Operations Automation Associate

United State Cold Storage Inc / USCS•Minooka, IL

12d

About The Position

The Operations Automation Associate supports effective warehouse operations by following automated processes and monitoring automated warehouse systems and equipment. The role uses the Warehouse Management System (WMS) and Warehouse Control System (WCS) to troubleshoot errors, monitor machine faults and inventory, maintain data integrity, and help ensure automation can complete required workloads. The associate works with operations, automation providers, vendors, and USCS specialists to investigate issues and integrate solutions, and performs assigned preventive maintenance and continuous-improvement work. The position is in the Automation department and reports to the Automation Supervisor. The schedule is Tuesday through Saturday, 3:00 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. Minimal travel is expected. This is a full-time, non-exempt position. Additional work hours may be requested by management. The work environment can range from +50°F to -30°F and includes moderate noise. The role involves extended standing and walking, handling tools and controls, and lifting and moving products and equipment as needed.

Requirements

High school diploma, GED, or equivalent.
Ability to bend and lift up to 50 pounds regularly.
Ability to lift up to 70 pounds occasionally with assistance.
Ability to work in temperatures ranging from +50°F to -30°F with moderate noise levels.
Ability to lift overhead when required.
Ability to stand and walk for extended periods and use stairs as needed.
Ability to use hands to handle objects, tools, or controls.
Attention to detail.
Effective communication, vision, and hearing for safety and productivity.
Strong arithmetic and reading skills.
Ability to follow verbal instructions, written instructions, and company policies.
Ability to work independently, coordinate with others, and manage stress while meeting productivity guidelines.
Additional work hours may be requested by management.
May need to operate a registered motor vehicle if it is part of daily tasks.

Nice To Haves

Some technical training is preferred.

Responsibilities

Maintain an understanding of WMS, WCS, and IT integration to support effective and efficient operations.
Follow automated processes to support successful execution of warehousing processes.
Troubleshoot electric mechanical controls and optimize existing automated material-handling equipment.
Optimize, troubleshoot, and understand PLC programs.
Work closely with vendors to investigate and integrate solutions.
Read, understand, follow, and enforce safety procedures.
Monitor the WCS interface for potential automation faults and follow SOPs to clear machine faults promptly and efficiently.
Physically move product when needed to resolve machine faults.
Use WMS and WCS to troubleshoot errors related to the automated warehouse.
Monitor WCS for inventory comingling and initiate routines to consolidate pallets as appropriate to achieve required pallet-storage levels.
Monitor missions created when work is released to the system, ensure automation can complete the required workload, and advise shift supervisors of potential conflicts.
Escalate errors and system outages, serving as a liaison between operations, the automation provider, and the USCS specialist to help resolve issues.
Ensure the integrity of information used in WMS and WCS for operational execution.
Perform assigned preventive maintenance on automation equipment.
Participate in continuous-improvement teams focused on warehouse automation.
Identify automated-process improvement opportunities and implement corrective actions.
Provide excellent customer service to internal and external customers.
Maintain a professional demeanor in appearance and communications; participate in staff or customer meetings as required.
Take initiative to prevent non-conformities related to product, process, and quality systems; identify and report issues, propose and implement solutions through appropriate channels, and ensure solutions are effectively implemented.
Follow posted security procedures and participate in safety and educational training programs.
Use required warehouse equipment, including scanners, tablets, radios, phones, and computers.
Follow verbal and written instructions and company policies, work independently and coordinate with others, and meet productivity guidelines in a fast-paced environment.

Benefits

401(k) after one year.
Educational assistance after one year.
Blue Cross Blue Shield coverage available after 30 days of service, if elected.
Company life insurance.
Medical, dental, vision, and prescription coverage options.
Legal insurance, pet discount, critical illness insurance, accident insurance, hospital indemnity, long-term care, and permanent life insurance.
Identity theft protection and short-term and long-term disability insurance.
Additional disability benefit, basic life insurance, accidental death and dismemberment insurance, and voluntary life insurance options for employees, spouses, and children.
Loan solution, health and dependent flexible spending accounts, and commuter accounts.
Telemedicine, virtual primary care, prescription specialty copay assistance, weight management, chronic condition management, care navigation, 24/7 nurse line, and expert medical opinion.
Maternity program, health advocacy, employee assistance program, digital cognitive behavioral therapy, digital physical therapy, and behavioral and mental health platforms.
Auto and home discount program, secure travel protection, and discount programs.
Paid time off.
MARC performance incentives, perfect attendance incentives, and referral program.