Senior Automation Engineer

The Senior Automation Engineer role at JLL is an onsite position in Kenosha, WI focused on designing, developing, implementing, and optimizing automation control systems for industrial processes and warehouse distribution equipment, with safety treated as the highest priority.

What You Will Do

Serve as the site technical expert for automation control systems and lead the site automation engineering program. The role includes setting program goals, delegating work, and mentoring Automation Engineers and Apprentices to meet client objectives while aligning with safety and technical requirements.

Design, develop, implement, and optimize automation control systems and software. Maintain and troubleshoot automation equipment, including PLC/PC controllers and industrial networks, and provide advanced troubleshooting and escalation support. This includes remote assistance, root cause analysis, and vendor coordination.

Govern all site automation documentation and change management processes. Partner with operations, engineering, and support teams to optimize material handling systems and deliver automation projects. Monitor system performance, drive continuous improvement initiatives, and communicate technical issues, timelines, and workarounds to stakeholders.

Core Responsibilities

• Lead the site automation engineering program as a technical authority for automation control systems.
• Set program goals, delegate tasks, and mentor Automation Engineers and Apprentices.
• Build and optimize control systems and software; troubleshoot PLC/PC controllers and industrial networks.
• Manage site automation documentation and change management processes.
• Collaborate across teams to optimize material handling systems and deliver projects.
• Provide advanced troubleshooting and escalation support, including remote assistance and vendor coordination.
• Track system performance, drive continuous improvement, and share technical updates with stakeholders.

Job Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in computer science, electrical engineering, automation engineering, or equivalent, or 3+ years of equivalent professional experience.
• 5+ years of PLC-controlled automation experience, including Ladder Logic and structured programming (Siemens, Allen-Bradley, or Codesys) plus issue diagnosis in production environments.
• 2+ years working with robotics work cells, control systems, electrical theory, controls components, and automated equipment.
• Leadership experience directing, training, and mentoring automation engineers.
• Proficiency in CMMS use, troubleshooting, and coordinating maintenance across multiple stakeholders.
• Strong communication skills, ability to interpret policies, and a continuous improvement mindset.
• Ability to adapt to evolving technologies and build scalable automation solutions.

Technologies and Tools

• PLC, Ladder Logic, Siemens, Allen-Bradley, Codesys
• PLC/PC controllers, industrial networks
• CMMS, HMI, SCADA systems
• Motor control systems, VFDs, DC drives, starters
• RSLogix5000 Studio, FT View
• Robotics work cells, ASRS

Compensation

USD 115,000 per year (USD 115,000 - 115,000).

Benefits

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Disability insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Professional development assistance
• Referral program
• Relocation assistance
• Retirement plan
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Additional Details on the Work

The role includes designing, developing, and implementing automation control systems for industrial processes and warehouse distribution equipment, with an emphasis on maximizing reliability and performance of conveyors, sortation systems, scanners, cameras, print-and-apply systems, and SCADA devices. All work must align with company policies and procedures.

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced degree in a relevant field plus 5+ years professional experience.
• 5+ years in PLC programming, troubleshooting, and modification, including HMI and control networks, SCADA systems, and motor control systems (VFDs, DC drives, starters).
• Industrial electrical experience with 480V 3-phase, 110 VAC, and 24VDC, including reading/modifying mechanical and electrical drawings.
• Proficiency in programming tools such as RSLogix5000 Studio and FT View, plus controls design and systems integration experience.
• Field service engineering and technical training experience, including conveyors, sortation, ASRS, and industrial robotics.
• Proven ability to deliver remote technical support and drive continuous improvement in automated systems.
• Experience with advanced automation control systems and programmatic solutions for equipment optimization.