Senior Automation Engineer

About the position

We are seeking an experienced Senior Automation Engineer to join our team. The successful candidate will design, develop, and implement automation control systems for various industrial processes and warehouse distribution equipment. This role requires a strong background in engineering principles, programming languages, and control system technologies. This role will focus on maximizing equipment reliability and operational performance of equipment such as conveyors, sortation systems, scanners, cameras, print and apply systems, and SCADA devices and programs. Follows all necessary policies and procedures, especially related to safety.

Responsibilities

• Both site technical expert in automation control systems and leader over the automation engineering program for the site.
• Set automation program goals and delegate assignments/work activities for Automation Engineers and Apprentices that aligns to overall client goals and objectives.
• Train and mentor Automation Engineers and Apprentices to ensure compliance with all company and client safety and technical training requirements.
• Design and develop control systems and software programs.
• Implement and optimize automation processes.
• Maintain and troubleshoot control systems and machinery.
• Enforce and follow a strict documentation process for all automation processes and programs.
• Govern all Automation Change Management procedures for the site.
• Work closely with client teams such as building Operations, and various Engineering, Continuous Improvement, and other support teams to drive MHE systems optimization and project implementation.
• Understand, maintain and troubleshoot material handling control systems, including PLC/PC controllers and industrial networks such as Ethernet, ControlNet, DeviceNet, Profibus, ASi bus, motor control systems, servo drives, frequency drives, and electrical distribution systems.
• Monitor MHE metrics and partner with maintenance/operations for system performance issues and provide analysis across all operations.
• Act as second level escalation support to both site technician and automation engineers professionals, during and after business hours, troubleshooting locally and remotely and repair all controls hardware and software systems within the building.
• Appropriately escalate downtime situations to vendors and senior leadership for support to restore equipment operation.
• Facilitate Root Cause Failure Analysis and Incident Review processes and implement process improvements and/or retraining to avoid future incidents.
• Routinely assess material handling system performance and drive continuous improvement projects that deliver improved system performance and cost savings to the client.
• Communicate technical issues and project timelines with building leadership, operations and the maintenance team.
• Explain production impacts and partner with operations to identify, develop and enforce operational work-around procedures in the event of system failures.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in computer science, electrical engineering, automation engineering, or equivalent OR 3+ years of equivalent professional experience on account.
• Work a flexible schedule/shift/work area, including weekends, nights, and/or holidays.
• 5+ years of experience with PLC-controlled automation and issue diagnosis in a continuous process or production environment.
• 2+ years of experience with robotics work cells and its control systems.
• 5+ years of experience with Ladder Logic and structure programming from Siemens, Allen-Brady, or Codesys PLCs.
• Experience acting in a leadership role that directs, trains, and mentors less experienced automation engineering professionals.
• Advanced proficiency in verbal and written English.
• 2+ years of experience with electrical theory, robotics, controls components, automated equipment.
• Ability to interpret and understand policies and procedures and relate them to others.
• Experience with a Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS).
• Continuous improvement mindset.
• Strategic mindset to build scalable automation solutions.
• Strong debugging & troubleshooting abilities.
• Continuous learner who adapts to evolving technologies.
• Experience working with multiple stakeholders (Operations, Safety, etc.) to coordinate complex maintenance activities.

Nice-to-haves

• Advanced degree in computer science, electrical engineering, automation engineering, or equivalent and 5+ years of equivalent professional experience.
• 5+ years of experience identifying, maintaining, troubleshooting, programming, and designing HMI and control network components.
• 5+ years of experience identifying, maintaining, troubleshooting, and modifying Motor Controls including motor starters, Variable Frequency Drives, DC drives, and standard electrical components.
• 5+ years of experience of industrial electrical hands-on experience and troubleshooting, including 480V 3-phase, 110 VAC, and 24VDC systems.
• 5+ years of experience interpreting, modifying, and developing mechanical and electrical drawings.
• 5+ years of experience identifying, maintaining, and utilizing SCADA systems and KPIs.
• 5+ years of experience with programming software such as RSLogix5000 studio, FT View, and other controls software platforms.
• 5+ years of experience in controls design or programming experience.
• Systems integration experience.
• 5+ years of field service engineering experience systems trainer or training experience.
• 5+ years of experience supporting a wide range of different conveyors and sortation systems.
• Excellent written, verbal and customer service skills.
• Proven history of remote technical support.
• Experience driving continuous improvement or programmatic solutions in relation to automated equipment.
• Experience with advanced automation controls systems.
• Experience with industrial robotics.
• Experience with Automated Storage & Retrieval Systems (ASRS) systems.

Benefits

• 401(k) plan with matching company contributions.
• Comprehensive Medical, Dental & Vision Care.
• Paid parental leave at 100% of salary.
• Paid Time Off and Company Holidays.