Automation Engineer

Optum is a global organization that delivers care, aided by technology to help millions of people live healthier lives. The work you do with our team will directly improve health outcomes by connecting people with the care, pharmacy benefits, data and resources they need to feel their best. Here, you will find a culture guided by inclusion, talented peers, comprehensive benefits and career development opportunities. Come make an impact on the communities we serve as you help us advance health optimization on a global scale. Join us to start Caring. Connecting. Growing together.

This role serves as a lead technical resource for industrial automation across a network of pharmacy fulfillment centers, supporting initiatives ranging from day to day operational improvements to large-scale capital projects. In addition to project execution, this position plays a critical role in providing ongoing support and optimization of existing automation systems, including robotics, conveyor systems, and integrated production equipment, ensuring maximum uptime, reliability, and performance.

You will be responsible for designing, developing, implementing, testing, and supporting both cutting-edge and legacy automation solutions within our industrial processes. A solid emphasis is placed on system stability, rapid troubleshooting, and continuous improvement in a live production environment.

As the Engineer in this capacity, you will own and support all aspects of industrial automation systems, including Programmable Automation Controllers (PACs/PLCs), electrical systems, vision systems, Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems, fieldbus networks, robotics, pneumatics, Integrated PCs (IPCs), Human Machine Interfaces (HMI), conveyor systems, and sensing technologies.

In addition to development responsibilities, you will act as a key support resource, diagnosing issues, providing root cause analysis, and implementing corrective actions for automation systems in production. You will collaborate cross-functionally with operations, maintenance, and engineering teams to ensure systems are properly maintained, supported, and continuously improved.

Success in this role requires expertise across the full automation lifecycle, from new system design and commissioning to hands-on troubleshooting, support, and optimization of existing systems in a fast-paced production environment.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Lead the research, design, development, and ongoing support of industrial automation systems, from conceptualization through production and lifecycle sustainment
• Provide day-to-day support for production automation systems, including robotics, conveyor systems, and integrated equipment, ensuring high availability, reliability, and performance
• Troubleshoot and resolve hands-on technical issues related to new and existing automated equipment; drive both short-term fixes and long-term corrective actions, including root cause analysis
• Act as a primary escalation point for complex automation issues, working closely with Maintenance and Operations to minimize downtime and restore production quickly
• Collaborate and communicate with cross-functional teams (IT, OT, Operations, Maintenance) to identify automation opportunities, support needs, system requirements, and develop effective solutions
• Commission, program, and support Programmable Automation Controllers (PACs/PLCs), robotic systems, SCADA systems, vision systems, and other automation components to meet project and operational needs
• Monitor system performance, analyze data, and proactively identify improvement opportunities to enhance equipment reliability, throughput, and efficiency
• Conduct testing, data gathering, and perform analytics to troubleshoot intermittent issues and optimize system performance in a live production environment
• Manage installation, startup, and ongoing support of equipment, including generation and execution of test plans, factory acceptance testing (FAT), and site acceptance testing (SAT)
• Plan and execute modifications to existing production equipment in a way that minimizes operational impact, including support during and after implementation
• Develop and maintain comprehensive documentation, including Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), troubleshooting guides, and maintenance/repair documentation to support sustainment activities
• Provide technical expertise, coaching, and support to internal teams to strengthen troubleshooting capabilities and foster a culture of continuous improvement
• Participate in on-call or off-hours support as needed to ensure continuous operation of critical automation systems
• Other duties may be assigned based on business needs

You'll be rewarded and recognized for your performance in an environment that will challenge you and give you clear direction on what it takes to succeed in your role as well as provide development for other roles you may be interested in.

Required Qualifications:

• BS Degree (Preferred Engineering or Computer Sciences, Automation, Electrical, Mechanical) with 3+ years of experience in an industrial application/ environment, preferably manufacturing or process industries.
• Proficiency in programming PLCs (e.g. ladder logic, statement list), robotic systems (e.g., robotic arms), and industrial communication networks, and comprehension of electrical control systems drawings.
• Proven experience in designing and implementing industrial automation and robotics solutions.
• Ability to independently lead and execute complex automation projects through diverse requirements.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with Beckhoff TwinCat Control systems
• Knowledge of safety standards and regulations in industrial automation (e.g. NFPA 70E)
• Robot programming (e.g., FANUC, ABB, KUKA, Yaskawa/Motoman)
• Proficiency with automation equipment (conveyors, motors, IO devices, pneumatic components, motion control, vision systems)
• Proficiency with SQL Databases, C# Programming
• Proficiency with 3D modeling (e.g. SolidWorks), 2D CAD modeling
• Proven solid problem-solving skills with a keen attention to detail and a proactive approach to technical challenges
• Proven self-starting ambition, ability to work independently, manage multiple tasks simultaneously while meeting project deadlines
• Proven excellent communication and collaboration skills to work effectively with cross-functional teams

At UnitedHealth Group, our mission is to help people live healthier lives and make the health system work better for everyone. We believe everyone-of every race, gender, sexuality, age, location and income-deserves the opportunity to live their healthiest life. Today, however, there are still far too many barriers to good health which are disproportionately experienced by people of color, historically marginalized groups and those with lower incomes. We are committed to mitigating our impact on the environment and enabling and delivering equitable care that addresses health disparities and improves health outcomes - an enterprise priority reflected in our mission.
UnitedHealth Group is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer under applicable law and qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, national origin, religion, age, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by local, state, or federal laws, rules, or regulations.

Pay is based on several factors including but not limited to local labor markets, education, work experience, certifications, etc. In addition to your salary, we offer benefits such as, a comprehensive benefits package, incentive and recognition programs, equity stock purchase and 401k contribution (all benefits are subject to eligibility requirements). No matter where or when you begin a career with us, you'll find a far-reaching choice of benefits and incentives. The salary for this role will range from $91,700 to $163,700 annually based on full-time employment. We comply with all minimum wage laws as applicable.
UnitedHealth Group is a drug-free workplace. Candidates are required to pass a drug test before beginning employment.