Jobs › Cushman & Wakefield

Automation Engineer

Cushman & Wakefield · Cherry Valley, IL · $94,780–$111,506 a year · Full time

Posted Sep 23, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 6, 2026

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Likely interview questions for this role

Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.

About your past

Tell me about a recurring equipment problem you fixed for good rather than just resetting it.

What they are checking: Whether they find root causes and track projects to lasting solutions, which this role is meant to provide.

How do you teach a less experienced technician to troubleshoot controls issues on their own?

What they are checking: Their ability to build knowledge on the team, since the role helps develop other technicians.

What would you do

Operations wants equipment back up now, but you think running it will cause bigger damage. What do you do?

What they are checking: Whether they can explain risk to operations clearly and make a sound call under pressure.

How do you keep track of several improvement projects while still being on call for breakdowns?

What they are checking: Whether they can balance reactive support with planned project work.

About the work

A conveyor sortation line stops and the HMI shows a generic fault. Walk me through how you find the cause.

What they are checking: A structured troubleshooting method across PLC logic, sensors and mechanical issues under time pressure.

What experience do you have reading and editing PLC logic, and on which platforms?

What they are checking: Whether they can work hands-on in the control systems that run material handling equipment.

Scanners on a sorter start missing reads during peak volume. How would you diagnose it?

What they are checking: Understanding of barcode reading, camera setup, belt speed and label quality as linked causes.

How do you keep yourself and technicians safe when working inside a control cabinet or on moving equipment?

What they are checking: Respect for lockout/tagout and arc-flash practices, since the site promotes a safety-first culture.

A print-and-apply labeler keeps misplacing labels. What are the likely causes and how do you check them?

What they are checking: Practical knowledge of timing, sensors, air pressure and product position on specific MHE components.

How do you make a change to PLC or HMI programs without creating new problems on the floor?

What they are checking: Discipline around backups, version control, testing and documenting changes to production systems.

A scale on the line is giving inconsistent weights. How would you approach it?

What they are checking: Understanding of calibration, load cells and mechanical interference on inline scales.

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The full job description

As published by Cushman & Wakefield.

Job Title Automation Engineer Job Description Summary Job Description Our Purpose: At C&W Services, we live by the belief that “Better Never Settles.” We're dedicated to creating a positive impact globally and we're looking for talented individuals to join our team. C&W Services provides compelling benefits, including: • Weekly pay • Comprehensive benefits starting on your first day • Training, development, and advancement opportunities • A clean and cutting-edge facility • A safety-first culture About the Role: As an Automation Engineer (AE), you will support the site maintenance team to ensure operational performance and efficiency of Material Handling Equipment (MHE) control systems. You will partner with the maintenance team to troubleshoot and maintain equipment such as conveyors, sortation systems, scanners, cameras, print-and-apply labeling systems, scales, HMI systems, control cabinets, and more. The AE provides support to the operations and maintenance teams by implementing solutions for complex problems and tracking related projects. You may lead and/or assist other technicians with their development through continuity of knowledge, all while working in a clean, climate-controlled, modern facility. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to: • Promoting a safe working environment by following all safety procedures • Providing guidance on maintaining material handling control systems, industrial motor control systems, servo and frequency drives, and electrical distribution systems • Using your technical expertise to provide support with troubleshooting and modifying software projects for material handling control systems, including PLC/PC controllers, Allen Bradley ControlLogix and CompactLogix PLC platform utilizing Rockwell’s software package, industrial networks such as Ethernet, ControlNet, DeviceNet, Profibus, AS-I, motor control systems, servo drives, frequency drives, and electrical distribution systems. • Acting as the first level of escalation support for equipment automation issues and appropriately escalating downtime situations to vendors and/or network support teams to restore equipment operation. • Applying subject matter expertise in material handling and electronic control systems to maximize building utilization of systems • Monitoring MHE metrics and partnering with mechatronics technicians to resolve equipment electrical problems that create performance deficiencies, and performing control systems assessments to maintain and improve equipment reliability • Partnering 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 • Communicating technical issues and project timelines with building leadership, operations, and the maintenance team, explaining production impacts and working closely with operations and engineering to ensure a thorough understanding of impact to systems Basic Qualifications: • 3+ years of cumulative work experience in the following areas, or a relevant 2-year degree plus 1 year of work experience in the following areas: • Programming/commissioning of HMIs, PLCs, and VFDs • SCADA systems and KPIs • Interpreting and modifying mechanical and electrical drawings • Supporting a range of different conveyors and sortation systems • Equipment control components such as relays, motor starters, VFDs, HMIs, etc. • High school or equivalent diploma • Positive attitude and ability to effectively problem-solve Preferred Qualifications: • Associate’s degree with a focus in Electronic Technology (or similar) • Bachelor’s degree in a STEM-related field • 4+ years of experience in the electrical field, or in control systems development, troubleshooting, and programming • 4+ years of experience supporting advanced automation controls systems maintenance and development • 3+ years of experience supporting a wide range of conveyors and sortation systems • Leadership and project management experience Physical Demands: • Ability to reach overhead, kneel, squat, climb steps/ladders, use an aerial lift, and frequently lift a maximum of 50 lbs. of equipment • Ability to perform tasks while wearing required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), which may include but is not limited to hard hat, face mask, face shield, and composite-toe shoes • Regularly required to crouch or bend and reach to install/move equipment • Movement between departments, floors, and properties to facilitate work, averaging 6 to 12 miles per day • Work in a warehouse environment with fluctuating temperatures • Regularly required to type on a computer for 1-2 hours per day Why C&W Services? We're a global company with over 400 offices in 60 countries. We're proud of our diverse family of employees and are committed to creating an inclusive workplace. We're recognized by the Human Rights Foundation as a Best Place to Work for LGBTQI+ individuals and are dedicated to continuing to build a culture of inclusion and respect. What’s Next? Ready to take the next steps in your career? Apply today and be part of a team that is making a difference! Cushman & Wakefield also provides eligible employees with an opportunity to enroll in a variety of benefit programs, generally including health, vision, and dental insurance, flexible spending accounts, health savings accounts, retirement savings plans, life, and disability insurance programs, and paid and unpaid time away from work. In addition to a comprehensive benefits package, Cushman and Wakefield provide eligible employees with competitive pay, which may vary depending on eligibility factors such as geographic location, date of hire, total hours worked, job type, business line, and applicability of collective bargaining agreements. The compensation that will be offered to the successful candidate will depend on factors such as whether the position is covered by a collective bargaining agreement, the geographic area in which the work will be performed, market pay rates in that area, and the candidate’s experience and qualifications. The company will not pay less than minimum wage for this role. The compensation for the position is: $ 94,779.83 - $111,505.68 C&W Services 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 C&W Services, 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. INCO: “C&W Services”

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