Automation Engineer

Cushman & Wakefield•Charlton, MA

21d•$99,234 - $116,746

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 by developing solutions to complex problems and tracking associated projects, and may lead or assist technicians with their development through knowledge sharing. The position works in a clean, climate-controlled, modern facility, while also involving work in a warehouse environment with fluctuating temperatures. The role provides technical support for material-handling control systems and industrial motor controls, including PLC/PC controllers, Allen-Bradley ControlLogix and CompactLogix PLCs, Rockwell software, industrial networks, servo and frequency drives, and electrical distribution systems. It serves as the first escalation point for equipment automation issues, works with vendors and network support teams to restore operation when needed, and collaborates with operations leadership, vendors, suppliers, maintenance, and engineering on reliability, performance, and new technology installations. The position requires at least three years of cumulative experience in specified automation and equipment-support areas, or a relevant two-year degree plus one year of such experience, as well as a high school diploma or equivalent. The stated compensation range is $99,234.39–$116,746.34. 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.

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 type on a computer regularly for 1–2 hours per day.

Nice To Haves

Associate’s 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, including PLC/PC controllers and Allen-Bradley ControlLogix and CompactLogix PLCs using Rockwell software.
Support 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 to vendors or network support teams as appropriate.
Apply subject matter expertise in material handling and electronic control systems to maximize system utilization in the building.
Monitor MHE metrics and partner with mechatronics technicians to resolve electrical problems causing 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 to building leadership, operations, and maintenance, explaining production impacts and coordinating with operations and engineering.
Support the maintenance team in troubleshooting and maintaining conveyors, sortation systems, scanners, cameras, print-and-apply labeling systems, scales, HMI systems, control cabinets, and related equipment.
Implement solutions to complex problems and track related projects.
Lead or assist other technicians with their development through continuity of knowledge.