Automation Engineer (Fulfillment & Operations)

Amazon; Richmond (VA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 112,500; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Healthcare benefits (Day 1)

401(k) matching

Paid parental leave (up to 20 weeks)

Safety footwear

Job summary

Amazon.com Services LLC in Virginia (Richmond) is seeking an Automation Engineer to maximize equipment reliability and operational performance in fulfillment centers by delivering proactive controls automation and technical support for material handling equipment.

You will troubleshoot PLC/PC controllers, monitor MHE metrics, and drive continuous improvement while collaborating with cross-functional teams on conveyors, sortation systems, scanners, cameras, print and apply systems, and SCADA

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or 2+ years in PLC programming or automation engineering.
• Experience with PLC-based controls design, development and support.
• Willingness to work a flexible schedule including weekends/nights/holidays.

Responsibilities

• You will serve as the site expert for maintaining automation systems critical to operations.
• Troubleshoot material handling control systems including PLC/controllers and networks such as Ethernet/Profibus.
• Monitor MHE metrics and partner with maintenance to address performance issues.
• Provide first-level escalation support for site technicians, locally and remotely.
• Perform and analyze building System Assessments to enhance performance.

Skills

PLC programming

Automation engineering

Control systems troubleshooting

Industrial networks

Education

Bachelor’s degree in computer science, electrical engineering, automation engineering

Tools

SCADA systems

Siemens/Allen-Bradley PLCs

Industrial control hardware

Job description

Job ID: 3173922 | Amazon.com Services LLC - A57

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.

Key job responsibilities

• 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.

Preferred Qualifications

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

We offer competitive compensation packages including comprehensive healthcare benefits starting on Day 1, matching 401(k) program, and up to 20 weeks of paid parental leave. Lightweight fire‑resistant daily wear and composite toe safety shoes for your safety. The base salary range for this position is 90,000.00 - 112,500.00 USD annually (USA, VA, Richmond).

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.