Automation Engineering Apprentice

JLL; St. Regis Falls (NY); On-site; USD 20,664,000 - 30,307,000; Full time

Job summary

JLL is seeking an Automation Engineering Apprentice in New York for a structured program combining classroom instruction, lab training, and on‑the‑job learning. You will work with experienced engineers to gain hands-on experience with PLCs, VFDs, sensors, HMIs, and industrial networks within a fast-paced facility environment.

The program includes mentoring, safety training, and progression from shadowing to supervised tasks, with emphasis on developing troubleshooting and maintenance skills for

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required; 18+ years old.
• Interest in automation, controls, or mechatronics through coursework or projects.
• Basic computer literacy (email, spreadsheets, troubleshooting tools).
• Willingness to travel for required training sessions.
• Ability to read and interpret basic electrical/mechanical drawings.
• Commitment to learning, teamwork, and safe work practices.

Responsibilities

• Learn and apply safety standards (LOTO, PPE, arc-flash).
• Shadow and assist engineers with troubleshooting, maintenance, and repair of control systems.
• Support daily automation operations by addressing faults and documenting issues.
• Participate in preventive and predictive maintenance of equipment and panels.
• Work with schematics and software tools to identify and fix issues.
• Learn to interpret and modify PLC programs under supervision.
• Assist in system performance tracking and data analysis.
• Develop communication skills with engineers, technicians, and operations teams.
• Complete structured training with programs like Amatrol Automation Fundamentals.

Skills

Automation interest

Reading drawings

Teamwork

Learning mindset

Travel willingness

Basic computer literacy

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Technical/Associate degree in Mechatronics or Automation (preferred)

Tools

Hand tools

Test equipment

Job description

What This Job Involves

As an Automation Engineering Apprentice (AEA), you’ll learn to support, maintain, and improve automated systems within a complex fulfillment or distribution center. Through a structured combination of classroom instruction, hands‑on lab training, and on‑the‑job learning, you’ll gain the foundational skills needed to become an Automation Engineer. Apprentices are paired with mentors to carry out their assigned work at various facilities. They will complete a 12 week Related Technical Instruction with a partner college, followed by 3500 hours of On The Job Learning. You’ll train alongside experienced Automation Engineers, Technicians, and OEM partners to develop your understanding of Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs), Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs), Motor Controls, Sensor Logic Systems, Electrical System Installation, Industrial network Communications, and robotics while working safely and collaboratively in a fast‑paced environment.

Work performed

• Learn and apply safety standards, including Lockout/Tagout (LOTO), PPE, arc-flash awareness, and safe work practices.
• Shadow and assist Automation Engineers in troubleshooting, maintaining, and repairing control systems, PLCs, VFDs, sensors, scanners, HMIs, and industrial networks.
• Support daily automation operations by responding to faults, documenting issues, and learning to perform root‑cause analysis.
• Participate in preventive and predictive maintenance activities for material handling equipment and control panels.
• Work with system documentation, schematics, and software tools to identify and correct equipment issues.
• Learn to interpret and modify PLC programs under the supervision of trained engineers.
• Assist in system performance tracking, data analysis, and minor control upgrades.
• Develop technical communication skills through collaboration with engineers, technicians, and operations teams.
• Complete structured training through programs such as Amatrol Automation Fundamentals, Automation Essentials, and relevant JLL learning modules.

As your skills progress, you’ll gradually take on more responsibility—transitioning from shadowing to performing supervised tasks and contributing to improvement projects.

Required Qualifications

• 18 years of age or older with a high school diploma or GED.
• Demonstrated interest in automation, controls, or mechatronics through coursework, hands‑on experience, or personal projects.
• Basic computer literacy (email, spreadsheets, troubleshooting tools, software navigation).
• Willingness to travel for required training sessions.
• Ability to read and interpret basic electrical or mechanical drawings.
• Commitment to learning, teamwork, and safe work practices.

Preferred Qualifications

• Enrollment in or completion of a technical or associate degree in Mechatronics, Electrical Engineering Technology, Automation, or a related field.
• Basic understanding of control systems, sensors, relays, and motor drives.
• Prior exposure to industrial maintenance, troubleshooting, or robotics environments.
• Experience using hand tools, test equipment, or working with mechanical assemblies.

Physical demands and work environment

• Regular bending, standing, kneeling, and walking on concrete surfaces.
• Lifting tools or components up to 49 pounds.
• Working in varied environmental conditions (heat, cold, noise, dust).
• Operating safely around energized equipment and moving conveyors.

At JLL, we work together to create a brighter future for our clients, colleagues, and communities. Our collaborative culture—locally and globally—drives innovative solutions. We value wellbeing, inclusivity, and belonging, ensuring every team member feels supported. JLL is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to diversity and inclusion.