Automation Lead

Federal Reserve System•East Rutherford, NJ

5d•$120,000 - $150,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Automation Lead role is critical to maintaining system uptime, supporting continuous improvement, and partnering with cross-functional teams to enhance automation capabilities, ensure safety compliance, and drive operational excellence. The Cash & Custody Function engages in critical operations on behalf of the Federal Reserve Bank of New York and the Federal Reserve System including the distribution of U.S. Dollar Currency to the Second District, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands & international customers, as well as Gold Safekeeping Operations.

Requirements

A natural leader who communicates clearly, exercises sound judgment and is genuinely invested in the team's success and development.
Proven ability to manage day-to-day operations, including scheduling, prioritization, coaching, and process execution.
Background in mechanical, electrical, automation engineering, or a related technical field.
Hands-on experience with automation systems and industrial equipment maintenance.
Working knowledge of AGVs, robotics, PLCs, sensors, and other material handling technologies.
Ability to work independently with limited supervision to manage projects and processes.
Availability for on-call support, shift flexibility, or rotating schedules as needed.
Candidates must undergo an enhanced background check, comply with all applicable information handling rules, and will be tested for all controlled substances prohibited by federal law, including marijuana, prior to hire and during employment.

Responsibilities

Lead day-to-day operations of Material Handling Equipment (MHE) and Automated Guided Vehicle (AGV) systems, proactively troubleshooting issues and guiding the team through fast, effective resolutions to minimize downtime.
Serve as the go-to leader for a team of automation technicians—providing hands-on coaching, guiding skill development, and coordinating shift coverage to ensure consistent, reliable performance.
Act as the technical escalation point for complex automation issues, driving timely resolution.
Collaborate with Engineering, Operations, and IT teams to implement system upgrades, software patches, and automation improvements.
Develop and maintain documentation for Standard Operating Procedures, maintenance schedules, incident response plans, and system performance reporting.
Monitor system KPIs and analyze performance trends to identify opportunities for continuous improvement.
Ensure compliance with safety protocols and regulatory requirements for both equipment and personnel.
Support business continuity and contingency planning for automated systems.