Automation Project Engineer

Location

Remote (must be located near a major airport; Chicago, IL preferred)

90,000‑120,000

Apex Companies provide a full-service, cross-solution approach for material handling industry customers, offering expertise in warehouse and industrial facility design, integration of material handling solutions, and optimization of efficiency. As a leader in innovative automation solutions, Apex helps clients reduce costs, minimize labor dependencies, and maximize throughput capabilities, ultimately enhancing warehousing and distribution performance.

Apex is seeking an Automation Project Engineer to join our Automation Solutions team. This role is responsible for planning, managing, and implementing automated material handling (MHE) projects that enhance client warehousing and distribution performance. The Automation Project Engineer will work cross-functionally with internal teams, vendors, and clients to deliver high-quality automation solutions that improve throughput, efficiency, and operational performance.

• Support sales efforts by assisting with quoting and technical evaluation of potential automation projects.
• Plan, manage, and implement automated material handling equipment (MHE) projects from initiation through completion.
• Develop and maintain project deliverables, including:
  • Project schedules using standard templates customized for each project
  • Mechanical, electrical, and controls drawings
  • Installation, commissioning, testing, training, and go-live documentation
• Gather required information for purchase order creation and vendor coordination.
• Lead pre-installation walkthroughs, define project expectations, and conduct Q&A sessions with vendors and clients.
• Manage project scope, schedule, budget, risks, issues, and resources throughout the project lifecycle.
• Prepare and communicate weekly project status updates to internal and external stakeholders.
• Manage and execute change orders, including documentation and approval processes.
• Provide on-site inspection and supervision, as required, to ensure installations meet design specifications and drawings.
• Coordinate and oversee vendor and subcontractor activities.
• Lead commissioning efforts and system acceptance testing.
• Coordinate development and delivery of client training (operations, maintenance, and safety).
• Maintain strong client relationships and act as a key point of contact throughout project execution.
• Organize and maintain electronic project documentation on shared drives.

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, Logistics, or a related field.
• Ability and willingness to travel as required; travel level varies based on project complexity and risk.
• Understanding of material handling equipment (MHE) projects, including flow analysis and controls concepts.
• Proficiency in creating and managing AutoCAD drawings within Autodesk Vault.
• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office (Outlook, Teams, Word, PowerPoint, Excel).
• Familiarity with implementation of material handling and automation technologies.
• Ability to work effectively in a collaborative, team-oriented environment.
• Strong communication, organizational, and problem‑solving skills.

• Experience serving as both a project manager and engineer in an automated MHE environment.
• Experience with WMS, WCS, and/or WES systems.
• Layout and design experience for distribution centers, warehouses, or manufacturing facilities.
• Experience with systems configuration, commissioning, and testing.
• Experience training end users on new equipment and systems.
• Experience preparing specifications for MHE and automation systems.

We offer a comprehensive benefits and compensation package designed to support your health, well‑being, and work‑life balance. This includes health, dental, and vision insurance; short‑term disability (STD) and voluntary long‑term disability (LTD) coverage; and life and Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) insurance options. We also provide a 401(k)-retirement plan with a company match, generous paid time off benefits including paid holidays, and eligibility for performance‑based bonuses.

Additionally,…