Automation Engineer at CBRE in Caledonia, MI

Automation Engineer

CBRE is an equal opportunity employer that values diversity.

Job Summary

At CBRE Global Workplace Solutions (GWS), Safety is our top priority! We maintain a safety-first culture in which CBRE employees return home in the same condition in which they reported to work. We’re looking for a skilled and forward-thinking Ctrl Systems Engineer / Automation Engineer (AE) to join our growing team as we work to service one of the world’s largest online retailers.

We offer competitive pay, robust benefits package, wellness programs, and a workplace environment that embraces diversity. Come join our global network of professionals supporting client operations across CBRE. Looking for growth and career advancement? Upon completing six months of successful service, associates may explore career advancement opportunities within the organization!

Read on to learn more!

About the Role

In this vital engineering role, you will be part of a team of controls and maintenance professionals who proactively support operations and provide customers with expert-level support based on the customer’s technical problems related to their automated material handling equipment (MHE). Your expertise will be utilized in the continuous improvement and execution of the preventive maintenance process, with a focus on maximizing equipment reliability and operational performance of equipment such as conveyors, sortation systems, scanners, cameras, print and apply systems, SCADA deves and programs.

What You’ll Do

• Promote a safe working environment by complying with all applicable codes, regulations, governmental agencies, and company directives related to system operations and work safety.
• Troubleshoot and modify software programs for material handling control systems, including PLC/PC controllers, Allen Bradley Controllogix/Compactlogix PLC platform and RSLogix 5000 software package.
• Act as first level escalation in troubleshooting support, both on-site and remotely, as well as during and after business hours, to repair all MHE controls software systems. Respond quickly to emergency situations, summoning assistance as needed.
• Inspect systems to ensure the operation of equipment is within design capabilities and achieves operational conditions prescribed by the client.
• Oversee scope of development, work request initiation, scheduling, and inspection of work performed by outside contractors, which includes proprietary work, licensed installations, upgrades, and maintenance and inspection of specialized systems.
• Engineer process solutions and reliability improvement from concept to network implementation.
• Monitor Industrial networks such as Ethernet, ControlNet, DeviceNet, Profibus, AS-I, motor control systems, servo drives, frequency drives, and electrical distribution systems.
• Monitor material handling equipment metrics and partner with site team to resolve equipment electrical problems that create performance deficiencies.
• Proactively and effectively communicate with multiple stakeholders including, but not limited to, leadership, operations and the maintenance team on technical issues and project timelines and production impacts.
• Facilitate analysis and reviews of failures and processes to provide recommendations to implement improvements or retraining to avoid future incidents.
• Perform controls of systems assessments to maintain and improve equipment reliability.
• Clearly communicate technical issues, project timelines, and product impacts with site leadership, operations and the maintenance teams.
• Cultivate positive working relationships with our Client and the Operations Maintenance team members.
• Perform other job-related duties as needed or assigned.

What You’ll Need

• Bachelor's Degree preferred with 2-5 years of relevant experience. In lieu of a degree, a combination of experience and education may be considered.
• Experience in at least two engineering design cycles including specification, component selection and programming.
• 2+ years of experience with Programmable Logic Controls (PLC) programs.
• 2+ years of experience with robotics system components and controls.
• 2+ years of experience with SCADA systems.
• Ability to be available and work a flexible schedule/shift/work area, including weekends, nights, and/or holidays.
• Ability to independently solve problems and carry out general instructions in standard situations with limited to no oversight.
• Meet the physical requirements of this role including stooping, standing, walking, climbing stairs/ladders, and the ability to lift/carry heavy loads of 50 lbs. or more.
• Ability to guide the exchange of sensitive, complicated, and difficult information, convey performance expectations, and handle problems.

Preferred Qualifications

• 2+ years apprenticeship or equivalent experience in Control Systems troubleshooting/ programming.
• Experience supporting a range of different conveyors and sortation systems.
• Experience with robotic maintenance.
• In-depth knowledge of Microsoft Office products. Examples include Word, Excel, Outlook, etc.
• Extensive organizational skills with a strong inquisitive mindset.
• Advanced math skills. Ability to calculate difficult figures such as percentages, fractions, and other financial-related calculations.

CBRE Employee Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, dental, vision
• Disability benefit program
• 401k company matching
• Paid time off and holidays
• Company paid life insurance
• Pet insurance
• Paid parental leave

Why CBRE?

We invest in our employees’ development. The core of our strategy is the view that development happens through three key activities: on-the-job learning, coaching and formal training. We provide employees with resources that support them in developing skills to enhance performance in their current role as well as for future roles.