Automation Technical Trainer

JLL; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

JLL is seeking an Automation Technical Trainer to design, deliver, and evaluate hands-on training for client-site maintenance technicians and automation engineers. The role emphasizes translating PLC-controlled systems, sensors, motor controls, VFDs, HMIs, and safety networks into standardized learning experiences.

Training is delivered via instructor-led sessions, workshops, simulations, and proctored evaluations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a technical, engineering, education, or instructional design field, or four years of equipment maintenance experience or as a field trainer.
• Demonstrated knowledge of automation, PLCs, HMIs, sensors, motor controls, VFDs, safety circuits, and industrial networks.

Responsibilities

• Develop and deliver competency-based training on automation and controls systems used in material handling, conveyance, sortation, and robotic applications.
• Administer proctored, asset-level technical certification evaluations under the TAC program.
• Maintain strong knowledge of electrical, controls, networking, and mechanical principles for training support.
• Evaluate training effectiveness through assessments and performance metrics and refine content accordingly.
• Collaborate with operations, training, and client teams to align initiatives with site readiness.

Skills

Training delivery

Competency assessment

PLC fundamentals

Electrical troubleshooting

HMI interfaces

Safety compliance

Education

Bachelor's degree in technical/engineering field

Field trainer experience or equipment maintenance background

Tools

LMS

Electrical test equipment

Automation diagnostic tools

Job description

Position Overview
The Automation Technical Trainer designs, delivers, and evaluates hands-on technical training and certification programs that prepare client-site maintenance technicians and automation engineers to safely troubleshoot, maintain, and support automated material handling and robotic systems. This role translates complex automation and controls concepts, including PLC-controlled systems, industrial electrical equipment, sensors, motor controls, VFDs, HMIs, safety systems, and industrial networks, into standardized, competency-based learning experiences. Training is delivered through instructor-led sessions, hands-on workshops, troubleshooting simulations, and proctored technical evaluations. The Automation Technical Trainer’s primary responsibility is administering JLL’s technical training and certification program to ensure workforce readiness and operational capability, including program design, delivery oversight, competency assessment, and continuous improvement of training effectiveness.

