Automation Engineer

Amazon Inc.; Richmond (VA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 113,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

401(k) matching

Paid parental leave

Safety shoes provided

Job summary

Amazon Inc. in Richmond, VA is seeking an Automation Engineer to maximize equipment reliability in fulfillment centers.

You will troubleshoot PLC-based controls, monitor MHE performance, and drive improvements across the automation stack, including conveyors, scanners, and SCADA systems. You will collaborate with cross-functional teams to deploy innovative projects, support site technicians, and ensure rapid, accurate order fulfillment in a fast-paced environment.

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 in PLC based controls design, development, implementation and support.
• Bachelor's degree in computer science, electrical engineering, automation engineering, or equivalent, or 2+ years of experience with Ladder Logic and structure programming from Siemens, Allen-Bradley, or Codesys PLCs

Responsibilities

• Maintain automation systems critical for operations.
• Troubleshoot PLC-based controls and industrial networks.
• Monitor MHE metrics and analyze performance to drive improvements.
• Provide first-level escalation support for site technicians.
• Perform building System Assessments to enhance material handling performance

Skills

PLC programming

Ladder Logic

Automation engineering

Industrial networks

Education

Bachelor's degree in CS/EE/Automation or equivalent experience

Tools

Ethernet

ControlNet

DeviceNet

Profibus

Servo drives

VFDs

Job description

Description

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

Key job responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• You will serve as the site expert for maintaining the automation systems that are critical for operations
• You will 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
• You will monitor MHE metrics and partner with maintenance/operations to address system performance issues and provide analysis across all operations
• You will provide first-level escalation support for site technicians, both locally and remotely
• You will perform and analyze building System Assessments to enhance material handling system performance

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 in PLC based controls design, development, implementation and support
• Bachelor's degree in computer science, electrical engineering, automation engineering, or equivalent, or 2+ years of experience with Ladder Logic and structure programming from Siemens, Allen-Bradley, or Codesys PLCs

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in dealing with material handling, flow and capacity
• Experience with Industrial control systems, both hardware and software

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 https://amazon.jobs/content/en/how-we-hire/accommodations 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 https://amazon.jobs/en/benefits .

USA, VA, Richmond - 90,000.00 - 112,500.00 USD annually