Lead Automation Engineer

Job Title: Lead Automation Maintenance Engineer

Job Description

The Lead Automation Maintenance Engineer leads a team of engineers responsible for maintaining, troubleshooting, and repairing advanced automated and robotic systems in a high-tech warehousing and distribution environment. In this role, you become the subject matter expert on automation technologies such as automated adapters, vertical lifts, automated storage and retrieval systems, and fleets of robotic vehicles. You ensure reliable operation of these systems, oversee their integration within the broader automation structure, and provide training and support to team members. This position is a key part of the Customer Operations organization, partnering closely with onsite operations teams to achieve best-in-class quality, safety, and system performance.

Responsibilities

• Lead and perform inspections on automated storage and retrieval systems, including automated robotic vehicles, automated adapters, and vertical lifts.
• Support and lead continuous operation of automation equipment by adjusting, calibrating, repairing, replacing, or modifying system components as needed.
• Monitor and manage the flow of the automated storage and retrieval system through the adapters, including manual inbound, automatic inbound, and automatic outbound processes, to achieve maximum throughput and cases per hour.
• Troubleshoot anomalies and stoppages in automated robotic vehicles using schematic and wiring diagrams as well as advanced test equipment, applying strong electro-mechanical diagnostic skills.
• Interpret electro-mechanical diagrams to identify faults and implement effective corrective actions.
• Ensure high-quality maintenance work and complete, accurate documentation in the Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS).
• Communicate production-impacting problems clearly and promptly to relevant team members, including proposed corrective actions and estimated time required for both routine and emergency maintenance.
• Perform automated robotic vehicle recovery within the automation matrix system, including work in restrictive environments as required.
• Carry out minor utility and fabrication tasks such as machining holes and brackets, cutting steel, aligning sensors, and attaching components to support system functionality.
• Maintain a clean and safe work area by cleaning equipment and removing replaced parts and debris after repairs are completed.
• Provide training, guidance, and support to team members on system operation, maintenance procedures, and troubleshooting techniques.
• Collaborate with onsite operations and customer teams to drive operational excellence, focusing on quality, safety, and system performance.
• Follow all safety requirements and protocols, including lockout/tagout and fall protection procedures, while working at heights, in restrictive spaces, and around moving equipment.
• Perform other related duties as assigned to support reliable and efficient operation of automated warehousing and distribution systems.

Essential Skills

• Minimum of 5 years of experience working with mechanical automation systems.
• Degree and/or certification in electronics, automotive, automation, manufacturing, or equivalent work experience.
• Proficiency in performing all inspection functions on automated systems and equipment.
• Strong electro-mechanical skills, including the ability to read and interpret schematic and wiring diagrams.
• Hands-on troubleshooting experience with machines and automated systems, including diagnosing and resolving issues when equipment fails to operate as expected.
• Strong experience with Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) systems, including PLC programming and troubleshooting.
• Experience troubleshooting automation systems such as conveyor systems, warehouse automation systems, automated distribution systems, and automated warehouse technologies.
• Ability to use advanced test equipment to diagnose electrical and mechanical issues.
• Capability to document maintenance activities accurately in a Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS).
• Ability to work safely at heights, in restrictive spaces, and around complex automated machinery while strictly following safety protocols.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience working with high-tech automated warehousing and distribution systems such as Autostore, Symbotic, or similar technologies.
• Background in customer operations or field service environments supporting automated material handling systems.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and mentor a team of maintenance or automation engineers.
• Strong communication skills to effectively convey technical issues, solutions, and maintenance plans to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Experience in automated storage and retrieval systems and robotic material handling environments.
• Familiarity with automated warehouse and automated distribution operations, including throughput optimization and case-per-hour performance.
• Comfort working in a growing organization that is building and establishing new automation teams and capabilities.

Work Environment

This role is based within a large automated warehousing and distribution facility that uses advanced robotic and automation technologies. You routinely climb steep stairs and walk up and down multiple levels to navigate the automation structure. You work regularly near railings that are high off the ground and must be comfortable operating at heights of up to 45 feet and within restrictive areas as narrow as 24 inches. The environment provides protection from direct weather but not necessarily from temperature changes, and you must be capable of working in temperatures ranging from approximately 105°F down to 32°F. The position requires frequent lifting of items up to 50 pounds and moving items up to 80 pounds, as well as standing and walking for 10-12 hours per shift with frequent reaching, bending, twisting, and stooping. You must be able to climb, balance, kneel, crouch, crawl, push, pull, grip, sit, and handle objects, performing repetitive movements using both hands and feet. Work is performed around complex automated equipment, conveyor systems, and robotic vehicles, and strict adherence to all safety requirements is mandatory, including lockout/tagout procedures and fall protection protocols. The environment offers exposure to cutting-edge automation technologies and provides opportunities to develop deep expertise in modern automated warehousing systems.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Jackson, GA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $30.00 - $38.00/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:

• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan - Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Jackson,GA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Jul 8, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.