Automation Engineer Apprentice

Operations is at the heart of Amazon's business. We are known for our speed, accuracy, and exceptional service. Our buildings deliver tens of thousands of products to hundreds of countries worldwide, every day. The Reliability & Maintenance Engineering (RME) team are the business partners that work tirelessly behind the scenes to make it happen. We drive continuous improvement, and maintain all the robotics and material handling equipment (MHE) to ensure our customers are met with the Amazon smile. Come join us on our journey!

About the Role:

The Automation Engineering Apprentice(ship) (AEA) will learn to focus on equipment troubleshooting and maintaining material handling equipment (MHE) such as conveyors, sortation systems, scanners, cameras, print and apply labeling systems, scales, HMI systems, and control cabinets. During on-the-job learning (OJL) you will work with complex high-performance manufacturing systems and will learn to analyze, troubleshoot, and repair systems to maintain process efficiency. The focus of this role is to learn the skills and abilities to ensure safety regulations and policies are adhered to, assist in the installation, maintenance, and repair of the automated packaging and distribution equipment, ensure preventative maintenance is conducted on time to a high standard, and provide high levels of equipment availability through continuous improvement.

Amazon AEA apprentices are engaged in the assembly and maintenance of complex machines, plants, and systems in the Reliability & Maintenance Engineering sector or in organizations which purchase and operate such mechatronic systems. Apprentices are paired with journey workers to carry out their work at various facilities, including high automation and robotics facilities in connection with service operations. They are expected to work based on technical documents and instructions and carry out their work in compliance with the relevant provisions and safety regulations.

The successful candidate is an effective communicator, works well in a team, and is self-motivated. They should have the ability to work collaboratively and coordinate their activities with upstream and downstream operations partners. In addition to developing your skills, you will be mentored by senior technicians to grow in your role.

What Do We Offer?

Amazon offers competitive compensation packages including comprehensive healthcare benefits starting on Day 1, matching 401(k) program, and up to 20 weeks of paid parental leave. But wait, there's more: We provide lightweight fire-resistant daily wear and composite toe safety shoes for your safety!

Key job responsibilities

Key job responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

- You will conduct preventative/corrective maintenance and basic troubleshooting of robotics and robotic work cells

- You will troubleshoot electrical and mechanical problems related to all material handling equipment components

- You will maintain and troubleshoot motors, photo eyes, relays, proximity sensors, solenoids, motor starters, tachs, etc.

- You will assist with basic electronics/Programmable Logic Controllers troubleshooting

- You must be able to move up to 49lbs, stand and walk during shifts lasting up to 12 hours, climb ladders and gangways safely and without limitation, as well as perform regular bending, lifting, stretching, and reaching both below the waist and above the head

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS

- Work a flexible schedule/shift/work area, including weekends, nights, and/or holidays

- 1+ years of Amazon RME (BB/3P) Mechatronics & Robotics Technician (MRT) experience

- Can commute to the specified work site

- High School diploma, or equivalent

- 1+ years of Microsoft Office products and applications experience

- Can commit to a 2-year onsite apprenticeship following a 12-week training period

- Can complete a 12-week training program at a designated training provider

- Knowledge of basic mathematics

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

- Experience in the electrical field, or experience in the mechanical or controls field

- Experience with PLC (Programmable Logic Controller)-controlled automation and issue diagnosis in a continuous process or production environment

- Experience with robotics work cells and their control systems

- Experience with Ladder Logic and structure programming from Siemens, Allen-Bradley, or Codesys PLCs (Programmable Logic Controllers)

- Experience with electrical theory, robotics, controls components, and automated equipment

- Experience interpreting, modifying, and developing mechanical and electrical drawings

Amazon is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of protected veteran status, disability, or other legally protected status.

Our inclusive culture empowers Amazonians to deliver the best results for our customers. If you have a disability and need a workplace accommodation or adjustment during the application and hiring process, including support for the interview or onboarding process, please visit for more information. If the country/region you're applying in isn't listed, please contact your Recruiting Partner.

The starting pay for this position is listed below, including the base pay rate plus the highest available shift differential which applies depending on the shift you select. As a total compensation company, additional earnings may include shift differentials and overtime pay. Final pay will be based on factors including shift selection and location. Starting Day 1 of employment, Amazon offers EAP, Mental Health Support, Medical Advice Line, 401(k) matching. Learn more about our benefits at

USA, VA, Fredericksburg - 38.40 - 39.00 USD hourly