Automation Engineer

CBRE; DeKalb (IL); On-site; USD 106,000 - 117,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

401k matching

Paid time off

Life insurance

Pet insurance

Parental leave

Job summary

CBRE Global Workplace Solutions (GWS) is seeking an Automation Engineer to support automated material handling equipment (MHE) and control systems. You will troubleshoot PLC/PC controllers, oversee maintenance, and help improve reliability across conveyors, sortation, scanners, cameras, and SCADA programs.

The role emphasizes safety, cross-functional collaboration with site teams, and proactive problem-solving to maximize equipment uptime.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree preferred or equivalent experience.
• 2–5 years of relevant engineering experience.
• Experience in two engineering design cycles including specification and programming.
• 2+ years PLC programming experience.
• 2+ years robotics system components and controls.
• 2+ years of SCADA systems.
• Flexible schedule including nights/weekends.
• Meet physical requirements (lifting 50 lbs).

Responsibilities

• Promote a safe working environment and compliance with codes and directives.
• Troubleshoot and modify software for material handling control systems (PLC/PC).
• Act as first-level escalation on-site and remotely, including after hours.
• Inspect systems to ensure operation within design specs.
• Oversee development, scheduling, and inspection with outside contractors.
• Engineer process solutions and reliability improvements from concept to network implementation.
• Monitor industrial networks (Ethernet, ControlNet, Profibus, etc.).
• Communicate with stakeholders about issues and timelines.
• Perform other job-related duties as needed.

Skills

PLC programming

Robotics systems

SCADA

Troubleshooting

Electrical controls

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

RSLogix 5000

Allen-Bradley Studio 5000

Job description

Automation Engineer

CBRE is an equal opportunity employer that values diversity.

Job Summary

At CBRE Global Workplace Solutions (GWS) , Safety isour top priority! We maintain a safety-first culture in which CBRE employeesreturn home in the same condition in which they reported to work. We’re lookingfor a skilled and forward-thinking Ctrl Systems Engineer / AutomationEngineer (AE) to join our growing team as we work to service one of theworld’s largest online retailers.

We offer competitive pay, robust benefits package,wellness programs, and a workplace environment that embraces diversity. Comejoin our global network of professionals supporting client operations across CBRE. Lookingfor growth and career advancement? Upon completing six months of successfulservice, associates may explore career advancement opportunities within theorganization!

Read on to learn more!

About the Role

In this vital engineering role, you will be part of a teamof controls and maintenance professionals who proactively support operationsand provide customers with expert-level support based on the customer’stechnical problems related to their automated material handling equipment(MHE). Your expertise will be utilizedin the continuous improvement and execution of the preventive maintenanceprocess, with a focus on maximizing equipment reliability and operational performanceof equipment such as conveyors, sortation systems, scanners, cameras, print andapply systems, SCADA deves and programs.

What You’ll Do

• Promotea safe working environment by complying with all applicable codes, regulations,governmental agencies, and company directives related to system operations andwork safety.
• Troubleshoot and modify software programs for materialhandling control systems, including PLC/PC controllers, Allen BradleyControllogix/Compactlogix PLC platform and RSLogix 5000 software package.
• Act as first level escalation in troubleshootingsupport, both on-site and remotely, as well as during and after business hours,to repair all MHE controls software systems. Respond quickly to emergencysituations, summoning assistance as needed.
• Inspect systems to ensure the operation of equipmentis within design capabilities and achieves operational conditions prescribed bythe client.
• Overseescope of development, work request initiation, scheduling, and inspection ofwork performed by outside contractors, which includes proprietary work,licensed installations, upgrades, and maintenance and inspection of specializedsystems.
• Engineer process solutions and reliability improvementfrom concept to network implementation.
• Monitor Industrial networks such as Ethernet,ControlNet, DeviceNet, Profibus, AS-I, motor control systems, servo drives,frequency drives, and electrical distribution systems.
• Monitor material handling equipment metrics andpartner with site team to resolve equipment electrical problems that createperformance deficiencies.
• Proactively and effectively communicate with multiplestakeholders including, but not limited to, leadership, operations and themaintenance team on technical issues and projecttimelines, and productionimpacts.
• Facilitate analysis and reviews of failures andprocesses to provide recommendations to implement improvements or retraining toavoid future incidents.
• Performcontrols of systems assessments to maintain and improve equipment reliability.
• Clearly communicate technical issues, projecttimelines, and product impacts with site leadership, operations and themaintenance teams.
• Cultivate positive working relationships with ourClient and the Operations Maintenance team members.
• Perform other job-related duties as needed or assigned.

What You’ll Need

• Bachelor'sDegree preferred with 2-5 years of relevant experience. In lieu of a degree, acombination of experience and education may be considered.
• Experience in at least two engineering design cyclesincluding specification, component selection and programming.
• 2+ years of experience with Programmable LogicControls (PLC) programs.
• 2+ years of experience with robotics system componentsand controls.
• 2+ years of experience with SCADA systems.
• Ability to be available and work a flexibleschedule/shift/work area, including weekends, nights, and/or holidays.
• Ability to independently solve problems and carry outgeneral instructions in standard situations with limited to no oversight.
• Meet the physical requirements of this role includingstooping, standing, walking, climbing stairs/ladders, and the ability tolift/carry heavy loads of 50 lbs. or more.
• Abilityto guide the exchange of sensitive, complicated, and difficult information,convey performance expectations, and handle problems.

Preferred Qualifications

• 2+ years apprenticeship or equivalent experience inControl Systems troubleshooting/ programming.
• Experience supporting a range of different conveyorsand sortation systems.
• Experiencewith robotic maintenance.
• In-depth knowledge of Microsoft Office products.Examples include Word, Excel, Outlook, etc.
• Extensive organizational skills with a stronginquisitive mindset.
• Advanced math skills. Ability to calculate difficultfigures such as percentages, fractions, and other financial-relatedcalculations.

CBRE Employee Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, dental, vision
• Disability benefit program
• 401k company matching
• Paid time off and holidays
• Company paid life insurance
• Pet insurance
• Paid parental leave

Why CBRE?

We invest in our employees’ development. The core of our strategy is the view that development happens through three key activities:on-the-job learning, coaching and formal training. We provide employees with resources that support them in developing skills to enhance performance in their current role as well as for future roles.

CBRE carefully considers multiple factors to determine compensation, including a candidate’s education, training, and experience. The minimum salary for the Automation Engineer position is $106,142.40 annually [or $51.03 per hour] and the maximum salary for the Automation Engineer position is $116,812.80 annually [or $56.16 per hour]. The compensation that is offered to a successful candidate will depend on the candidate’s skills, qualifications, and experience.

Equal Employment Opportunity: CBRE is an equal opportunity employer that values diversity. We have a long-standing commitment to providing equal employment opportunity to all qualified applicants regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, veteran status, political belief, or any other basis protected by applicable law.

Candidate Accommodations: CBRE values the differences of all current and prospective employees and recognizes how every employee contributes to our company’s success. CBRE provides reasonable accommodations in job application procedures for individuals with disabilities. If you require assistance due to a disability in the application or recruitment process, please submit a request via email at [e-mail] or via telephone at [phone] (U.S.) and [phone] (Canada).

CBRE, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity and