Okay, I've searched for fully remote Automation Engineer roles requiring AVEVA Wonderware and MS SQL Server experience, in the manufacturing industry, with at least 2 years of experience, and full-time positions. I have found 74 matching positions for you.

Sure. Here's the analysis:

Job Analysis:

The Automation Engineer role is fundamentally designed to ensure the effective deployment, maintenance, and enhancement of Factory Management Systems (FMS) using AVEVA Wonderware technologies within CHEP’s manufacturing plants. This position demands deep technical expertise in system platform configuration, SQL Server management, and cyber security patching to keep critical plant control systems secure and fully operational. Success in this role involves not only technical acumen but also strong collaboration across FMS, IT teams, and plant operations, reflecting the cross-functional and global nature of the work environment. Given the remote support requirements and off-hours availability, the candidate must be adaptable, resilient, and comfortable navigating ambiguity and high-pressure scenarios such as urgent troubleshooting or patch implementation cycles. The emphasis on standards enforcement and vendor coordination indicates a need for disciplined project and vendor management skills, ensuring solutions are delivered on time and within budget. The role’s complexity is elevated by multi-time zone coordination and cultural diversity, making communication skills and relationship management equally critical to technical prowess. Performance success in the first 6-12 months would likely be measured by system stability, timely patch deployments, reduction of downtime, and positive feedback from plant and IT stakeholders.

Company Analysis:

Apex Systems operates as a globally recognized IT services firm known for delivering innovative and agile solutions across multiple technology domains, including automation and cybersecurity. Positioned within a competitive landscape as a trusted partner for digital transformation, Apex values continuous learning, collaboration, and excellence—traits reflected in its award-winning staffing and workplace culture. For a candidate, this means joining a dynamic, innovation-driven environment that demands technical excellence while fostering professional growth and cross-cultural engagement. Apex’s broad reach across 70+ markets and its strong alliance with cutting-edge technology partners provide a fertile environment for exposure to diverse technologies and best practices. The Automation Engineer role fits strategically into Apex’s portfolio by supporting a key client’s operational technology landscape, underpinning business-critical manufacturing processes. As Apex is a part of ASGN Incorporated, the role offers visibility into a larger corporate ecosystem, with access to resources and career development opportunities. The company culture’s emphasis on customer satisfaction, diversity, and supportive resources such as career coaching and certification programs creates a fertile environment for a technically skilled, motivated individual to thrive and influence continuous operational excellence in a high-stakes, fast-paced setting.

Absolutely. Here are some mock interview questions that could come up:

• Behavioral: Tell me about a time when you had to troubleshoot a critical automation system issue under tight deadlines. How did you manage the pressure and resolve the problem?
• Behavioral: Describe an experience where you had to work across multiple time zones and coordinate with culturally diverse teams to implement a technical solution. What challenges did you face and how did you overcome them?
• Behavioral: Give an example of when you proposed and implemented a process improvement or system enhancement that added measurable value to the business. What steps did you take from identification through delivery?
• Behavioral: How have you handled situations where you needed to enforce technical standards or compliance with vendors who were resistant or unfamiliar with those standards?
• Technical: Can you walk me through your experience with AVEVA Wonderware System Platform 2020 and key challenges you faced developing and configuring solutions on this platform?
• Technical: What is your approach to applying cybersecurity patches in a live manufacturing environment to minimize downtime and risks? How do you prioritize and schedule such implementations?
• Technical: How do you use SQL Server (including stored procedures and reporting services) in support of automation systems? Can you share a specific example where you optimized or troubleshooted database components?
• Technical: Describe your familiarity and experience with virtualization technologies such as Hyper-V and how they support automation system deployments or migrations.
• Situational: Imagine you are notified of an unexpected system failure during a weekend shift that halts production. Walk me through how you would respond and coordinate resolution.
• Situational: You discover that a new equipment vendor is not adhering to the company's FMS standards, causing delays in system integration. How would you address this to keep the project on track?
• Situational: A cross-functional team disagrees on the technical approach to a system configuration issue impacting plant operations. How would you mediate and help reach consensus?
• Company Fit/Motivation: What motivates you to work for Apex Systems and how do you see your skills aligning with our company’s mission and culture?
• Company Fit/Motivation: How do you stay current with evolving automation technologies and cybersecurity practices, and how does that align with Apex’s commitment to innovation?
• Company Fit/Motivation: Apex supports continuous learning and certifications. Which professional development opportunities are you most interested in pursuing within this role and why?
• Questions for Interviewer: How does Apex measure success for the Automation Engineer within the first year, and what are the biggest challenges currently facing the FMS teams at CHEP?
• Questions for Interviewer: Can you describe the level of collaboration between Apex’s internal teams and client stakeholders, especially during critical system patching or upgrades?
• Questions for Interviewer: What opportunities are available within Apex for further career growth or specialization in industrial automation and cybersecurity?