Airport Conveyance Automation PLC Specialist (Baggage Handling Systems Specialist) Aviation Department

City of Phoenix -
Phoenix, AZ

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Job Details

Full-time
$31.68 - $46.81 an hour
10 days ago

Benefits

401(a)
Commuter assistance
Paid parental leave
Health savings account
Paid holidays
Disability insurance
Health insurance
Dental insurance
Tuition reimbursement
Paid time off
Adoption assistance
Parental leave
Vision insurance
Loan forgiveness
Life insurance

Qualifications

System deployment
Electrical maintenance

Full Job Description

Job ID

62167

Job Category

Airport Security & Operations

Full/Part Time

Full-Time

Regular/Temporary

Regular

ABOUT THIS POSITION

In 2025, more than 52 million passengers traveled through Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX), making it one of the busiest airports in the United States and a key hub in the nation's fifth-largest city. PHX is the largest of three airports in the Phoenix Airport System, which also includes Deer Valley and Goodyear airports, operated by the City of Phoenix Aviation Department (AVN). Together, these airports generate an annual economic impact of over $44 billion.

The City of Phoenix Aviation Department is seeking a Baggage Handling Systems Specialist experienced in the Conveyance Automation PLC field to support, maintain, troubleshoot, and optimize automated baggage handling and conveyor systems in a fast-paced operational environment. The ideal candidate will have strong industrial automation experience with Allen-Bradley PLCs, VFDs, FactoryTalk applications, industrial networking, and database-integrated control systems. This role requires a hands-on automation professional capable of diagnosing electrical and controls issues, supporting mission-critical baggage handling systems, and collaborating with maintenance, operations, and engineering teams to ensure maximum system uptime and performance.

Key responsibilities include:

Troubleshoot, maintain, and optimize baggage handling and conveyor automation systems.
Program, modify, and support Allen-Bradley PLC systems and HMI applications.
Configure and maintain Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs) and motor control systems.
Support FactoryTalk applications including FactoryTalk View and FactoryTalk Linx.
Diagnose and resolve control system faults, communication failures, and network issues.
Maintain and support industrial communication networks including ControlNet, LANs, WANs, and VPN connectivity.
Work with industrial Ethernet, managed switches, and remote access technologies.
Analyze system alarms, downtime reports, and operational data to improve system reliability.
Support database-integrated systems and reporting applications.
Create and maintain technical documentation, SOPs, and maintenance records.
Coordinate with operations and maintenance teams during troubleshooting and planned maintenance activities.
Participate in system upgrades, commissioning, and testing of new automation equipment.
Ensure compliance with safety procedures, operational standards, and regulatory requirements.

IDEAL CANDIDATE

Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
Excellent communication and teamwork abilities.
Knowledge of barcode scanners, RFID systems, and airport logistics systems.
Knowledge of SQL databases, database connectivity, and data logging systems.
Hands-on knowledge of Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs) and motor control systems.
Knowledge of Rockwell Automation FactoryTalk View SE development, deployment and troubleshooting.
Extensive knowledge of Rockwell Automation/ Allen Bradley Control Logix platform controls and communication protocols.
Familiarity with SCADA systems and industrial cybersecurity practices.
Ability to read and interpret electrical drawings, schematics, and control diagrams.
Strong understanding of industrial networking including:
- VPN connectivity.
- LANs and WANs.
- Ethernet/IP communications.
- Managed industrial switches.

SALARY

Pay Range: $31.68 to $46.81 per hour.

Hiring Range: $31.68 to $44.58 per hour.

Pay Range Explanation:

Pay range is the entire compensation range for the position classification.
Hiring range is an estimate of where you can receive an offer. The actual salary offer will carefully consider a wide range of factors, including your skills, qualifications, experience, education, licenses, training, and internal equity.

Internal Only: Please understand that this is pay grade 254. If selected, your salary offer will be based on the applicable promotion or demotion worksheet in accordance with the City Pay Ordinance.

Promotions occur when the last two digits of the pay grade increase.
Demotions occur when the last two digits of the pay grade decrease.
Lateral transfers occur when there is no change to the last two digits of the pay grade.
When there is a change in the first digit of the pay grade, there may also be a change to your classification or unit.

