Senior Automation Engineer (Multi-Site)

Role Overview

Position: Senior Automation Engineer
Team: Reliability & Maintenance Engineering (RME)
Location: Supports multiple last mile sites across Kentucky
Travel: Up to 80% (local + overnight)
Focus: Maximize equipment reliability and operational performance by troubleshooting, optimizing, and improving automation/control systems (MHE – conveyors, sorters, robotics, scanners, SCADA, etc.)

🛠 Key Responsibilities

• Act as site expert for automation systems (MHE, robotics, controls)
• Collaborate with operations, engineering, software, and safety teams on projects & optimization
• Troubleshoot PLC/PC controllers and industrial networks (Ethernet, ControlNet, DeviceNet, Profibus)
• Support motor controls (servo drives, VFDs, frequency drives, distribution systems)
• Monitor MHE metrics & resolve performance issues (local + remote escalation)
• Provide 2nd-level support for site technicians/engineers
• Lead Failure Analysis & Incident Reviews → drive continuous improvement
• Conduct System Assessments to enhance throughput and reliability
• Communicate technical issues, risks, and timelines with managers and ops teams

🎓 Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s in CS, EE, Automation, or equivalent OR 4+ years PLC/automation engineering
• Flexible schedule (nights, weekends, holidays possible)
• 2+ years:
  • PLC-controlled automation troubleshooting
  • Robotics cells and control systems
  • Siemens, Allen-Bradley, or Codesys (Ladder Logic & structured programming)
  • Electrical/robotics/automation equipment
• Experience with CMMS (Computerized Maintenance Management System)

🌟 Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced degree in EE/CS/Automation
• Team lead/mentorship experience
• HMI & control network troubleshooting, design, programming
• Strong motor controls experience (starters, VFDs, DC drives, etc.)
• Hands-on industrial electrical (480V 3-phase, 110V AC, 24V DC)
• SCADA systems & KPI monitoring
• Proficiency in controls software (RSLogix5000, Studio 5000, FT View)
• Experience with systems integration & controls design/programming
• Field service / training background
• Conveyor & sortation systems exposure
• Continuous improvement mindset (process reliability, automation upgrades)
• Familiarity with ASRS (Automated Storage & Retrieval Systems)
• Strong communication & customer service skills
• Experience in remote tech support

💼 What Amazon Offers

• Competitive compensation + benefits (healthcare from Day 1, 401k match, parental leave up to 20 weeks)
• Safety gear (FR daily wear, composite toe shoes)
• Inclusive culture & equal opportunity employer

👉 This role is very hands-on and technical, best suited for someone with strong PLC/controls programming, robotics, and industrial automation experience, combined with the ability to travel frequently and mentor others.