Automation Engineering Manager Jobs in Birmingham, AL

Role: Senior Automation Engineer (SAE) – responsible for managing the Automation Engineering team, coordinating system maintenance, scheduling tasks, and designing efficient operational methods for a fulfillment center.

The SAE leads automation control efforts, ensuring reliable operation of conveyors, sortation systems, scanners, cameras, print‑and‑apply systems and SCADA devices. The position focuses on maximizing equipment reliability and operational performance while collaborating with Operations, Engineering, Safety, and other departments.

At C&W Services we live by the belief that “Better Never Settles” and are dedicated to creating a positive global impact.

• Weekly pay
• Comprehensive benefits starting on your first day
• Training, development and advancement opportunities
• A clean and cutting‑edge facility
• A safety‑first culture
• Eligible employees can enroll in a variety of benefit programs including health, vision, dental insurance, flexible spending accounts, health savings accounts, retirement plans, life and disability insurance, and paid and unpaid time away from work.

As a Senior Automation Engineer you will manage the Automation Engineering team, coordinate maintenance of control systems, schedule tasks and projects, and create efficient operational methods for equipment such as conveyors, sortation systems, scanners, cameras, print‑and‑apply systems, and SCADA devices and programs.

• Coordinate with and mentor Automation Engineers to execute the facility’s operational plan.
• Collaborate closely with Operations, Engineering, Safety, and other departments to support MHE systems optimization and project implementation.
• Understand, maintain, and troubleshoot material handling control systems, including PLC/PC controllers and industrial networks such as Ethernet, ControlNet, DeviceNet, Profibus, motor control systems, servo drives, frequency drives, and electrical distribution systems.
• Monitor MHE metrics, partner with maintenance/operations to address system performance issues, and provide analysis across all facilities.
• Serve as the first level of escalation support for the Automation Engineers, troubleshooting locally and remotely and repairing all hardware or controls software systems within the building.
• Appropriately escalation downtime situations to other network support teams, experts, and/or vendors to restore equipment operation.
• Facilitate Failure Analysis and Incident Review processes and implement process improvements or retraining to avoid future incidents.
• Apply subject matter expertise in material handling and electronic systems to maximize building utilization of systems.
• Perform, utilize, and provide analysis and analytics to assess material handling system performance.
• Partner with facility Operations leadership, equipment vendors, and parts suppliers to plan and coordinate new technology installations, acting as the technical consultant for capital projects inside the building.
• Communicate technical issues and project timelines with building leadership, operations, and the maintenance team, and explain operational impact.
• Assist with skill assessments for the technical positions within the site maintenance teams.
• Participate in AE conference calls and coordinate with the AE central team to complete all required tasks.
• Travel up to 10%.

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical or Mechanical Engineering, Engineering Technology, or related field, or 5+ years of equivalent professional or military experience.
• Experience with electrical theory, robotics, controls components, and automated equipment.
• Proficiency in programming software (e.g., RSLogix5000 Studio, FT View, etc.).
• Knowledge of robotics work cells and their control systems.
• Experience identifying, maintaining, troubleshooting, programming, and designing HMI and control network components.
• Experience identifying, maintaining, troubleshooting, and modifying motor controls, including motor starters, VFDs, DC drives, and standard electrical components.
• Hands‑on troubleshooting experience with industrial electrical systems, including 480V 3‑phase, 110 VAC, and 24VDC.
• Knowledge of Warehouse Management System Software concepts and messaging protocols.
• Experience interpreting, modifying, and developing mechanical and electrical drawings.
• Experience with SCADA systems and KPIs.
• Proven leadership skills in a technical role, with the ability to interact with all levels of management.
• Strong reasoning, analytical, and problem‑solving abilities.
• Experience in training and developing others.
• Excellent communication and customer service skills.

• Proficiency in systems controls design, programming, and integration.
• Field service engineering experience.
• Experience supporting a wide range of different conveyors and sortation systems.
• Proven history of remote technical phone support.
• Experience with advanced automation controls systems, industrial robotics, and ASRS systems.

Cushman & Wakefield is an Equal Opportunity employer to all protected groups, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. Discrimination of any type will not be tolerated.

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act (ADAAA), if you have a disability and would like to request an accommodation in order to apply for a position at Cushman & Wakefield, please call the ADA line at 1-888-365-5406 or email accommodations@cushwake.com. Please refer to the job title and job location when you contact us.

The compensation for this position will be $119,454.04 - $140,534.16, depending on factors such as geographic location, collective bargaining agreements, market pay rates, and the candidate’s experience and qualifications.