Senior Automation Engineer
About The Position
The Senior Automation Engineer manages the Automation Engineering team at a fulfillment center, coordinating control-system maintenance, scheduling team tasks and projects, and developing more efficient ways to operate systems. The role supports facility operational efficiency and provides technical support for automation controls, with a focus on equipment reliability and performance across conveyors, sortation systems, scanners, cameras, print-and-apply systems, and SCADA devices and programs. The position works closely with Operations, Engineering, Safety, maintenance teams, equipment vendors, parts suppliers, and other facility and network support groups. It serves as the first escalation point for Automation Engineers, including troubleshooting during and after business hours, and supports system performance analysis, incident review, process improvement, technical training, and capital project installations. Travel may be up to 10%.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Electrical or Mechanical Engineering, Engineering Technology, or a related field, or at least five years of equivalent professional or military experience.
- Experience with electrical theory, robotics, controls components, and automated equipment.
- Proficiency with programming software such as RSLogix5000 Studio and FT View.
- Knowledge of robotics work cells and their control systems.
- Experience identifying, maintaining, troubleshooting, programming, and designing HMI and control network components.
- Experience identifying, maintaining, troubleshooting, and modifying motor controls, including motor starters, VFDs, DC drives, and standard electrical components.
- Hands-on troubleshooting experience with industrial electrical systems, including 480V 3-phase, 110 VAC, and 24VDC.
- Knowledge of Warehouse Management System software concepts and messaging protocols.
- Experience interpreting, modifying, and developing mechanical and electrical drawings.
- Experience with SCADA systems and KPIs.
- Proven leadership skills in a technical role and ability to interact with all levels of management.
- Strong reasoning, analytical, and problem-solving abilities.
- Experience training and developing others.
- Excellent communication and customer service skills.
Nice To Haves
- Proficiency in systems controls design, programming, and integration.
- Field service engineering experience.
- Experience supporting a wide range of conveyors and sortation systems.
- Proven history of remote technical phone support.
- Experience with advanced automation controls systems, industrial robotics, and ASRS systems.
Responsibilities
- Coordinate with and mentor Automation Engineers to accomplish facility operational-plan goals and objectives.
- Collaborate with Operations, Engineering, Safety, and other departments on material handling equipment (MHE) system optimization and project implementation.
- Understand, maintain, and troubleshoot material handling control systems, including PLC/PC controllers, industrial networks, motor control systems, servo drives, frequency drives, and electrical distribution systems.
- Monitor MHE metrics and partner with maintenance and operations to address performance issues and provide analysis across facilities.
- Serve as the first level of escalation support for Automation Engineers during and after business hours, troubleshooting locally and remotely and repairing hardware or controls software systems within the building.
- Escalate downtime situations to network support teams, experts, or vendors as appropriate to restore equipment operation.
- Facilitate Failure Analysis and Incident Review processes and implement improvements or retraining to prevent future incidents.
- Apply material handling and electronic systems expertise to maximize building utilization of systems.
- Perform and analyze material handling system performance using relevant analytics.
- Partner with facility Operations leadership, equipment vendors, and parts suppliers to plan and coordinate new technology installations and provide technical consultation for building capital projects.
- Communicate technical issues and project timelines to building leadership, operations, and the maintenance team, including explaining operational impacts.
- Assist with skill assessments for technical positions within site maintenance teams.
- Participate in Automation Engineering conference calls and coordinate with the central team to complete required tasks.
- Travel up to 10%.
Benefits
- Weekly pay.
- Comprehensive benefits starting on the first day.
- Training, development, and advancement opportunities.
- Clean and cutting-edge facility.
- Safety-first culture.
- Eligible employees may enroll in health, vision, and dental insurance; flexible spending accounts; health savings accounts; retirement savings plans; life and disability insurance programs; and paid and unpaid time away from work.
- Competitive pay.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
