Immediate Opening in Newport News for a Automation Controls Technician
Newport News Role Highlights
At a Glance
- Position: Automation Controls Technician (Flexible/Contract, Newport News)
- Location: Newport News, VA
- Company: FedEx
- This Newport News-based role is an excellent opportunity for professionals skilled in relevant skills.
- Our FedEx team in Newport News, VA is growing.
- Benefit from working in Newport News, a key hub for the Logistics And Industrial Automation industry.
Rewards
- Compensation: $27-$40/Hour (approx. $71k/Year)
- Benefits: This role offers competitive pay.
- Set your own schedule.
Position Scope
- Apply your your professional skills skills at our Newport News location.
About FedEx Sort System Automation
FedEx hub sort facilities run on some of the most sophisticated automated material handling systems in the world — miles of powered conveyors, high-speed divert mechanisms, barcode scanning arrays, programmable logic controllers, and variable frequency drives working in concert to sort millions of packages per night. Automation Controls Technicians are the specialized electricians and controls engineers who keep these systems running at peak performance, troubleshooting PLC logic faults, replacing servo motors, calibrating scanning systems, and programming conveyor speed profiles that maximize sort throughput.
Position Overview
FedEx is hiring Automation Controls Technicians to maintain and troubleshoot automated sort system equipment at hub and distribution facilities. You will service PLCs, VFDs, servo drives, barcode scanners, and conveyor control systems — performing preventive maintenance, diagnosing electrical faults, and programming control logic modifications. This is a highly specialized technical position commanding premium pay within the FedEx maintenance organization.
Key Responsibilities
- Troubleshoot and repair PLC-controlled conveyor systems including Allen-Bradley, Siemens, and Mitsubishi platforms.
- Diagnose and replace variable frequency drives, servo motors, encoders, and proximity sensors on sort line equipment.
- Calibrate and maintain barcode scanning arrays and camera-based parcel dimensioning systems for sort accuracy.
- Monitor SCADA and HMI systems during active sort operations, responding to fault alarms and system exceptions in real time.
- Program minor PLC logic modifications and conveyor speed profile adjustments to optimize sort throughput during peak volume.
Qualifications & Benefits
Must be 18+ with minimum 3 years experience in industrial automation, PLC programming, or controls engineering. Proficiency with Allen-Bradley RSLogix/Studio 5000, VFD configuration, and electrical troubleshooting required. Associates degree in electrical technology or equivalent military/trade training preferred. FedEx offers premium automation technician hourly pay, overnight shift differentials, full medical/dental/vision, pension, 401(k), manufacturer training certifications, and advancement into controls engineer and automation manager positions.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does the Opening in Newport News for a Automation Controls Technician position pay at FedEx?
This role offers a pay range of $27 - $40. Actual compensation may vary based on experience, shift, and location within Newport News.
Where is this Opening in Newport News for a Automation Controls Technician job located?
This position is based in Newport News, VA. FedEx has facilities throughout the region, but this specific opening is in Newport News.
What are the overnight shift hours?
Overnight shifts at FedEx in Newport News typically run from approximately 6:00 PM to 4:30 AM, though exact times may vary by facility. Night shift roles often come with shift differential pay on top of the base rate.
What benefits does FedEx offer for this position?
FedEx provides comprehensive benefits starting Day 1, which may include medical, dental, and vision coverage, 401(k) with company match, paid time off, and employee assistance programs.
Is there extra pay for overnight or weekend shifts?
Yes, FedEx offers shift differential premiums added directly to your base hourly rate for overnight and certain weekend shifts, significantly boosting your total compensation.
Does FedEx provide training for new hires?
Yes, FedEx provides comprehensive paid training for all new associates. This includes safety orientation, equipment operation certification, and role-specific process training.
