Automation Engineer

CBRE, Inc.; Grand Rapids (MI); On-site; USD 75,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

CBRE, Inc. is seeking an Automation Engineer to support automated material handling equipment. You will troubleshoot, modify, and optimize control software across conveyors, sortation, scanners, and SCADA programs, ensuring reliability and performance.

The role emphasizes safety, collaboration with operations, and proactive problem solving. Ideal candidates have PLC/Allen-Bradley experience, strong diagnostics, and the ability to communicate effectively with site leadership and maintenance

Qualifications

• Experience maintaining and troubleshooting MHE control systems.
• Knowledge of PLC/PC controllers and AB RSLogix 5000.
• Strong diagnostic and repair skills in automation environments.

Responsibilities

• Troubleshoot MHE control systems and modify software.
• Provide on-site and remote first-level support after hours.
• Inspect systems to ensure equipment operates within specs.
• Manage development scope and inspect work by contractors.
• Engineering process solutions to improve reliability.
• Monitor industrial networks and drive performance improvements.
• Communicate with stakeholders on timelines and impacts.

Skills

PLC/Controls

Allen-Bradley

SCADA

Industrial Networking

Troubleshooting

Tools

RSLogix 5000

ControlLogix/CompactLogix

Ethernet/IP

Profibus/DeviceNet

Job description

Automation Engineer

CBRE is an equal opportunity employer that values diversity.

Job Summary

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

We offer competitive pay, robust benefits package, wellness programs, and a workplace environment that embraces diversity. Come join our global network of professionals supporting client operations across CBRE. Looking for growth and career advancement? Upon completing six months of successful service, associates may explore career advancement opportunities within the organization!

Read on to learn more!

About the Role

In this vital engineering role, you will be part of a team of controls and maintenance professionals who proactively support operations and provide customers with expert-level support based on the customer’s technical problems related to their automated material handling equipment (MHE).Your expertise will be utilized in the continuous improvement and execution of the preventive maintenance process, with a focus on maximizing equipment reliability and operational performance of equipment such as conveyors, sortation systems, scanners, cameras, print and apply systems, SCADA deves and programs.

What You’ll Do

• Promote a safe working environment by complying with all applicable codes, regulations, governmental agencies, and company directives related to system operations and work safety.
• Troubleshoot and modify software programs for material handling control systems, including PLC/PC controllers, Allen Bradley Controllogix/Compactlogix PLC platform and RSLogix 5000 software package.
• Act as first level escalation in troubleshooting support, both on-site and remotely, as well as during and after business hours, to repair all MHE controls software systems. Respond quickly to emergency situations, summoning assistance as needed.
• Inspect systems to ensure the operation of equipment is within design capabilities and achieves operational conditions prescribed by the client.
• Oversee scope of development, work request initiation, scheduling, and inspection of work performed by outside contractors, which includes proprietary work, licensed installations, upgrades, and maintenance and inspection of specialized systems.
• Engineer process solutions and reliability improvement from 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 and partner with site team to resolve equipment electrical problems that create performance deficiencies.
• Proactively and effectively communicate with multiple stakeholders including, but not limited to, leadership, operations and the maintenance team on technical issues and project timelines and production impacts.
• Facilitate analysis and reviews of failures and processes to provide recommendations to implement improvements or retraining to avoid future incidents.
• Perform controls of systems assessments to maintain and improve equipment reliability.
• Clearly communicate technical issues, project timelines, and product impacts with site leadership, operations and the maintenance teams.
• Cultivate positive working relationships with our Client and the Operations Maintenance team members.
• Perform other job-related duties as needed or assigned.