Automation Project Engineer

Automation Project Engineer

Our client is looking for an Automation Project Engineer responsible for executing the design, implementation, and commissioning of physical automation systems across distribution and manufacturing environments. Operating within defined project scopes, this contract role supports capital automation initiatives by translating high-level requirements into executable engineering designs and driving implementation through to final startup.

As an external contractor delivering defined engineering services on a project-by-project basis, this position is tied strictly to capital project phases (design, build, and commissioning). It does not carry ongoing operational ownership or permanent organizational leadership responsibilities.

Key Responsibilities

1. Engineering Design & Specification

• Translate high-level project requirements into detailed equipment specifications, mechanical layouts, and electrical/controls architecture.
• Develop essential system design documentation, block diagrams, RFP packages, and technical evaluation criteria.

2. Vendor & Integration Management

• Coordinate directly with system integrators and equipment suppliers to ensure alignment.
• Validate vendor designs against internal specifications and support vendor selection through rigorous technical evaluation.
• Track vendor deliverables, engineering milestones, and execution timelines.

3. Construction & Installation

• Coordinate on-site installation activities and manage vendor schedules during daily execution.
• Ensure all physical installations strictly adhere to engineering design standards and safety requirements.

4. Testing & Commissioning

• Support the execution of Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT) and Site Acceptance Testing (SAT).
• Participate actively in system startup activities and hands-on troubleshooting of technical issues during commissioning.

5. Documentation & Handover

• Develop initial system procedures, comprehensive technical documentation, and training materials.
• Ensure a complete, structured, and seamless handoff of the automated asset to the local operations team.

Expected Project Deliverables

• Complete engineering design packages and technical specifications.
• Vendor bid packages and technical evaluation summaries.
• Installation, commissioning, and testing support documentation.
• Startup readiness certifications and final testing reports.

Role Boundaries

Scope of Authority: This role is focused strictly on execution and asset creation.

• Included: Working within defined project scopes/timelines; delivering engineering outputs; supporting capital project execution phases.
• Excluded: Defining overarching automation strategy; owning final technology selection decisions; managing long-term operations/maintenance; holding organizational headcount leadership.

Required Qualifications

Education & Experience

• Degree: Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Industrial, or Controls Engineering.
• Experience: 5+ years of hands-on experience with material handling and automation systems, including:
• Conveyor & sortation systems
• Automated Storage and Retrieval Systems (AS/RS)
• Robotics, AMRs, and AGVs
• Goods-to-Picker systems

Technical Skills

• Proven experience in mechanical, electrical, and controls integration.
• Strong background in vendor and integrator coordination, installation, and commissioning.
• Preferred: Experience integrating physical automation systems with WMS/WCS platforms (e.g., SAP EWM).
• Preferred: Experience working within high-volume distribution centers or e-commerce fulfillment environments.

Work Structure & Logistics

• Accounting Alignment: Contractor effort must be meticulously tracked against defined project phases (design, execution, commissioning) to support capital project accounting and reporting. (Feasibility phase will be expense-funded).
• Team Scaling: May coordinate and direct the work of additional contract engineers or secondary vendors as project scope scales.
• Location: Remote flexible, with space made available for regular check-ins and collaboration at the Mason, OH corporate offices.
• Travel: Travel will be required to distribution center locations depending on the active phase of the project (highest proximity during installation and commissioning).

Project Site Scope

• Initial Lead Site (Likely): Ashland, KY | Columbus, OH | Middletown, OH
• Potential Rollout Sites: Toronto, ON | Chicago, IL | Reno, NV | Fort Worth, TX | Montgomery, AL | Scranton, PA | Phoenix, AZ

GPA prides itself on providing quality, personalized services to its clients and candidates. We are a family owned and operated staffing firm built on a strong foundation of company culture founded and sustained since 1979. GPA offers full time contract employees benefits that include: health insurance, 401K, paid vacation and holidays, employee appreciation events and tenure awards. We are an equal employment opportunity firm. Trust we genuinely want the best for you and trust we want to move your career forward.