Automation Engineer

Requisition Number: 2402347
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 in making healthcare work better for everyone through people-led, responsible AI while Caring. Connecting. Growing together.
Ready to put your automation expertise to work on technology that helps people get the medications they need? As a lead technical resource for industrial automation across our network of pharmacy fulfillment centers, you will shape everything from day to day improvements to large-scale capital projects. You will also keep our robotics, conveyor systems, and integrated production equipment running at peak uptime, reliability, and performance.
You will design, develop, implement, test, and support both cutting-edge and legacy automation solutions, with the chance to see your work make a real difference in a live production environment. Your focus will be on system stability, rapid troubleshooting, and continuous improvement.
This is a hands-on role with real ownership. You will be the go-to expert for the full range of industrial automation technology on site, 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.
You will be a trusted support partner, diagnosing issues, leading root cause analysis, and implementing lasting corrective actions. You will work side by side with operations, maintenance, and engineering teams who value your expertise and rely on you to keep systems maintained, supported, and continuously improving.
If you enjoy variety, this role offers it. You will work across the full automation lifecycle, from designing and commissioning new systems to troubleshooting and optimizing existing ones, in a fast-paced environment where your impact is visible every day.
Location: 6860 W 115th St., Overland Park, KS
Travel: Approximately 25% travel to other OptumRx Home Delivery sites
Schedule: Monday-Friday, typically 8:00 AM-5:00 PM
This role serves as a lead resource for industrial automation across multiple pharmacy fulfillment centers, supporting initiatives that range from day-to-day operational improvements to large-scale capital projects. In addition to driving new automation development, this position is responsible for the ongoing support, maintenance, and optimization of existing systems-including robotics, conveyor systems, and integrated production equipment-to ensure consistent 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, with a solid focus on efficiency, stability, and rapid issue resolution in a live production environment.
Metrics:
Deliver measurable ROI through automation projects while improving operational efficiency and system performance. Execute projects on time with minimal disruption to production. Ensure high system uptime and reliability through effective support and rapid issue resolution. Demonstrate solid technical competency across both implementation and ongoing support of automation systems.
Project:
This position will be engaged in a variety of automation and cost reduction projects across the entire HDP network, including new automations, refurbishments, and operations initiatives.
Site:
Overland Park, KS - KS015
Risk:
The Overland Park, KS facility is currently undergoing the re-build and commissioning of a new Automation Dispensing Line, which is a critical production asset supporting operational throughput, quality, and service objectives. Currently, the facility does not have a dedicated onsite Engineer to support automation line operations, creating a significant support gap during startup and ongoing production.
In addition to the new Automation Dispensing Line, the Overland Park site also supports an Automated Tote Specialty Line, further increasing the engineering oversight and support requirements at this location. The cumulative automation footprint at Overland Park now necessitates dedicated onsite engineering expertise. Beyond the Overland Park facility, there are additional automated lines in close proximity, including an automated line in Lenexa and a Pharmscript facility. These nearby sites increase the demand for responsive engineering support within the region. Without an onsite Engineer, existing engineering resources are required to support multiple automation lines across sites, resulting in reduced effectiveness, delayed response times, and increased operational risk.
Skills:
PLC Programming (Beckhoff Twincat preferred), industrial communication and fieldbus networks, ability to read and interpret electrical control systems drawings. Robot programming, teach pendant operations, robot path optimization and motion control.
Primary Responsibilities:

• Lead the research, design, development, and ongoing support of industrial automation systems, taking ideas from concept through production and lifecycle sustainment
• Keep production automation running at its best, including robotics, conveyor systems, and integrated equipment, to ensure high availability, reliability, and performance
• Solve hands-on technical challenges on new and existing automated equipment, driving both short-term fixes and long-term corrective actions through root cause analysis
• Serve as the primary escalation point for complex automation issues, partnering with Maintenance and Operations to minimize downtime and restore production quickly
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams (IT, OT, Operations, Maintenance) to identify automation opportunities, understand support needs and 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 opportunities to improve equipment reliability, throughput, and efficiency
• Test, gather data, and apply analytics to track down intermittent issues and optimize system performance in a live production environment
• Own installation, startup, and ongoing support of equipment, including test plans, factory acceptance testing (FAT), and site acceptance testing (SAT)
• Plan and execute upgrades to existing production equipment with minimal operational impact, and support the team during and after implementation
• Develop and maintain clear documentation, including Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), troubleshooting guides, and maintenance/repair documentation, to support long-term sustainment
• Share your expertise by coaching and supporting internal teams, strengthening troubleshooting skills and fostering a culture of continuous improvement
• Participate in on-call or off-hours support as needed to keep critical automation systems operating
• Take on other duties as business needs arise

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:

• Proven experience designing, programming, commissioning, and supporting industrial automation and robotic systems
• Proficiency programming PLCs using languages such as ladder logic and structured text, along with experience troubleshooting industrial control systems, I/O, sensors, safety circuits, and industrial communication networks
• Proven ability to read, interpret, and troubleshoot electrical schematics, control panel drawings, and system architecture drawings
• Proven ability to independently lead and execute complex automation projects, including requirements development, design, implementation, testing, commissioning, and operational handoff
• Demonstrated solid troubleshooting and problem-solving skills, with the ability to diagnose issues across electrical, controls, software, networking, and mechanical systems
• Demonstrated solid communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to work effectively across engineering, operations, maintenance, IT, vendors, and other cross-functional teams

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with Beckhoff TwinCAT control systems
• Experience integrating and troubleshooting automation equipment, including conveyors, motors/VFDs, servo and motion control systems, I/O devices, sensors, pneumatic components, safety devices, barcode/RFID systems, and machine vision systems
• Experience with industrial communication protocols and networks, such as EtherCAT, EtherNet/IP, PROFINET, Modbus TCP, IO-Link, or similar technologies
• Experience with SQL databases and C# development, particularly for automation, equipment integration, data collection, or troubleshooting
• Experience with 3D and 2D CAD tools, such as SolidWorks or AutoCAD
• Robot programming and integration experience with platforms such as FANUC, ABB, KUKA, or Yaskawa/Motoman
• Working knowledge of applicable industrial electrical and machine safety standards, such as NFPA 70E, NFPA 79, and machine safeguarding practices
• Demonstrated ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities, and deliver projects within established schedules
• Demonstrated solid written and verbal communication skills with the ability to explain technical issues to both technical and nontechnical stakeholders

At UnitedHealth Group, our mission is to help people live healthier lives and help make the health system work better for everyone. Together, we are shaping the future of healthcare by harnessing technology and innovation to make care simpler to navigate, more affordable and more connected for the people we serve. We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone feels welcomed, valued, heard and respected, empowering people to bring their authentic selves to work and strengthening our collective impact through diverse talents, backgrounds, experiences and perspectives.
UnitedHealth Group and its affiliated brands are 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 - $163,700 annually based on full-time employment. We comply with all minimum wage laws as applicable.
UnitedHealth Group and its affiliated brands are a drug-free workplace. Candidates are required to pass a drug test before beginning employment.