ShipMonk · 5 months ago
Field Automation Engineer (PLCs & Python)
Louisville, KY
Full-time
Hybrid
Mid LevelShipMonk is a growth partner for merchants, providing advanced technology and fulfillment solutions. The Field Automation Engineer will bridge the gap between physical sorting infrastructure and the digital ecosystem, focusing on automating systems and improving operational efficiency.
E-CommerceSaaSLogisticsShippingSupply Chain ManagementWarehousing
Responsibilities
You are the primary owner of the sorting machinery
When a package is misrouted, you check the physical reality first
Maintain the health of scanners, dimensioners, and automated conveyors
Distinguish between a mechanical failure (e.g., a jammed roller) and a system instruction error
You are the translator between two distinct worlds:
You can explain technical issues to non-technical staff on the floor in plain English
You can relay detailed technical context to our software teams when deep code changes are needed
Oversee the integration layer that connects our Warehouse Management System (WMS) to the Sorter hardware
Understand the rules of "what to do when..." and identify if an error is software-related or physical
If you can at least modify Python (+Bash) scripts and SQL queries to debug logic, that is a huge plus
Qualification
Required
Hardware Ownership (The Priority) You are the primary owner of the sorting machinery. You bring a pragmatic, 'common sense' approach to troubleshooting that pure software developers often lack
Diagnose Physical Issues: When a package is misrouted, you check the physical reality first. Is the diverter wheel worn out? Is the camera lens dirty? Is a sensor obstructed?
Orchestrate the Floor: Maintain the health of scanners, dimensioners, and automated conveyors
Root Cause Analysis: Distinguish between a mechanical failure (e.g., a jammed roller) and a system instruction error
The Communication Bridge This is a communication-heavy role. You are the translator between two distinct worlds: Warehouse Operations: You can explain technical issues to non-technical staff on the floor in plain English. Software Development: You can relay detailed technical context to our software teams when deep code changes are needed
Hardware-First Mindset: You have working with PLCs, industrial scanners (Keyence, Cognex), and sorting diverters. You prefer practical solutions over over-engineered ones
Pragmatic Troubleshooter: You don't just fix symptoms; you find the root cause to ensure the issue doesn't happen again
Native/Fluent Communicator: You have excellent English skills and are confident in managing expectations with Warehouse General Managers
Tech-Curious: You might not be a Senior Developer, but you aren't afraid to look at a database or a script to find an answer
Preferred
System Integration & Logic (The 'Nice-to-Have')
Manage the 'Middleman': Oversee the integration layer that connects our Warehouse Management System (WMS) to the Sorter hardware
Triage Logic: Understand the rules of 'what to do when...' and identify if an error is software-related or physical
Scripting: If you can at least modify Python (+Bash) scripts and SQL queries to debug logic, that is a huge plus (though complex coding can be offloaded to our dev team)
Company
ShipMonk
ShipMonk offers direct-to-consumer fulfillment and technology tools for e-commerce companies.
Founded in 2014
1001-5000 employees
H1B Sponsorship
ShipMonk has a track record of offering H1B sponsorships. Please note that this does not
guarantee sponsorship for this specific role. Below presents additional info for your
reference. (Data Powered by US Department of Labor)
Distribution of Different Job Fields Receiving Sponsorship
Represents job field similar to this job
Trends of Total Sponsorships
2025 (6)
2024 (9)
2023 (2)
2022 (1)
2021 (2)
2020 (2)
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageTotal Funding
$365MKey Investors
Periphas CapitalSummit PartnersSJF Ventures
2021-01-27Private Equity· $65M
2020-12-02Private Equity· $290M
2018-10-29Series A· $10M
Leadership Team
Kevin Sides
Co-Founder/Chief Executive Officer
Jan Bednar
Founder & Board Member
Recent News
Seattle TechFlash
2025-08-21
2025-08-13
Company data provided by crunchbase