Automation Engineer

Job#: 3021413

Job Description:

Title: Automation Engineer

Pay: $40-$50/hr

Seniority: Mid-Level

Location: Charlotte, NC or St. Louis, MO - Hybrid 4x/week onsite, 1/week remote

Contract Duration: 12+ month contract

Job Summary

We are seeking an Automation Engineer to join a highly collaborative Agile scrum team focused on automating IT operations at scale. In this role, you will use Ansible and Infrastructure as Code (IaC) to design, build, and maintain automated remediation solutions that reduce manual effort and improve system reliability.

You will work closely with teammates, subject-matter experts, and cross-functional partners to deliver event-driven automation workflows that support a wide range of internal customers. This position is ideal for someone who enjoys hands-on scripting, automation, and problem-solving in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment.
Day-to-Day Responsibilities

• Participate in daily Agile stand-ups and sprint ceremonies, using Jira to track progress, priorities, and deliverables.
• Design, develop, and maintain Ansible playbooks written in YAML to automate operational tasks and remediation activities.
• Build and enhance Infrastructure as Code (IaC) solutions to enable consistent, repeatable automation at scale.
• Develop automation scripts using Python or PowerShell (with Bash or Perl as supporting languages when needed).
• Integrate automation with internal and external systems using REST APIs.
• Implement and maintain CI/CD pipelines using GitLab to test and deploy automation safely.
• Create and refine event-driven workflows that respond to system alerts or operational triggers.
• Collaborate closely with SMEs and cross-functional teams to gather requirements, troubleshoot issues, and validate solutions.
• Independently execute assigned sprint work while partnering with teammates to meet sprint commitments.
• Contribute to documentation and knowledge sharing to support automation reuse and long-term maintainability.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience in automation, DevOps, or systems engineering roles.
• Hands-on experience with Ansible and YAML-based playbook development.
• Familiarity with Infrastructure as Code (IaC) concepts and practices.
• Scripting experience with Python and/or PowerShell
• (Bash or Perl experience is acceptable as a supplement).
• Experience working with RESTful APIs for system integration.
• Experience building or maintaining CI/CD pipelines, preferably using GitLab.
• Strong understanding of Agile/Scrum practices and experience working in sprint-based teams.
• Solid problem-solving skills with the ability to work independently and collaboratively.
• Strong communication skills and comfort working with technical and non-technical stakeholders.

Nice-to-Have Qualifications

• Experience importing, transforming, or integrating data from multiple sources (e.g., data warehousing or analytics pipelines).
• Exposure to cloud platforms such as AWS or Azure.
• Working knowledge of SQL, including writing and optimizing queries.
• Experience developing or supporting solutions using Oracle PL/SQL.

Apex Systems is a world-class IT services company that serves thousands of clients across the globe. When you join Apex, you become part of a team that values innovation, collaboration, and continuous learning. We offer quality career resources, training, certifications, development opportunities, and a comprehensive benefits package. Our commitment to excellence is reflected in many awards, including ClearlyRated's Best of Staffing in Talent Satisfaction in the United States and Great Place to Work in the United Kingdom and Mexico. Apex uses a virtual recruiter as part of the application process. Click for more details.

Apex Benefits Overview: Apex offers a range of supplemental benefits, including medical, dental, vision, life, disability, and other insurance plans that offer an optional layer of financial protection. We offer an ESPP (employee stock purchase program) and a 401K program which allows you to contribute typically within 30 days of starting, with a company match after 12 months of tenure. Apex also offers a HSA (Health Savings Account on the HDHP plan), a SupportLinc Employee Assistance Program (EAP) with up to 8 free counseling sessions, a corporate discount savings program and other discounts. In terms of professional development, Apex hosts an on-demand training program, provides access to certification prep and a library of technical and leadership courses/books/seminars once you have 6+ months of tenure, and certification discounts and other perks to associations that include CompTIA and IIBA. Apex has a dedicated customer service team for our Consultants that can address questions around benefits and other resources, as well as a certified Career Coach. You can access a full list of our benefits, programs, support teams and resources within our 'Welcome Packet' as well, which an Apex team member can provide.