Resident Engineer

KNAPP North America•Elmhurst, IL

1d•$70,000 - $105,000

About The Position

The Resident Engineer provides maintenance support to customers operating KNAPP automated storage and retrieval systems, storage systems, and picking systems installed at customer sites. The role applies industrial electrical and mechanical expertise as part of a team focused on maximizing equipment utilization and efficiency, and assists with developing and implementing processes that support equipment functionality. The position requires experience diagnosing electro-mechanical faults and performing preventative maintenance. The engineer supports troubleshooting, repair, calibration, installation, testing, and modification of conveyor and precision automation equipment, including PLC-based machinery, robotics, and control systems. The role also responds to customer breakdowns and emergency calls, trains customer maintenance teams as needed, maintains professional customer relationships, follows site quality and safety procedures, and accurately documents work, parts usage, and time.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree, preferably in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Automation, or a related field.
Demonstrated experience repairing machinery systems involving electrical, mechanical, pneumatic, and hydraulic systems, including 480 VAC, 240 VAC, 120 VAC, 48 VDC, 24 VDC, VFDs, and PLCs; Siemens PLC experience is preferred.
Theoretical and operational experience repairing, troubleshooting, and maintaining PLC-based machinery, highly automated and robotic equipment, and control systems.
Strong written and verbal communication skills and excellent customer service skills.
Strong problem-solving capabilities and a process-oriented mentality.
Hands-on experience and ability to work as part of a team committed to improving processes.
Experience reducing costs through processes and efficiencies.
Mechanical aptitude, including ability to read assembly drawings; operate hand tools; assemble equipment parts; and follow setup instructions, assembly drawings, and checklists.
Ability to perform mechanical strip-down and reassembly, basic field wiring, machine calibration, and system testing.
Ability to work to deadlines when completing reactive repairs.
Strong attention to detail and follow-up skills.
Basic Microsoft Office skills and general computer literacy.
Ability to learn and adapt to changing role requirements and appreciation of cultural diversity.
Authorization to work in the U.S. and a passport or ability to obtain one.
Professional etiquette at all times.
Ability to travel up to 10%.
Ability to work weekends and overtime as required.
Ability to meet physical requirements that may include sitting, squatting, walking long distances, reaching at arm’s length or overhead, climbing ladders and stairs, working at heights, lifting up to 100 pounds, and reading.
Adherence to the company’s drug-free workplace policy, including required drug screening and remaining drug-free during employment.

Nice To Haves

Three or more years of direct experience.
Three or more years of experience repairing machinery systems involving electrical, mechanical, pneumatic, and hydraulic systems, including the specified voltage systems, VFDs, and PLCs; Siemens is preferred.
Three or more years of experience in equipment maintenance, modifications, and design.
Bilingual English/Spanish and/or English/German; preferred but not required.
Experience with network equipment interfaces.

Responsibilities

Investigate and rectify electro-mechanical faults and recommend preventative measures based on equipment design specifications.
Provide emergency breakdown response and specialist engineering expertise.
Establish, set up, and calibrate automation equipment, and analyze precision testing results.
Provide engineering expertise for installation of conveyor and precision automation equipment.
Monitor systems and equipment to ensure proper care and functionality, and respond to identified needs.
Perform mechanical strip-down and reassembly, wiring, machine calibration, system testing, and analysis according to system design requirements.
Oversee machinery system updates and provide instruction on proper engineering specifications.
Engineer equipment modifications and designs to troubleshoot PLC-based machinery, automated robotics equipment, and control systems.
Respond to customer emergency calls and provide specialist maintenance support for installed systems.
Promote safety, take ownership of problems, and work toward successful and timely completion of tasks.
Provide responsive, high-quality customer service and aim for first-time-right repairs.
Build effective working relationships with customers and their operational teams, and keep on-site management informed of repair and maintenance progress.
Meet expected standards for output, response speed, repair quality, and workmanship.
Train customer maintenance teams as required.
Communicate effectively with customers and ensure reports are well written and legible.
Follow site quality procedures, safety procedures, and applicable statutory procedures; assess health and safety risks for assigned work.
Participate in regular meetings to discuss activities and progress.
Log spare-parts usage issues promptly with the KNAPP Spare Parts team.
Maintain tooling and equipment and ensure they receive proper care.
Submit accurate, legible timesheets and documents to KNAPP biweekly for approval.
Complete reactive repairs within required timeframes and take hands-on ownership of issues to achieve timely resolution.
Perform other duties as assigned.