AGV Automation Engineer - Fleet & Navigation Lead

zekelman; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 125,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Tuition assistance

Bonus plan

401(k) with company match

Immediate vesting

Low-cost medical and dental benefits

Job summary

Zekelman Industries is seeking an Automation Engineer (AGV Specialist) to own programming, commissioning, and optimization of an in-house AGV system across indoor bays, outdoor yards, and building-to-building operations. You will link navigation, traffic management, and facility automation with ERP/MES integrations to maximize uptime.

The role requires 3+ years with autonomous systems, strong PLC/HMI skills, and fluency in industrial networks; candidates must thrive in a heavy industrial,

Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience programming and commissioning autonomous systems, AGVs, AMRs, or heavy industrial robotic workcells.
• Proficiency in PLC languages: Ladder Logic, Structured Text, Function Block Diagrams.
• Experience with industrial networking protocols (EtherNet/IP, PROFINET, Modbus, CAN).
• Familiarity with LiDAR SLAM, GPS/RTK, magnetic guidance; ability to work in harsh environments.

Responsibilities

• Program, configure, and optimize AGV routing, traffic control, and dispatch sequencing.
• Write and modify PLC code and HMI screens to integrate the AGV system with mill infrastructure.
• Calibrate and troubleshoot navigation systems (LiDAR SLAM, GPS/RTK, magnetic guidance).
• Configure safety systems (laser scanners, bumper zones, E-stop) to meet ISO 3691-4 / ANSI B56.5.
• Integrate AGV fleet management with MES/WMS/ERP via industrial protocols.
• Conduct field-testing, path validation, and load-testing under varied conditions.
• Create technical docs, recovery procedures, and operator training.

Skills

AGV/automation experience

PLC programming

Problem solving

Scripting ability

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering

Bachelor's degree in Mechatronics

Bachelor's degree in Automation Engineering

Bachelor's degree in Robotics

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science

Tools

PLC programming (Rockwell/AB)

Siemens

Beckhoff

HMI development

EtherNet/IP

PROFINET

Modbus

CAN bus

LiDAR SLAM

RTK-GPS

Magnetic guidance

Job description

Zekelman Industries is seeking an Automation Engineer (AGV Specialist) to own programming, commissioning, and optimization of an in-house AGV system across indoor bays, outdoor yards, and building-to-building operations. You will link navigation, traffic management, and facility automation with ERP/MES integrations to maximize uptime.

The role requires 3+ years with autonomous systems, strong PLC/HMI skills, and fluency in industrial networks; candidates must thrive in a heavy industrial,