Automation Engineering Apprentice

What This Job Involves

As an Automation Engineering Apprentice (AEA), you’ll learn to support, maintain, and improve automated systems within a complex fulfillment or distribution center. Through a structured combination of classroom instruction, hands-on lab training, and on-the-job learning, you’ll gain the foundational skills needed to become an Automation Engineer.

Work Performed

• Learn and apply safety standards, including Lockout/Tagout (LOTO), PPE, arc-flash awareness, and safe work practices.
• Shadow and assist Automation Engineers in troubleshooting, maintaining, and repairing control systems, PLCs, VFDs, sensors, scanners, HMIs, and industrial networks.
• Support daily automation operations by responding to faults, documenting issues, and learning to perform root-cause analysis.
• Participate in preventive and predictive maintenance activities for material handling equipment and control panels.
• Work with system documentation, schematics, and software tools to identify and correct equipment issues.
• Learn to interpret and modify PLC programs under the supervision of trained engineers.
• Assist in system performance tracking, data analysis, and minor control upgrades.
• Develop technical communication skills through collaboration with engineers, technicians, and operations teams.
• Complete structured training through programs such as Amatrol Automation Fundamentals, Automation Essentials, and relevant JLL learning modules.
• Gradually transition from shadowing to performing supervised tasks and contributing to improvement projects.

Required Qualifications

• 18 years of age or older with a high school diploma or GED.
• Demonstrated interest in automation, controls, or mechatronics through coursework, hands-on experience, or personal projects.
• Basic computer literacy (email, spreadsheets, troubleshooting tools, software navigation).
• Willingness to travel for required training sessions.
• Ability to read and interpret basic electrical or mechanical drawings.
• Commitment to learning, teamwork, and safe work practices.

Preferred Qualifications

• Enrollment in or completion of a technical or associate degree in Mechatronics, Electrical Engineering Technology, Automation, or a related field.
• Basic understanding of control systems, sensors, relays, and motor drives.
• Prior exposure to industrial maintenance, troubleshooting, or robotics environments.
• Experience using hand tools, test equipment, or working with mechanical assemblies.