Operations is at the heart of everything Amazon does, and automation is one of the ways we optimise our processes. As an Automation Engineer, you’ll make sure that our automated systems are working at their best so that our customers get their orders on time. By exploring data on everything from control systems to sensors, you’ll maximise the availability of equipment at your sites. This role puts you at the forefront of Amazon’s emerging technology to solve complex productivity challenges.
Key job responsibilities
Monitor, troubleshoot and repair issues with key systems
Work with the EU Controls network to monitor Material Handling Equipment (MHE) metrics
Provide data visualisations of troubleshooting to internal stakeholders
Own or actively participate in continuous improvement projects run by the EU Controls network
Work with different departments to ensure all systems are correctly documented and that accurate backup libraries are maintained
Work with global colleagues to install and commission new equipment
Support other sites in the EU Controls network as needed
Interpret mechanical and electrical drawings, and develop improvement strategies for code conforming to IEC 61131-3
A day in the life
As an Automation Engineer, you’ll be the site expert when it comes to keeping key automated systems running smoothly. You’ll be working with our automation machinery, from conveyors to sortation systems, and ensuring they’re working efficiently. If something has gone wrong or can be done better, you’ll take the lead in coming up with and implementing a solution.
You’ll also share your expertise with your close colleagues. You’ll be keeping your Engineering Technicians up to date with device troubleshooting and preventative maintenance control training, so that your team can keep our automation systems in order.
About the team
Our Reliability Maintenance Engineering or RME team keep our equipment performing at its best. We're a technically minded team, made up of excellent team players and guided by experienced leaders. We work together to maintain, troubleshoot and repair equipment across our global network of fulfilment centres. Some of our people are leaders, who oversee the team as they work on exciting technology – some of which only exists at Amazon.
From installing automated packaging systems to overseeing the general maintenance of a site to repairing key distribution equipment, our team handles most aspects of Amazon’s technical side. This includes keeping buildings legally compliant, so everyone is safe, and our sites are operating at maximum efficiency. There are lots of opportunities for progression, both within the RME team and more widely across Amazon.
Everything we do focuses on reducing downtime in Amazon’s crucial operations sites, so customers get their orders on time. We often work during early or late hours to carry out maintenance with minimal disruption, including night shifts. If we spot a better way to do something, we have the skills and the opportunity to develop and introduce completely new processes or cutting-edge tech like Amazon Robotics and our Complex Item Sorter.
- Experience with PLC controlled automation and issue diagnosis in a continuous process or production environment
- Experience supporting a wide range of different conveyors and sortation systems
- Experience dealing with material handling, flow and capacity visualization and monitoring
- Experience using MS Project, MS Office, and MS SharePoint
- Experience with Ladder Logic and structured programming for Siemens, Allen-Bradley or Codesys PLCs
- Experience with Ignition SCADA or a similar platform and Human Machine Interface (HMI)
- Experience in English-language communication skills, both written and verbal
- Experience with at least one of the following tools:
- EthernetIP, Profinet, Profibus and AS-i or other fieldbus networks
- VFDs, safety gateways and input and output devices
- Bachelor's degree or above in computer science, electrical engineering, or related field
- Experience leading change in a multiple site environments
- Experience with Six Sigma, or analytical and process improvement techniques
- Experience working within ISO 13849 and ISO 62061 frameworks
- Project management experience with multiple frameworks such as Agile and Waterfall
