Automation Engineer Apprentice

Cushman & Wakefield; Fort Wayne (IN); On-site; USD 34,000 - 40,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Weekly Pay

Comprehensive Benefits from day one

Advancement Opportunities

Training in cutting-edge facility

Safety-first culture

Job summary

Cushman & Wakefield is seeking an Automation Engineer Apprentice to learn and support maintenance of automated packaging and distribution equipment at a Fort Wayne site. You will assist with installation, preventive maintenance, and repair of MHE, while growing skills under senior technicians in a complex manufacturing environment.

The role emphasizes safety, teamwork, and developing the ability to analyze and troubleshoot high-performance systems.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 1 year RME Mechatronics & Robotics Technician experience
• Flexible schedule including weekends, nights, and holidays
• Able to commute to specified site
• High school diploma or GED
• 1+ years of experience using Microsoft Office products
• Able to enroll in, attend, and complete a 12-week training at a designated training area
• Able to commit to a 2-year onsite apprenticeship post-12 week training
• Knowledge of Basic Mathematics

Responsibilities

• Conduct preventative/corrective maintenance and basic troubleshooting of robotics and robotic work cells
• Troubleshoot electrical and mechanical problems related to all material handling equipment components
• Maintain and troubleshoot motors, photo eyes, relays, proximity sensors, solenoids, motor starters, tachs, etc.
• Assist with basic electronics and Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC) troubleshooting
• Must be able to move up to 49lbs, stand and walk during shifts lasting up to 12 hours, climb ladders and gangways safely and without limitation, as well as perform regular bending, lifting, stretching, and reaching both below the waist and above the head

Skills

Effective communicator

Teamwork

Self-motivated

Basic mathematics

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Automation Engineer Apprentice

Job Description Summary

Our Purpose: At C&W Services, we live by the belief that Better Never Settles. We're dedicated to creating a positive impact globally, and we're looking for talented individuals to join our team.

C&W Services provides compelling benefits, including:

• Weekly Pay
• Comprehensive Benefits that start on your first day
• Advancement Opportunities
• Training to work in a Cutting Edge Facility
• A Safety First Culture

About the Role: The Automation Engineering Apprentice (AEA) will learn to focus on equipment troubleshooting and maintaining material handling equipment (MHE) such as conveyors, sortation systems, scanners, cameras, print and apply labeling systems, scales, HMI systems, and control cabinets. During on-the-job learning (OJL) you will work with complex high-performance manufacturing systems and will learn to analyze, troubleshoot, and repair systems to maintain process efficiency. The focus of this role is to learn the skills and abilities to ensure safety regulations and policies are adhered to, assist in the installation, maintenance, and repair of the automated packaging and distribution equipment, ensure preventative maintenance is conducted on time to a high standard, and provide high levels of equipment availability through continuous improvement.

C&W Services AEA apprentices are engaged in the assembly and maintenance of complex machines, plants, and systems within the Reliability & Maintenance Engineering (RME) sector or in organizations which purchase and operate such mechatronic systems. Apprentices are paired with journey workers to carry out their work at various facilities, including high automation and robotics facilities in connection with service operations. They are expected to perform their work according to technical documents and instructions, ensuring compliance with relevant regulations and safety standards.

The successful candidate is an effective communicator, works well in a team, and is self-motivated. They should have the ability to work collaboratively and coordinate their activities with upstream and downstream operations partners. In addition to developing your skills, you will be mentored by senior technicians to grow in your role.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct preventative/corrective maintenance and basic troubleshooting of robotics and robotic work cells
• Troubleshoot electrical and mechanical problems related to all material handling equipment components
• Maintain and troubleshoot motors, photo eyes, relays, proximity sensors, solenoids, motor starters, tachs, etc.
• Assist with basic electronics and Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC) troubleshooting
• Must be able to move up to 49lbs, stand and walk during shifts lasting up to 12 hours, climb ladders and gangways safely and without limitation, as well as perform regular bending, lifting, stretching, and reaching both below the waist and above the head

Basic Qualifications

• Minimum of 1 year RME Mechatronics & Robotics Technician (MRT) Experience
• Work a flexible schedule/shift/work area, including weekends, nights, and/or holidays
• Able to commute to specified site
• High school diploma or GED equivalent
• 1+ years of experience using Microsoft Office products and applications
• Able to enroll in, attend, and complete a 12-week training at a designated training area (Location to be determined post-interview)
• Able to commit to a 2-year onsite apprenticeship post-12 week training
• Knowledge of Basic Mathematics

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in an electrical, mechanical, or controls field
• 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
• Experience interpreting, modifying, and developing mechanical and electrical drawings

Physical Demands: Must be able to move up to 49lbs, stand and walk during shifts lasting up to 12 hours, climb ladders and gangways safely and without limitation, as well as perform regular bending, lifting, stretching, and reaching both below the waist and above the head.

Why C&W Services?

We're a global company with over 400 offices in 60 countries. We're proud of our diverse family of employees and are committed to creating an inclusive workplace. We're recognized by the Human Rights Foundation as a Best Place to Work for LGBTQI+ individuals and are dedicated to continuing to build a culture of inclusion and respect.

Cushman & Wakefield also provides eligible employees with an opportunity to enroll in a variety of benefit programs, generally including health, vision, and dental insurance, flexible spending accounts, health savings accounts, retirement savings plans, life, and disability insurance programs, and paid and unpaid time away from work. In addition to a comprehensive benefits package, Cushman and Wakefield provide eligible employees with competitive pay, which may vary depending on eligibility factors such as geographic location, date of hire, total hours worked, job type, business line, and applicability of collective bargaining agreements.

The compensation that will be offered to the successful candidate will depend on factors such as whether the position is covered by a collective bargaining agreement, the geographic area in which the work will be performed, market pay rates in that area, and the candidate’s experience and qualifications. The company will not pay less than minimum wage for this role. The compensation for the position is: $24.93 - $29.33.

C&W Services is an Equal Opportunity employer to all protected groups, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. Discrimination of any type will not be tolerated.

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act (ADAAA), if you have a disability and would like to request an accommodation in order to apply for a position at C&W Services, please call the ADA line at 1-888-365-5406 or email [e-mail]. Please refer to the job title and job location when you contact us.

INCO: "C&W Services".

About Cushman & Wakefield

Cushman & Wakefield (NYSE: CWK) is a leading global commercial real estate services firm for occupiers and investors with approximately 53,000 employees in over 350 offices and nearly 60 countries. In 2025, the firm reported revenue of 10.3 billion across its core service lines of services, Leasing, Capital markets, and Valuation and other. Built around the belief that Better never settles, the firm receives numerous industry and business accolades for its award-winning culture. For additional information, visit www.cushmanwakefield.com.