Automation Engineer

Job Description

Job Description

Job Title: Automation Engineer

Job Description

This Automation Engineer role focuses on maximizing equipment reliability and operational performance within highly automated fulfillment centers. You will provide proactive controls automation and technical support, troubleshoot complex control systems, and drive continuous improvement across material handling equipment. Working with state-of-the-art technologies such as conveyors, sortation systems, scanners, cameras, print and apply systems, and SCADA devices and programs, you will collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance system performance and ensure fast, accurate order delivery.

Responsibilities

• Provide proactive controls automation and technical support for highly automated fulfillment and distribution centers.
• Troubleshoot complex control systems, including material handling equipment, PLC controllers, and industrial networks.
• Analyze performance metrics and system data to identify trends, root causes, and opportunities for continuous improvement.
• Optimize the performance of conveyors, sortation systems, scanners, cameras, print and apply systems, and SCADA devices and programs.
• Support maintenance management activities, including planning and overseeing preventative maintenance for automation and conveyor systems.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to design, implement, and support automation projects that improve reliability and throughput.
• Utilize CMMS tools to plan, track, and document maintenance activities and equipment performance.
• Apply Six Sigma and data-driven methodologies to reduce downtime, improve reliability, and enhance operational efficiency.
• Provide technical guidance and supervision to maintenance and technician teams supporting 24/7 operations.
• Perform electrical and mechanical troubleshooting on automation and material handling equipment to quickly resolve issues.
• Assess and mitigate technical and operational risks related to control systems and automated equipment.
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of control system standards, documentation, and best practices.

Essential Skills

• Demonstrated experience troubleshooting complex control systems, including PLC controllers and industrial networks for material handling equipment.
• Strong knowledge and hands-on experience with PLC programming.
• Practical experience with SCADA systems, including devices and programs.
• Extensive electrical knowledge and experience working with industrial electrical systems.
• Experience with conveyors, sortation systems, scanners, cameras, and print and apply systems.
• Background in maintenance management and preventative maintenance planning for automated equipment.
• Proficiency in data analysis to interpret performance metrics and drive continuous improvement initiatives.
• Experience using CMMS (Computerized Maintenance Management Systems).
• Proven ability in electrical troubleshooting and mechanical troubleshooting of automated and material handling systems.
• Experience working with material handling equipment, including sorters and robotics.
• Risk management skills related to automation, control systems, and equipment reliability.
• PLC and SCADA knowledge or experience sufficient to pass a technical criteria assessment.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience in industrial automation, electrical, bottling, conveyor, production, packing, or avionics environments.
• Project management experience in implementing or upgrading control systems and automation projects.
• Familiarity with Six Sigma or similar continuous improvement methodologies.
• Experience in maintenance supervision or leading technical teams in an automated facility.
• Comfort working with advanced material handling and robotics technologies.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills for working with cross-functional engineering, operations, and maintenance teams.

Why Work Here?

You join a culture that emphasizes ownership, long-term thinking, and continuous improvement, with a total compensation philosophy that goes beyond base pay. You benefit from a sign-on bonus distributed over your first two years and a Restricted Stock Unit (RSU) grant with a backloaded vesting schedule designed to reward long-term contribution. RSUs are granted in shares, with vesting typically at 5% in year one, 15% in year two, and 40% in each of years three and four, and refresher grants commonly starting after year two. You have opportunities for performance-based stock awards and annual compensation reviews that support ongoing market competitiveness. You also gain access to comprehensive benefits, including 401(k) matching, robust health coverage, employee discounts, and potential relocation support, all within an environment that values innovation, reliability, and operational excellence.

Work Environment

You will work in a highly complex, automated distribution center that operates 24/7 and relies on advanced material handling systems. The environment includes extensive use of conveyors, sortation systems, scanners, cameras, print and apply systems, PLC-based control systems, and SCADA devices and programs. You will support and collaborate with large technician teams—more than 80 technicians—who provide daily maintenance and operational support for continuous, around-the-clock operations. The setting is fast-paced, technology-driven, and highly dynamic, requiring regular interaction with industrial electrical and mechanical equipment in a large-scale fulfillment facility.

Interested? Questions? Book time with Recruiter Sophia Fontana using this link:

This is a Permanent position based out of Rockville, VA.

The pay range for this position is $81000.00 - $102400.00/yr.

o 401(k) matching o Comprehensive health benefits o Employee discount o Relocation package if applicable

This is a fully onsite position in Rockville,VA.

This position is anticipated to close on Jun 22, 2026.

We know that finding work is hard, and finding meaningful work is harder. Aerotek connects 180,000+ light industrial and skilled trades workers with 14,000+ employers each year, helping our workers navigate an evolving labor market and find jobs that meets their goals, skills and interests. Since 1983, we have provided a variety of career opportunities across North American industry – from short-term assignments at Fortune 500 companies where you can build your skills, to long-term opportunities where you can play a vital role solving for companies’ construction, manufacturing and maintenance challenges. Our 1,500+ experienced recruiters across 250+ offices work relentlessly to put our workforce in a position to thrive. Let us rise to meet your challenges and put our people-are everything spirit to the test as your career continues to grow.

Aerotek offers weekly pay, employee benefits including medical, dental & vision, life insurance, health advocacy and employee assistance programs, a 401(k) plan, and employee discounts.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regards to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance:
Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector:
It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI):
We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.

We know that finding work is hard, and finding meaningful work is harder. Aerotek connects 180,000+ light industrial and skilled trades workers with 14,000+ employers each year, helping our workers navigate an evolving labor market and find jobs that meet their goals, skills, and interests. Since 1983, we have provided a variety of career opportunities across North American industry – from short-term assignments at Fortune 500 companies where you can build your skills, to long-term opportunities where you can play a vital role in solving companies’ construction, manufacturing, and maintenance challenges. Our 1,500+ experienced recruiters across 250+ offices work relentlessly to put our workforce in a position to thrive. Let us rise to meet your challenges and put our people-are-everything spirit to the test as your career continues to grow.

Company Description

We know that finding work is hard, and finding meaningful work is harder. Aerotek connects 180,000+ light industrial and skilled trades workers with 14,000+ employers each year, helping our workers navigate an evolving labor market and find jobs that meet their goals, skills, and interests. Since 1983, we have provided a variety of career opportunities across North American industry – from short-term assignments at Fortune 500 companies where you can build your skills, to long-term opportunities where you can play a vital role in solving companies’ construction, manufacturing, and maintenance challenges. Our 1,500+ experienced recruiters across 250+ offices work relentlessly to put our workforce in a position to thrive. Let us rise to meet your challenges and put our people-are-everything spirit to the test as your career continues to grow.