Automation Engineer @ Hobby Lobby

Job Description - Overview

We are looking for a team member interested in a career that offers the opportunity to build deeper expertise in industrial controls and automation while solving meaningful, hands-on engineering problems. You will work directly with automated equipment, collaborate with experienced technical teams, and contribute to improvements that make warehouse operations safer, more reliable, and more efficient. If you enjoy understanding how systems work, troubleshooting challenging technical issues, and turning engineering knowledge into practical results, we encourage you to apply.

Automation Engineer (Material Handling)

Position Overview

We are seeking a hands-on, solutions-oriented Automation Engineer to improve the safety, reliability, and performance of our automated systems and material-handling operations. This role combines industrial controls, software, mechanical systems, and data-driven problem-solving to identify opportunities, develop innovative solutions, and deliver measurable operational improvements.

You will work closely with Industrial Engineering, Software Engineering, Operations, Maintenance, and Management to diagnose complex equipment issues, improve existing control systems, and implement practical solutions that support efficient warehouse operations.

The ideal candidate is curious, persistent, and comfortable digging into a problem rather than settling for a temporary fix. You take ownership of your work, communicate effectively with technical and nontechnical teams, and enjoy seeing your engineering solutions make a tangible difference.

Key Responsibilities

• PLC Programming & Controls: Develop, modify, troubleshoot, and optimize PLC logic and industrial control systems to improve equipment functionality, reliability, and performance.
• Equipment Troubleshooting: Investigate complex automation and equipment issues, identify root causes, and implement corrective actions that prevent recurring problems.
• System Optimization: Evaluate existing automated systems and identify opportunities to improve safety, performance, uptime, and operational efficiency through controls improvements, software changes, and engineering modifications.
• Electrical & Mechanical Diagnostics: Work with electrical schematics, control drawings, and mechanical systems to diagnose faults and understand interactions between equipment, controls, and software.
• Automation Projects: Support the design, integration, installation, testing, and commissioning of automated equipment and material-handling systems.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with maintenance technicians, maintenance managers, engineers, operations personnel, and equipment vendors to resolve technical challenges and improve system performance.
• Data-Driven Improvement: Collect and analyze equipment and operational data to identify recurring failures, performance bottlenecks, and opportunities for continuous improvement.
• Industrial Systems Integration: Support the integration of PLCs, industrial networks, SCADA platforms, and software applications used to monitor and control automated equipment.
• Technical Documentation: Maintain accurate system documentation, troubleshooting procedures, system configurations, and engineering changes.

Job Description - Requirements

Required Qualification

• Degree: Bachelor's degree in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering, or a closely related engineering discipline.
• Experience: Two or more years of experience working with industrial machinery, automation systems, industrial controls, or related equipment.
• PLC platforms: Experience programming or troubleshooting industrial PLCs, preferably Allen-Bradley/Rockwell Automation.
• Industrial controls: Familiarity with sensors, actuators, motor controls, variable-frequency drives (VFDs), and industrial control panels.
• Technical Schematics: Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics, control drawings, and mechanical diagrams.
• Problem Solving: Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, including the ability to investigate issues, determine root causes, and develop practical corrective actions.
• Communication: Effective written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to collaborate with engineers, maintenance personnel, operations teams, and vendors.

Preferred Qualifications

• SCADA and industrial software: Exposure to SCADA systems or industrial connectivity platforms such as Ignition or Kepware.
• Programming and data: Familiarity with Python, Java, SQL Server, or similar tools for data analysis, automation, or application development.
• Industrial networking: Understanding of industrial communication networks and troubleshooting connectivity issues between controls, devices, and software.
• System commissioning: Exposure to equipment installation, startup, testing, validation, and troubleshooting in an industrial environment.
• Engineering design: Experience with CAD tools for reviewing or developing electrical schematics, control drawings, and mechanical layouts.

What We're Looking For

• A problem-solver: You enjoy diagnosing difficult equipment issues and finding the underlying cause rather than relying on trial and error.
• A controls-minded engineer: You are interested in how PLC logic, electrical components, mechanical equipment, and software work together.
• An accountable leader: You follow problems through to resolution, verify that solutions work, and look for ways to prevent the same issues from returning.
• A collaborative teammate: You work effectively with maintenance, engineering, operations, management, and external vendors.
• A persistent learner: You approach unfamiliar problems with curiosity, resilience, and a willingness to develop new skills.

Benefits

• Competitive Wages
• Medical, Dental, Vision, and Prescription Benefits
• 401(k) Program with Company Match
• Paid Vacation
• Sick / Personal Pay (SPP)
• Employee Discount
• Life Insurance and Long Term Disability Insurance (LTD)
• Flexible Spending Plan
• Holiday Pay
• Integris Clinic and Pharmacy on campus
• Chaplain Services on campus

Safety Sensitive position - subject to drug and alcohol testing.

Hobby Lobby Stores, Inc., is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

For reasonable accommodation of disability during the hiring process call (800) 200-1494.