Your job classification can be found in eCHRIS > Personal Details under your name, located in the top left section of the page.

The pay grade and classification/unit of your current position may be found by looking up your job title on the job description page.

BENEFITS

A comprehensive benefits package is offered which includes:

Traditional pension with employer and employee contributions,

for more details: Pension Information
401(a) and 457 plans with employer contributions
Choice of generous medical HMO, PPO, or HSA/HDHP plans
Medical enrollment includes a monthly $150 City contribution to a Post-Employment Health Plan
Wellness incentive of up to $720 annually
Dental, vision, and life insurance options
Employer paid long-term disability
Free Bus/light rail pass
Tuition reimbursement program up to $6,500 per year
Paid time off includes 13.5 paid holidays, 12 vacation days, and 15 sick days and personal leave days
Paid Parental Leave for eligible employees up to 480 hours (12 weeks) of paid leave for the birth, adoption, or foster care placement of a child during a 12-month period
Federal Student Loan Forgiveness offered through Savi

For more details, visit: Unit 002 Benefits

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Three years of journey level experience in installation and maintenance of electronic and digital systems related to baggage handling or parcel systems.
Associate's degree in electronics or related field.
Other combinations of experience and education that meet the minimum qualifications may be substituted.
Working conditions:
- Fast-paced airport or industrial operational environment.
- Moving objects weighing 50 pounds or more may be required.
- Requires shift, weekend, and holiday work hours.
- May be required to climb ladders or steps to reach objects and work at heights greater than twenty feet.
All finalists for positions are subject to a criminal background check applicable to the department or position.
The following list is not all inclusive but are TSA general factors for disqualification of employment for working at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport. Other factors will be assessed that may also lead to disqualification. Qualified candidates should consider these factors when applying. Aviation Employment Disqualifiers.
Some positions require the use of personal or City vehicles on City business. Individuals must be physically capable of operating the vehicles safely, possess a valid driver's license and have an acceptable driving record. Use of a personal vehicle for City business will be prohibited if the employee is not authorized to drive a City vehicle or if the employee does not have personal insurance coverage.
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The City job description can be found here.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

The minimum qualifications listed above, plus:

One year of experience using Microsoft Office (Word and Excel) and CAD.
Two years of experience with/in:
- Variable frequency drives.
- Managing and maintaining database virtual servers.
- Reading, interpreting, and working from prints, sketches, and diagrams.
Three years or more experience with programming and troubleshooting baggage handling systems or bulk material handling conveyor systems PLCs or SCADA controls.
Experience working with airport baggage handling systems.
Experience with preventative maintenance programs.
Experience with Rockwell Automation FactoryTalk software.
Experience troubleshooting sensors, conveyors, actuators, and field devices.
Experience working with LANs, WANs, and VPNs.
Degree in Electronics or Computer Science, desired.

RECRUITMENT DATES

Recruitment closes July 23, 2026. All materials must be received by 11:59 p.m. on this date.

This is a position-based recruitment and will not result in any ongoing eligibility list. This recruitment and any selection processes resulting from this recruitment may be used to fill other related vacancies within the organization now or in the near future.

HOW TO APPLY

Apply online by completing the required information and attaching, as one document, your cover letter and resume. Please include your experience as it relates to the qualifications stated above. Only the highest qualified may be posted to the eligible to hire list. The results of the resume screening process will be sent to your primary email address.

WE ARE HERE TO HELP

Job interviews may be held by video or audio conference.
for free options.
for more information.
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If you require assistance at any stage of the application process due to an accessibility issue, please contact the Human Resources Department by phone at (602) 495-5700 or by text at (800) 367-8939. You may also fill out and submit a Reasonable Accommodation Request Form.

REFERENCE

Baggage Handling Systems Spec, JC:74500, ID# 62167, 07/09/2026, USM, GO, Benefits:002

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City of Phoenix is an equal opportunity employer. AmeriCorps, Peace Corps, and other national service alumni who meet the required qualifications are encouraged to apply.

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