related projects, and may lead or assist other technicians in their development through continuity of knowledge. The work takes place in a clean, climate-controlled, modern facility, although the physical demands section also describes warehouse work with fluctuating temperatures. The AE provides technical support for MHE control systems, industrial motor controls, servo and frequency drives, electrical distribution systems, PLC/PC controllers, industrial networks, and related automation software. The role is a first level of escalation for automation issues and coordinates with vendors and network support teams to restore equipment operation. The AE monitors equipment metrics, assesses reliability, supports technology installations and capital projects, and communicates technical issues, timelines, and production impacts to building leadership, operations, and maintenance teams.

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 and 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.
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 regularly to install or move equipment, travel between departments, floors, and properties averaging 6 to 12 miles per day, work in a warehouse with fluctuating temperatures, and type on a computer for 1 to 2 hours per day.

Nice To Haves

Associate’s degree focused on Electronic Technology or a similar area.
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, Allen Bradley ControlLogix and CompactLogix PLC platforms using Rockwell software, industrial networks, motor control systems, servo drives, frequency drives, and electrical distribution systems.
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 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, and act as the technical consultant for building capital projects.
Communicate technical issues and project timelines to building leadership, operations, and maintenance teams, including explaining production impacts and coordinating with operations and engineering to ensure understanding of system impacts.
Support the development of other technicians through continuity of knowledge, when required.