Automation Engineer

Cushman & Wakefield•Milpitas, CA

11d•$89,019 - $104,728•Onsite

About The Position

At C&W Services, 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 equipment, implement solutions to complex problems, and track related projects. The engineer may lead or assist other technicians’ development by sharing knowledge. The position is based in a clean, climate-controlled, modern facility, though work also takes place in a warehouse environment with fluctuating temperatures. The Automation Engineer provides technical support for material handling control systems, industrial motor control systems, servo and frequency drives, and electrical distribution systems. The role serves as the first escalation point for automation equipment issues, monitors system metrics and reliability, and coordinates with facility leadership, vendors, suppliers, operations, and engineering on equipment issues and technology installations. C&W Services offers weekly pay, comprehensive benefits beginning on the first day, training and advancement opportunities, a clean and modern facility, and a safety-first culture. Eligible employees may enroll in benefit programs generally including 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 for this position is $89,018.80–$104,728.00 and may vary based on factors including location, experience, qualifications, and collective bargaining agreement coverage.

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.
Experience with equipment control components such as relays, motor starters, VFDs, and HMIs.
High school diploma or equivalent.
Positive attitude and ability to effectively solve problems.
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 personal protective equipment, 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.
Regularly type on a computer for 1 to 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 and 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 for equipment automation issues and escalate downtime situations appropriately to vendors or network support teams to restore equipment operation.
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 serve as the technical consultant for building capital projects.
Communicate technical issues and project timelines to building leadership, operations, and maintenance teams, explain production impacts, and work with operations and engineering to ensure a thorough understanding of system impacts.
May lead or assist other technicians with their development through continuity of knowledge.