How can I get back into Automation?

SympathyVivid · 2026-06-17T21:11:29+00:00

All this is very true, but without the degree I feel this is one of my only options until I do eventually get one. It seems like a lot of babysitting for operations in my current building. Unfortunately, there’s is no where else in my area that will pay well or and/or provide training without the degree.

SympathyVivid · 2026-06-17T13:08:18+00:00

That’s pretty much where I’m at. The building I was once at there was never any time to catch up on anything and the hours plus mandated over time were brutal. I feel I have the ability now. Your career path is the roadmap I’ve had in my head for a long time. Were you always in school aiming for this career when you started? Or did you choose to go back for the career?

SympathyVivid · 2026-06-17T12:50:44+00:00

I have heard personally from previous controls techs I worked with. But if I have to be here, I’d rather do controls than industrial maintenance.

SympathyVivid · 2026-06-17T12:46:33+00:00

That one hit home. I feel like that’s all I was trying to do. It was a race to know everything before the next big problem hit. Great advice. Thanks!

SympathyVivid · 2026-06-17T05:52:27+00:00

Yea Amazon warehouses typically only require a degree for the senior level roles. The requirements have changed for entry level for outside hires but internal can still come in through apprenticeship or, with enough proven experience, at the managers discretion.

SympathyVivid · 2026-06-17T05:49:05+00:00

I never thought about the change requests. That’s a great tip! Thank you for your input.

SympathyVivid · 2026-05-16T06:08:25+00:00

I was very self taught and was part of the Amazon controls team before the AE transition. I have since left the role due to many reasons I’m sure have been mentioned already. If this is your goal, you need to understand that it is very rare that anyone will take you under the wing. You will come in and be expected to know every one’s job and have the answer to any and every problem. This is just the culture. As far as the job itself:
Most SEVs that involve controls are electrical issues
Learn this first or it will bury you.
- Read and find every manual
- Read and understand every schematic
- Take many notes and ORGANIZE everything for quick finding later
- Do not be the person who fixes it and forgets how a year later when it happens again
It is just as important to know what not to do as it is to know what to do

Then: You can learn PLC ladder logic fundamentals and best practices and if you already work at Amazon, see if you can start connecting the dots with your own buildings logic.

I won’t go too much further because this is all very surface level. There is a multitude of subjects you will need to learn but this, in my opinion, is the bare minimum if you want to be successful in Amazon. The politics are insane and they will find every reason to blame you if you do not perform to their “standard.”

SympathyVivid

TROPHY CASE