Automation Engineer
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 conveyors, sortation systems, scanners, cameras, print-and-apply labeling systems, scales, HMI systems, control cabinets, and related equipment. The Automation Engineer also supports operations and maintenance teams by resolving complex problems, tracking related projects, and potentially guiding or assisting other technicians in their development through knowledge sharing. The work takes place in a clean, climate-controlled, modern facility. The role provides technical support for material-handling and industrial control systems, including PLC/PC controllers, Rockwell Allen-Bradley ControlLogix and CompactLogix PLCs and software, industrial networks, motor control systems, servo and frequency drives, and electrical distribution systems. The Automation Engineer is the first escalation point for equipment automation issues, coordinates escalation of downtime to vendors or network support teams, monitors equipment metrics, assesses system reliability, and contributes to new technology installations and capital projects. The position also communicates technical issues, timelines, and production impacts to building leadership, operations, maintenance, and engineering. C&W Services describes a safety-first culture, training and advancement opportunities, and benefits that may include health, vision, and dental insurance, flexible spending and health savings accounts, retirement savings plans, life and disability insurance, and paid and unpaid time away from work. Compensation is listed as $103,662.70–$121,956.12, subject to eligibility and other stated factors.
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 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.
- 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’s 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, including PLC/PC controllers, Allen-Bradley ControlLogix and CompactLogix PLCs, and industrial networks.
- 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.
- Serve as the technical consultant for capital projects inside the building.
- Communicate technical issues and project timelines to building leadership, operations, and maintenance, explaining production impacts and working with operations and engineering to ensure understanding of system impacts.
- Support or guide other technicians’ development through continuity of knowledge, as needed.
Benefits
- Weekly pay.
- Comprehensive benefits starting on the first day, as stated in the job description.
- Training, development, and advancement opportunities.
- Health insurance.
- Vision insurance.
- Dental insurance.
- Flexible spending accounts.
- Health savings accounts.
- Retirement savings plans.
- Life insurance.
- Disability insurance.
- Paid and unpaid time away from work.
- Competitive pay.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
Education Level
High school or GED
