Automation Engineer - Emulation

Core Group; Kansas City (KS); On-site; USD 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Core Group is seeking an Emulation Engineer to develop and test automated material handling and conveyor systems through virtual models that mirror real equipment behavior.

You will support testing prior to and during commissioning and collaborate with project engineers, controls engineers, and customers. This early-career role emphasizes documentation, standards, and ongoing learning in industrial automation.

Qualifications

• Technical certificate or higher or equivalent combination of education and relevant technical experience.
• 1 to 3 years of experience in industrial automation, controls, mechatronics, software development, material handling, manufacturing, or related technical field preferred.
• Ability to read and understand technical documentation, system requirements, and engineering drawings.
• Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and problem solving skills.
• Ability to communicate effectively with engineering teams, project managers, and customers.

Responsibilities

• Develop, maintain, and update custom conveyor and equipment models that replicate real world physics, geometry, and system behavior for emulation and testing.
• Support emulation and virtual commissioning of automated material handling systems.
• Develop and maintain internal technical documentation, processes, and standards to improve consistency across projects.
• Develop a working understanding of conveyor and material handling technologies including belted conveyors, CDLR, skid systems, overhead power and free conveyors, MDR conveyors, shoe sorters, ARB systems, and related equipment.
• Review project scopes of work, drawings, and technical requirements to understand system functionality and project expectations.
• Work with project engineers, controls engineers, project managers, and other technical personnel to resolve questions and ensure project requirements are met.
• Participate in project meetings and communicate project status, technical issues, and required actions.
• Interact with customers as needed to gather information, review system requirements, and support project execution.
• Travel occasionally to customer or project sites for data gathering, system review, commissioning support, and customer interaction.

Skills

Industrial automation

Mechatronics

Analytical thinking

Problem solving

Communication

Education

Technical certificate

Associate degree

Bachelor's degree

Tools

PLC programming

CAD

3D modeling

Simulation software

Emulation software

OPC

Job description

We are seeking an Emulation Engineer to support the development, testing, and implementation of automated material handling and conveyor systems. This position will develop and maintain virtual models that replicate the physical operation and behavior of automated equipment, allowing controls systems to be tested and validated prior to and during commissioning.

This is an excellent opportunity for an early career professional with experience or education in industrial automation, controls, mechatronics, programming, or related technical disciplines.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Develop, maintain, and update custom conveyor and equipment models that replicate real world physics, geometry, and system behavior for emulation and testing.
• Support emulation and virtual commissioning of automated material handling systems.
• Develop and maintain internal technical documentation, processes, and standards to improve consistency across projects.
• Develop a working understanding of conveyor and material handling technologies including belted conveyors, CDLR, skid systems, overhead power and free conveyors, MDR conveyors, shoe sorters, ARB systems, and related equipment.
• Review project scopes of work, drawings, and technical requirements to understand system functionality and project expectations.
• Work with project engineers, controls engineers, project managers, and other technical personnel to resolve questions and ensure project requirements are met.
• Participate in project meetings and communicate project status, technical issues, and required actions.
• Interact with customers as needed to gather information, review system requirements, and support project execution.
• Travel occasionally to customer or project sites for data gathering, system review, commissioning support, and customer interaction.

Additional Responsibilities

Depending on experience, responsibilities may include assisting with project scheduling, task allocation, technical reviews, quality control, mentoring junior team members, and coordination of engineering activities.

Required Qualifications

• Technical certificate, associate degree, bachelor's degree, or equivalent combination of education and relevant technical experience.
• Approximately 1 to 3 years of experience in industrial automation, controls, mechatronics, software development, material handling, manufacturing, or a related technical field preferred.
• Ability to read and understand technical documentation, system requirements, and engineering drawings.
• Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and problem solving skills.
• Ability to communicate effectively with engineering teams, project managers, and customers.

Preferred Qualifications

• Working knowledge of PLC programming and ladder logic.
• Familiarity with OPC communications or other industrial communication technologies.
• Experience with CAD, 3D modeling, simulation, or emulation software.
• Exposure to automated conveyor, sortation, material handling, robotics, or industrial automation systems.
• Familiarity with virtual commissioning, equipment simulation, or digital twin concepts is a plus.

Physical Requirements

This position may occasionally require work at active construction, manufacturing, or industrial project sites. Site activities may involve climbing stairs or ladders, navigating areas under construction, working around operating machinery, using basic tools, and assisting with equipment adjustments or modifications. Employees may occasionally be exposed to elevated noise levels, moving equipment, outdoor conditions, and electrical or construction hazards. Appropriate safety procedures and personal protective equipment must be followed.