Automation Engineer

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 of 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:

As an Automation Engineer, you will play a crucial role in maximizing equipment reliability and operational performance in our fulfillment centers by providing proactive controls automation and technical support. Your expertise will be essential in troubleshooting complex control systems, analyzing performance metrics, and driving continuous improvement initiatives. You'll collaborate with cross-functional teams to optimize material handling equipment (MHE) systems and implement innovative projects. You'll work with state-of-the-art technology, including conveyors, sortation systems, scanners, cameras, print and apply systems, and SCADA devices and programs. Through your efforts, you'll directly contribute to ensuring our customers receive their orders with Amazon's signature speed and accuracy.

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

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

- Serve as the site expert for maintaining the automation systems that are critical for operations

- Collaborate with building Operations, Operations Engineering teams, FC Start-up Team, AFT Software teams, ACES team, and Safety in supporting MHE systems optimization and project implementation

- Understand, maintain and troubleshoot material handling control systems, including PLC/PC controllers and industrial networks such as Ethernet, ControlNet, DeviceNet, Profibus, motor control systems, servo drives, frequency drives, and electrical distribution systems

- Monitor MHE metrics and partner with maintenance/operations to address system performance issues and provide analysis across all operations

- Provide first-level escalation support for site technicians, both locally and remotely

- Facilitate Failure Analysis and Incident Review processes to drive continuous improvement

- Perform and analyze building System Assessments to enhance material handling system performance

- Communicate technical issues and project timelines clearly to building managers, operations staff and maintenance teams

- Move up to 49lbs as well as stand and walk during shifts lasting up to 12 hours, with or without reasonable accommodation

- Climb ladders and gangways safely and without limitation

- Regular bending, lifting, stretching, and reaching both below the waist and above the head

- Engage in full manual dexterity in both hands and wrists

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS

- Bachelor's degree in computer science, electrical engineering, automation engineering, or equivalent, or 2+ years of PLC programming or automation engineering experience

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

- Experience with PLC-controlled automation and issue diagnosis in a continuous process or production environment

- Experience with robotics work cells and its control systems

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

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

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

- Experience with HMI and control network components, including maintenance, troubleshooting, programming and design

- Experience identifying, maintaining, troubleshooting, and modifying Motor Controls including motor starters, Variable Frequency Drives, DC drives, and standard electrical components

- Hands-on industrial electrical experience, including 480V 3-phase, 110 VAC, and 24VDC systems

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

- Experience identifying, maintaining, and utilizing SCADA systems and KPIs

- Experience with programming software such as RSLogix5000, Studio 5000, FT View, and other controls software platforms

- Experience in controls design or programming

- Systems integration experience

- Field service engineering or systems training experience

- Experience supporting various conveyors and sortation systems

- Excellent written, verbal and customer service skills

- Proven track record in remote technical support

- Experience driving continuous improvement or programmatic solutions in relation to automated equipment

- Experience with advanced automation controls systems and industrial robotics

- Experience with Automated Storage and Retrieval Systems (ASRS)

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 base salary range for this position is listed below. Your Amazon package will include sign-on payments and restricted stock units (RSUs). Final compensation will be determined based on factors including experience, qualifications, and location. Amazon also offers comprehensive benefits including health insurance (medical, dental, vision, prescription, Basic Life & AD&D insurance and option for Supplemental life plans, EAP, Mental Health Support, Medical Advice Line, Flexible Spending Accounts, Adoption and Surrogacy Reimbursement coverage), 401(k) matching, paid time off, and parental leave. Learn more about our benefits at

USA, WA, Arlington - 90,000.00 - 112,500.00 USD annually