Job Summary: Neuco is seeking a highly motivated and skilled Distribution Automation Maintenance and Support Engineer to play a key role in maintaining, improving, and implementing automation solutions within our distribution center and office space. This role combines technical expertise with project management skills to ensure the smooth and efficient operation of our automated systems. The ideal candidate will be responsible for troubleshooting, repairing, and optimizing existing automation equipment while also leading and executing minor to moderate infrastructure improvement projects. The Distribution Automation Maintenance and Support Engineer is responsible for all equipment, conveyors, PLCs, Vision systems, and automation in Neuco's two Bolingbrook IL Distribution Centers that process as many as 10,000 orders per day. This individual will support a major 2025 DC automation upgrade project as well as maintain all the existing equipment and automation. Neuco values continuous improvement and invests in the development of its employees, fostering a positive and inclusive work environment. Salary range: $90,000-$120,000 depending on experience.
- System Maintenance & Support:
- Perform preventative and reactive maintenance on automated systems, including conveyor systems, PLC-controlled equipment, and other automation technologies.
- Diagnose and resolve technical issues efficiently to minimize downtime.
- Provide technical support to warehouse operations staff, addressing questions and resolving issues related to automation systems and building infrastructure.
- Maintain and keep stock of all necessary spare parts and necessary implements.
- Project Management:
- Lead and execute minor to moderate infrastructure improvement projects related to automation, DC storage, system upgrades, new equipment installations, and process optimization initiatives.
- Develop project plans, timelines, and budgets for assigned projects.
- Coordinate with internal teams, contractors, and vendors to ensure projects are completed on time and within budget.
- Coordinate ordering and purchasing of equipment and new infrastructure.
- Monitor project progress, identify and resolve potential issues, and ensure projects meet quality standards.
- System Optimization:
- Identify opportunities to improve system performance, reliability, and efficiency.
- Implement changes and upgrades to enhance automation processes.
- Documentation & Reporting:
- Maintain accurate records of maintenance activities, repairs, system modifications, and project progress.
- Generate reports on system performance and identify trends.
- Achieves financial objectives by preparing an annual budget; staffing plan, planning and scheduling expenditures; analyzing variances; initiating corrective actions
- Create detailed Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) involving production and engineering teams' work.
- Coordinate trials to enhance efficiency and support safety training and incident investigations.
- Assess operational systems for efficiency improvements and recommend necessary changes.
- Identify and mitigate risks in warehouse automation, implementing contingency plans to minimize downtime.
- Collaboration & Communication:
- Work closely with other technical staff, operations personnel, and vendors to ensure seamless integration and support of automation systems.
- Coordinate with other departments and other DC center(s) to ensure success throughout the organization.
- Develops and maintains a culture of continuous improvement, accountability, and empowerment across all levels of the DC
- Safety Compliance:
- Adhere to all safety regulations and procedures to maintain a safe working environment.
- Ensures systemic, safe, secure, and appropriate usage of the Neuco Distribution, Center IT systems, WMS system, automation, and equipment
- Strong leadership, motivation, and managerial skills with a proven track record
- Strong understanding of industrial automation systems, including PLC programming, conveyor systems, and industrial networking.
- Proficiency in troubleshooting electrical, mechanical, and control systems.
- Ability to read and interpret technical drawings, schematics, and manuals.
- Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills.
- Strong communication, interpersonal, and leadership skills.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
- Basic project management skills and experience.
- Previous experience in a supervisory role of 2+ years if possible.
- Experience with PLC programming (Rockwell RS Logix 500/5000 and Allen Bradley is preferred).
- HMI design experience.
- Experience with servo motion, motion controllers, vision systems, safety controllers, and Panther print and apply systems.
- Familiarity with various PLC platforms (Omron, Panasonic, Siemens, Schneider, GE).
- PLC programming skills, including S5 and S7 logic, are a plus.
- Experience with warehouse and distribution center operations.
- Experience with pneumatic systems.
- Project Management Professional (PMP) certification preferred. Cognex and Keyence industrial barcode scanning software - Setup and configuration
- 24v DC motorized roller conveyor experience
- Familiar with warehouse control systems (WCS) and their functionality/use in a warehouse environment
- Worked with industrial networks such as ethernet IP/ASi/Profinet
- Bachelor's degree in engineering, electronics, robotics, or related field and 3+ years of experience leading projects in an automated warehouse environment.
- OR Associate's degree in engineering, electronics, robotics, software, or a related field and 5+ years of experience leading projects in an automated warehouse environment.
- 2+ years of experience in project management or project coordination.
- This job is on-site in the DC and is not eligible for remote or hybrid work. It is a physically demanding environment requiring the ability to be on their feet for hours at a time over a warehouse concrete floor, able to lift up to 50 lbs. and able walk up to 20k steps per day.