Automation Specialist (Onsite)

Responsibilities

• Serve as the site expert for maintaining and supporting automation systems that are critical to fulfillment center operations.
• Understand, maintain, and troubleshoot material handling control systems, including PLC, conveyor drivers, Goods To Person system.
• Support commissioning, testing, and optimization of new automation equipment, upgrades, and system expansions.
• Diagnose and resolve issues related to industrial networks and controls, including Ethernet/IP, ControlNet, DeviceNet, Profibus, Motor control systems, Servo drives and variable frequency drives (VFDs), Electrical distribution and control panels.
• Maintain and optimize motor-driven roller (MDR), including belts, motors, scanners, printers, sensors, diverts, merges, and print-and-apply automation.
• Partner with WMS providers, automation software vendors, and IT teams to resolve system-level issues and implement performance improvements.
• Utilize WMS tools to monitor conveyor flow, clear jams, adjust photo-eyes, and optimize routing logic.
• Strong understanding of Fanuc robotic systems, LIDAR sensors and Cobots.
• Monitor material handling equipment (MHE) performance metrics including uptime, throughput, fault trends, and downtime.
• Partner with maintenance and operations teams to address system performance issues and provide data-driven analysis across all fulfillment operations.
• Identify recurring automation issues and lead root cause analysis (RCA) and corrective action implementation.
• Develop, execute, and continuously improve preventive and predictive maintenance programs for automation and control systems.
• Ensure all maintenance activities comply with site safety policies, including Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) procedures.
• Provide first-level escalation support for site technicians, both locally and remotely, during automation and controls troubleshooting.
• Train and mentor technicians and operators on automation systems, diagnostics, and safe maintenance practices.
• Partner with Safety to support health, safety, and compliance initiatives, proactively identifying and mitigating automation-related hazards.
• Document system designs, testing procedures, and maintenance protocols to support ongoing operations.
• Stay up to date with advancements in warehouse technology and recommend improvements or upgrades as needed.

Qualifications

• Technical vocational training or Bachelor’s degree in Automation, Electrical, Mechanical, or Industrial Engineering, or equivalent experience.
• Strong technical knowledge of warehouse automation and material handling systems.
• Hands-on experience troubleshooting PLC-controlled automation systems, sensors, pneumatics, electrical systems, servo drives, and VFDs.
• Working knowledge of industrial communication networks (Ethernet/IP, ControlNet, DeviceNet, Profibus).
• Experience using CMMS and WCS platforms in a fulfillment or distribution center environment.
• Analytical problem-solving skills, with the ability to debug and optimize complex systems.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills with technicians, operations, IT, vendors, and contractors.
• Ability to provide on-call support outside of standard shift hours as required.