Automation Lead

What we do:

The Automation Lead role is critical to maintaining system uptime, supporting continuous improvement, and partnering with cross-functional teams to enhance automation capabilities, ensure safety compliance, and drive operational excellence.

The Cash & Custody Function engages in critical operations on behalf of the Federal Reserve Bank of New York and the Federal Reserve System including the distribution of U.S. Dollar Currency to the Second District, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands & international customers, as well as Gold Safekeeping Operations. 

Your Role as Automation Lead:

• Lead day-to-day operations of Material Handling Equipment (MHE) and Automated Guided Vehicle (AGV) systems, proactively troubleshooting issues and guiding the team through fast, effective resolutions to minimize downtime.
• Serve as the go-to leader for a team of automation technicians—providing hands-on coaching, guiding skill development, and coordinating shift coverage to ensure consistent, reliable performance.
• Act as the technical escalation point for complex automation issues, driving timely resolution.
• Collaborate with Engineering, Operations, and IT teams to implement system upgrades, software patches, and automation improvements.
• Develop and maintain documentation for Standard Operating Procedures, maintenance schedules, incident response plans, and system performance reporting.
• Monitor system KPIs and analyze performance trends to identify opportunities for continuous improvement.
• Ensure compliance with safety protocols and regulatory requirements for both equipment and personnel.
• Support business continuity and contingency planning for automated systems.

What we are looking for:

• A natural leader who communicates clearly, exercises sound judgment and is genuinely invested in the team's success and development.
• Proven ability to manage day-to-day operations, including scheduling, prioritization, coaching, and process execution.
• Background in mechanical, electrical, automation engineering, or a related technical field.
• Hands-on experience with automation systems and industrial equipment maintenance.
• Working knowledge of AGVs, robotics, PLCs, sensors, and other material handling technologies.
• Ability to work independently with limited supervision to manage projects and processes.
• Availability for on-call support, shift flexibility, or rotating schedules as needed.

*This role is based out of East Rutherford, NJ. Potentially moving to Warren, NJ.

To Apply: Please include resume and cover letter.

Salary Range: $120,000 -150,000 / year

We believe in transparency at the NY Fed. This salary range reflects a variety of skills and experiences candidates may bring to the job. We pay individuals along this range based on their unique backgrounds. Whether you’re stretching into the job or are a more seasoned candidate, we aim to pay competitively for your contributions.

How We’ll Support You:   

Our programs and benefits are designed to support you through all your life stages: 

• Learning & Growing: Educational assistance, career development tools, and stretch opportunities 

• Supporting Your Family: Parental leave, adoption assistance, back-up dependent and elder care, college planning resources, and more 

• Managing Your Health: Comprehensive insurance plans, leave policies, onsite Health & Wellness Center, and onsite Fitness Center 

• Optimizing Your Finances: Pension plan, 401(k) with generous match, financial planning resources, and subsidized public transportation program 

Our Culture is deeply grounded in our Touchstone Behaviors— By working with us, you’ll have the opportunity to develop and demonstrate your ability to Communicate Authentically, Collaborate Inclusively, Drive Progress, Develop Others, and Take Ownership. These competencies shape our culture here at the Bank. They also provide a shared language for how we work together and achieve success and set clear expectations for leading with impact at every stage of your career. Learn more.    

Application Deadline: October 7, 2026

Apply now if you’re ready to join us in strengthening the U.S. economy together. Want to consider our other opportunities? Click here to see all our open roles. 

The New York Fed expects its employees to perform their duties with honesty, integrity, and impartiality, and without improper preferential treatment of any person. Learn more about our code of conduct and conflicts of interest rules.  

We value accessibility for all candidates and are happy to provide an accommodation or assistance. Please email us at [email protected] and we’ll be glad to help. Please note, this is a dedicated e-mail box designed exclusively to assist applications with accommodation requests in relation to our recruiting process. All other inquires including the status of applications will not receive a response from this e-mail box.   

This is not necessarily an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, performance standards or requirements, efforts, skills or working conditions associated with the job. While this is intended to be an accurate reflection of the current job, management reserves the right to revise the job or to require that other or different tasks be performed when circumstances change.  

In addition, candidates must undergo an enhanced background check, comply with all applicable information handling rules, and will be tested for all controlled substances prohibited by federal law, to include marijuana, prior to hire and during employment.   

The Federal Reserve Banks are committed to equal employment opportunity for employees and job applicants in compliance with applicable law and to an environment where employees are valued for their differences.

Always verify and apply to jobs on Federal Reserve System Careers (https://rb.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/FRS) or through verified Federal Reserve Bank social media channels.

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