About the Role:

As an Automation Engineer (AE), you will support the site maintenance team to ensure operational performance and efficiency of Material Handling Equipment (MHE) control systems. You will partner with the maintenance team to troubleshoot and maintain equipment such as conveyors, sortation systems, scanners, cameras, print-and-apply labeling systems, scales, HMI systems, control cabinets, and more. The AE provides support to the operations and maintenance teams by implementing solutions for complex problems and tracking related projects. You may lead and/or assist other technicians with their development through continuity of knowledge, all while working in a clean, climate-controlled, modern facility.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Promoting a safe working environment by following all safety procedures
• Providing guidance on maintaining material handling control systems, industrial motor control systems, servo and frequency drives, and electrical distribution systems
• Using your technical expertise to provide support with troubleshooting and modifying software projects for material handling control systems, including PLC/PC controllers, Allen Bradley ControlLogix and CompactLogix PLC platform utilizing Rockwell’s software package, industrial networks such as Ethernet, ControlNet, DeviceNet, Profibus, AS-I, motor control systems, servo drives, frequency drives, and electrical distribution systems.
• Acting as the first level of escalation support for equipment automation issues and appropriately escalating downtime situations to vendors and/or network support teams to restore equipment operation.
• Applying subject matter expertise in material handling and electronic control systems to maximize building utilization of systems
• Monitoring MHE metrics and partnering with mechatronics technicians to resolve equipment electrical problems that create performance deficiencies, and performing control systems assessments to maintain and improve equipment reliability
• Partnering with facility Operations leadership, equipment vendors, and parts suppliers to plan and coordinate new technology installations, acting as the technical consultant for capital projects inside the building
• Communicating technical issues and project timelines with building leadership, operations, and the maintenance team, explaining production impacts and working closely with operations and engineering to ensure a thorough understanding of impact to systems

Basic Qualifications:

• 3+ years of cumulative work experience in the following areas, or a relevant 2-year degree plus 1 year of work experience in the following areas:
  • Programming/commissioning of HMIs, PLCs, and VFDs
  • SCADA systems and KPIs
  • Interpreting and modifying mechanical and electrical drawings
  • Supporting a range of different conveyors and sortation systems
  • Equipment control components such as relays, motor starters, VFDs, HMIs, etc.
• High school or equivalent diploma
• Positive attitude and ability to effectively problem-solve

Preferred Qualifications:

• Associate’s degree with a focus in Electronic Technology (or similar)
• Bachelor’s degree in a STEM-related field
• 4+ years of experience in the electrical field, or in control systems development, troubleshooting, and programming
• 4+ years of experience supporting advanced automation controls systems maintenance and development
• 3+ years of experience supporting a wide range of conveyors and sortation systems
• Leadership and project management experience

Physical Demands:

• Ability to reach overhead, kneel, squat, climb steps/ladders, use an aerial lift, and frequently lift a maximum of 50 lbs. of equipment
• Ability to perform tasks while wearing required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), which may include but is not limited to hard hat, face mask, face shield, and composite-toe shoes
• Regularly required to crouch or bend and reach to install/move equipment
• Movement between departments, floors, and properties to facilitate work, averaging 6 to 12 miles per day
• Work in a warehouse environment with fluctuating temperatures
• Regularly required to type on a computer for 1-2 hours per day