Automation Technical Trainer - JLL
Position Overview
The Automation Technical Trainer designs, delivers, and evaluates hands-on technical training and certification programs that prepare client-site maintenance technicians and automation engineers to safely troubleshoot, maintain, and support automated material handling and robotic systems. This role translates complex automation and controls concepts, including PLC-controlled systems, industrial electrical equipment, sensors, motor controls, VFDs, HMIs, safety systems, and industrial networks, into standardized, competency-based learning experiences. Training is delivered through instructor-led sessions, hands-on workshops, troubleshooting simulations, and proctored technical evaluations. The Automation Technical Trainer’s primary responsibility is administering JLL’s technical training and certification program to ensure workforce readiness and operational capability, including program design, delivery oversight, competency assessment, and continuous improvement of training effectiveness.
Key Responsibilities
Training Development and Delivery
Develop and deliver competency-based technical training on automation and controls systems used in material handling, conveyance, sortation, and robotic applications. Training topics may include PLC fundamentals, electrical troubleshooting, sensors and field devices, motor controls, VFDs, HMIs, industrial communication networks, control panels, safety circuits, and systematic troubleshooting methods through instructor-led classroom sessions, virtual sessions, and hands-on field workshops. Create and maintain facilitator guides, observation checklists, job aids, and reference materials that standardize training delivery across the network. Conduct needs assessments to identify technician skill gaps and align curriculum to asset-level maintenance and troubleshooting competencies. Ensure training content remains current with equipment updates, engineering changes, and revised maintenance procedures. Where no training content exists for a newly deployed asset or an emerging failure mode, independently develop new curriculum and define the proficiency standard that becomes the network benchmark other trainers and sites follow.
Competency Assessment and Certification
Administer proctored, asset-level technical certification evaluations, including Level 3 ("301") hands-on competency evaluations under the client technical certification (TAC) program. Exercise independent professional judgment to assess technician performance against established competency standards and render final certification decisions that determine technician qualification status, directly impacting service delivery capability, client satisfaction, and safety compliance. Establish controlled automation faults and troubleshooting scenarios that evaluate a technician’s ability to interpret alarms, analyze PLC and HMI information, verify field-device operation, read electrical schematics, and identify root causes safely and systematically. Certification is not a mechanical scoring exercise; a single missed item does not automatically fail a technician. The trainer synthesizes the technician’s overall demonstrated proficiency, weighs borderline performance, and independently determines whether to certify, require additional supervised practice, remediate, or withhold qualification — a judgment carrying direct safety consequences, as these assets can cause serious injury if operated or maintained by a technician who is not genuinely ready.
Technical Expertise and Equipment Proficiency
Maintain strong working knowledge of the electrical, controls, networking, and mechanical principles used in automated material handling and robotic systems. Demonstrate proper use of automation diagnostic tools, electrical test equipment, PLC and HMI interfaces, electrical schematics, network documentation, and equipment troubleshooting and setup in direct support of instruction and evaluation. Collaborate with equipment manufacturers, engineering teams, and subject matter experts to understand technical requirements and translate them into effective training strategies. Stay current with equipment and technology advancements to ensure training content remains accurate and relevant.
Learning Assessment and Continuous Improvement
Evaluate training effectiveness through assessments, hands-on demonstrations, and performance metrics. Analyze certification pass rates, equipment downtime, and reliability indicators to continuously refine training content and delivery methods. Track technician progress and identify opportunities to enhance training impact. Independently determine training priorities based on analysis of performance data, equipment changes, and operational needs. Recommend and implement curriculum revisions to address identified skill gaps and business requirements. This prioritization spans a large, multi-site technician population — the role is geared at approximately one trainer per 400 technicians as a capacity ratio, not a fixed assigned roster.
Documentation and Knowledge Management
Build and maintain a centralized repository of training resources, facilitator guides, and standard operating procedures. Manage version control and updates to maintain accuracy across all training materials. Ensure all training documentation adheres to organizational and client account standards and remains readily accessible.
Stakeholder Collaboration and Client Support
Partner with operations, central training, launch, and client account teams to align training initiatives with account deliverables and site readiness goals. Support change management and new-site launches by facilitating technician readiness. Adhere to client-specified standards, adapt quickly to changing client priorities and internal initiatives, and respond to training requests with appropriate learning solutions to address performance gaps. Provide certification results and training effectiveness data to operations leadership to inform staffing decisions and technician development plans. Serve as subject matter expert in technical competency matters affecting workforce planning and account staffing strategies.
Required Qualifications
Education and Experience
Bachelor's degree in a technical, engineering, education, or instructional design field; or four (4) years of material handling equipment maintenance experience or experience as a field trainer; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Technical Skills
Demonstrated knowledge of the mechanical, electrical, and controls systems used in material handling, conveyance, sortation, and automated and robotic equipment, including PLC-controlled systems, HMIs, sensors, motor controls, VFDs, safety circuits, and industrial communication networks. Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics, control drawings, equipment documentation, and system alarms, and use electrical test equipment and automation diagnostic tools to troubleshoot automated systems. Proficiency administering instructor-led training through a learning management system (LMS), familiarity with lockout/tagout (LOTO), pre-task planning (PTP), safe electrical troubleshooting practices, and equipment safety standards, and strong computer literacy across standard business, documentation, and virtual collaboration applications. (Zoom, Teams, Webex).
Core Competencies
Exceptional presentation and facilitation skills with the ability to engage diverse audiences and adapt teaching style to different skill levels. Strong written and verbal communication skills with a talent for breaking down complex technical information into clear, understandable concepts. Excellent organizational and project management abilities to handle multiple training initiatives simultaneously. Patient, approachable demeanor with genuine enthusiasm for helping others learn and succeed.
Preferred Qualifications
Industry-recognized technical training, instructional design, or automation certifications, such as CTT+ or SACA. Three to five years of experience in technical training, industrial automation, equipment maintenance, or a related field, with demonstrated success developing and delivering technical curriculum. Experience programming, commissioning, maintaining, troubleshooting, or training others on PLC-controlled automation and robotic material handling systems. Familiarity with adult learning principles, instructional design methodologies, industrial control platforms, automation software, and industrial networks. Experience supporting change management, new-site launches, or workforce readiness initiatives is preferred.
Personal Attributes
Self-motivated with strong problem-solving skills and adaptability to changing operational and technological environments. Collaborative team player who works effectively with cross-functional groups and builds positive relationships with technicians at all skill levels. Detail-oriented with a commitment to accuracy and quality in all training deliverables. Continuous learner who stays current with training technologies and best practices.
Working Conditions
This is a field-based, client-facing position that may require travel up to 75 percent to client sites for training delivery, depending on assigned coverage. Work is performed in active warehouse and material handling environments that require adherence to site safety requirements. Flexibility to conduct training sessions outside standard business hours when necessary to accommodate operational schedules or minimize business disruption.