Industrial Automation Engineer

Job Summary:

The Industrial Automation Engineer role at Ocean State Job Lot ("OSJL" and "Company") is a high-impact, technical position centered on leading the design, commissioning, and continuous improvement of our critical warehouse automation infrastructure. This role will be responsible for the successful execution of a conveyor system re-control project, ensuring seamless integration, and leveraging modern industrial software solutions.

Key Responsibilities:

Support and continuously improve automation systems within a high-throughput distribution center environment to ensure maximum throughput. Support development optimization of Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC) logic for conveyor and sortation systems, robotics interfaces, barcode scanning/routing, and print-and-apply labeling systems. Lead the full-cycle commissioning, testing, and validation of the new conveyor control systems during project startup, working closely with external System Integrators (SIs) and internal teams. Design and refine sorter and print-and-apply logic, ensuring robust exception handling, efficient material flow, and comprehensive system diagnostics. Diagnose and resolve complex production issues related to PLCs, HMIs, and control networks. Partner with operations, maintenance, and IT and Operations Teams, while managing relationships with external integrators. Implement and maintain data acquisition systems (e.g., OPC-UA) to monitor key performance indicators such as system throughput, overall equipment effectiveness, and jam rates, translating raw data into actionable insights for the operations team. Provide L3 on-call support during critical startup phases to immediately diagnose and resolve complex production issues related to PLCs, HMIs, and control networks as needed. Providing primary support and driving continuous improvement of automation systems in high-throughput distribution centers, ensuring maximum uptime and efficiency. Maintenance of structured, scalable control architectures using PlantPAx libraries and Rockwell Automation best practices. Maintaining a high degree of operational agility by pivoting between core tasks and emerging priorities as dictated by business needs and project lifecycles.

Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree in Electrical, Automation, Controls, or Computer Engineering, or equivalent practical experience in high-level industrial controls environments is required. Expert-level proficiency in the development, deployment, and optimization of PLC logic, or 5 or more years of experience as a Controls or Automation Engineer is required. Proficiency in Rockwell Automation ControlLogix and CompactLogix controllers is required. Deep experience in structured text and object-oriented PLC programming is required. Demonstrated experience using PlantPAx libraries to build modular and maintainable code is required. A proven track record in warehouse automation (WCS/PLC interaction), high-speed conveyor and sortation systems, as well as food and beverage plant automation is preferred. Direct experience with re-control or brownfield automation upgrades and a background working with or for SIs is preferred. Advanced diagnostics of production-critical issues involving PLCs, HMIs (FactoryTalk View/Ignition), and industrial control networks is preferred. High level of ownership and the ability to pivot between a technical contributor, project coordinator, while managing multiple parallel projects. Demonstrated experience designing, implementing, or supporting warehouse technologies such as Print and Apply systems, Scan tunnels, conveyor control, sorter routing is preferred. Experience with robotic equipment in an e-warehouse environment, including robotic arms, depalletizers, and palletizers, is preferred. Working knowledge of PLC logic is preferred. Participation in the full lifecycle of re-control systems projects is preferred.

Work Environment:

Works primarily in a climate controlled environment with minimal safety and health hazard potential. Works in an office environment remaining stationary at a desk, table, or computer workstation for extended periods of time. Frequently uses near vision for reading and computer tasks. Collaborating with the team on the warehouse floor is required as needed, but not more than 70%. The warehouse environment is characterized by temperature extremes, noise, movement of conveyors and equipment, and other conditions associated with the operation of a high volume distribution center. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. This job description does not list all the duties of the job. You may be asked by supervisors or managers to perform other job duties and tasks, some of which may be essential to the position. Leadership has the right to revise this job description at any time. The job description is not a contract, either express or implied. You are an at-will employee, meaning either you or the Company may terminate your employment at any time, with or without notice.