Automation Engineering Apprentice

JLL•Jacksonville, FL

6d•Onsite

About The Position

The Automation Engineering Apprentice learns to support, maintain, and improve automated systems in a fulfillment or distribution center. Training combines classroom instruction, hands-on lab training, and on-the-job learning, with apprentices paired with mentors at various facilities. The program includes 12 weeks of Related Technical Instruction with a partner college followed by 3,600 hours of on-the-job learning. Apprentices train alongside Automation Engineers, Technicians, and OEM partners in areas including PLCs, VFDs, motor controls, sensor logic systems, electrical system installation, industrial network communications, and robotics. As skills develop, apprentices move from shadowing to performing supervised tasks and contributing to improvement projects. The position is on-site in Jacksonville, Florida. Travel is required for training sessions. Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship; visa sponsorship is not provided.

Requirements

Be at least 18 years old and have a high school diploma or GED.
Demonstrate interest in automation, controls, or mechatronics through coursework, hands-on experience, or personal projects.
Have basic computer literacy, including email, spreadsheets, troubleshooting tools, and software navigation.
Be willing to travel for required training sessions.
Be able to read and interpret basic electrical or mechanical drawings.
Demonstrate commitment to learning, teamwork, and safe work practices.
Be authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship.

Nice To Haves

Enrollment in or completion of a technical or associate degree in Mechatronics, Electrical Engineering Technology, Automation, or a related field.
Basic understanding of control systems, sensors, relays, and motor drives.
Prior exposure to industrial maintenance, troubleshooting, or robotics environments.
Experience using hand tools or test equipment, or working with mechanical assemblies.

Responsibilities

Learn and apply safety standards, including Lockout/Tagout (LOTO), PPE, arc-flash awareness, and safe work practices.
Shadow and assist Automation Engineers with troubleshooting, maintaining, and repairing control systems, PLCs, VFDs, sensors, scanners, HMIs, and industrial networks.
Respond to automation faults, document issues, and learn to perform root-cause analysis.
Participate in preventive and predictive maintenance for material handling equipment and control panels.
Use system documentation, schematics, and software tools to identify and correct equipment issues.
Learn to interpret and modify PLC programs under the supervision of trained engineers.
Assist with system performance tracking, data analysis, and minor control upgrades.
Collaborate with engineers, technicians, and operations teams to develop technical communication skills.
Complete structured training through programs such as Amatrol Automation Fundamentals, Automation Essentials, and relevant JLL learning modules.