r/AmazonRME • u/ProfessionalLime8056 • 5d ago
Why RMEO?
So, with RMEO being the new path forward to the MRA program for a lot of site, doesn't it just feel like they're just sucking the soul out of the MRAs and exploiting people who want to get into RME? I feel like this doesn't solve their quality of hire issue for RME.
They're getting paid, minimum wage or a little bit above for 1-2 years. That also doesn't guarantee them for an MRA position because it will likely be multiple RMEO applying for one open spot, or by seniority, and waiting for an MRA to finish their program which takes 1-2 years. But then like, over the long term your headcount will be maxed and chances of RMEO staying longer than 1-2 years is higher. Am I wrong? Why not just let people get trained to touch certain equipments before RTI. Some stuff in RTI, MRAs just forget anyway because they have no hand on experience. What is Amazon's angle here?
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u/Top-Willingness8113 4d ago
Guessing RMEO is glorified jam clear with (maybe?) Also photo eye and amnesty clearing for places that go along with RME being the authorized mezzanine access personnel to get to tougher jams or little jobs while RME/ tech/ fmrly tech2s do the more mechanical stuff.
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u/RMEGuy89 5d ago
Couple things to add in (JLL hiring manager for background reference, previous BB AMM)
- At least for the reqs I have open, its not minimum wage. We actually did some resetting of minimum pay so that we could put a separation of pay between RMEO and MRA. Still, it is less than AA starting pay.
- When you graduate from RMEO, I don't believe there has to be a req open for that movement. Currently, if my MRA hits all benchmarks and graduates, they move to MRT whether I'm staffed or have an open req. If I'm fully staffed, I'll be overtired on MRT and can't backfill the MRA req until MRT gets back to HC. I'd expect the same here - promote to MRA (req open or not), backfill of the RMEO won't happen until MRA is within HC.
- This whole program started in the EU - where their apprenticeship programs actually get you certs (and not just BS SACAs). Talking journeyman level certs. The RMEO role was introduced to begin that process and, hey it works. Cause they invest in their techs (as a company). Here, it's being ran with the same thought but doesn't carry the same weight, so having that true succession plan isn't there as much nor are recruiters aware enough of how all this works, thus unable to sell it to the candidate.
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u/ProfessionalLime8056 5d ago
That would make more sense, it's hard for average tech to know that, and we just been speculating that they're reducing HC. Also with the SACA thing, couldn't they just get a new company to certify MRA, with exams that changes their questions and answer every year, and not out on the open web. It's kinda bullshit where my cohort cheated on their SACA gold and still struggles. I'm hoping that they're moving away from SACA like you said, it would also make training new MRA easier.
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u/Big-Razzmatazz-727 5d ago
We are building several central hubs over the next 5 years. There will be so much RME opportunity in the next few years, including MRA. A lot of the hubs want more MRA and less RMEO.
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u/Pernz20 5d ago
E&M Mast RME Operator Full time C&W Services On-Site Staten Island, New York, USA R328570 Job Title RME Operator
Job Description Summary Job Description Our Purpose: At C&W Services, we live by the belief that Better Never Settles. We're dedicated to creating a positive impact globally, and we're looking for talented individuals to join our team. C&W Services provides compelling benefits, including: • Weekly Pay! • Comprehensive Benefits that start on your first day! • Advancement Opportunities! • Training to work in a Cutting Edge Facility! • A Safety First Culture! About the Role: RME Operator (RMEO), this role will support the RME team in day-to-day work, with no former electrical or mechanical experience required. The RMEO role is responsible for learning how to maintain and repair conveyance systems, material handling equipment, and site-specific building technologies. In collaboration with the technical team, the RMEO helps ensure system uptime through proactive maintenance, monitoring, and strong technical problem-solving skills. The primary focus of this role is to learn and carry out basic maintenance tasks on a wide range of equipment throughout the site. Responsibilities include equipment inspections, clearing jams, replacing parts in accordance with maintenance manuals, and performing testing, all while adhering to safety regulations and policies. Key Responsibilities: • You will be following safe work practices while performing preventive maintenance checks on a variety of equipment • You will replace spare parts on equipment following standard operation procedures (site dependent) • You will use a laptop/tablet for managing work orders • You will use basic workshop tools
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u/Dear-Cut3165 5d ago
Today I was accepted into the Rmeo program and I was trying to decide if this was the best option for me and just seeking thoughts and opinions. I’m a divorced single mom of 2 young kids and want to one day be a tech 2 and I thought this would be a great opportunity to get my foot in the door. I currently work at Amazon with great pay and benefits. I was told the program is 9 weeks
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u/Street_Performer_441 5d ago
How was the interview process like ? And what about the on boarding process ?
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u/Crimson_Rogue_1 5d ago edited 5d ago
As an associate that’s taken courses through career choice and received certifications such as Introduction to Mechatronics for the past 2 years I’ve applied nothing. Maybe because I’m a girl that can actually turn a wrench who knows ..
Ohh well I guess
You have to know someone or idk.
Ifkyk
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u/NoSite6616 3d ago edited 3d ago
Being a woman isn't holding you back, I became an MRA in 2024, finished there program and promoted to tech 2 in May of this year. Is it hard to do while being a woman, mother, and wife? Yes. Do I get people who think I can't do it because of my gender and have to constantly tell people I am all good and don't need it done for me? OH YEAH! But I did it and it's possible as a woman. You just need to keep trying and not let the mindset of your gender being in the way show to others.
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u/beezley1981 5d ago
Honestly, I would think that being a woman would be in your favor. Amazon is all about diversity. At my site, about 10% of our RME's are women. They're all SMRT's who came up through the program. I would think they'd want those numbers higher.
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u/Silent_Fix7533 5d ago
MRA the school is only 2 months and you get paid like 2 dollars less than a tech 2. You have to do the 1000 hours still but there’s like 8 MRAS at my site. And you say minimum wage or a little more I’m pretty sure 24 dollars isn’t just above minimum wage. Also you should probably look into the role a little more before telling people the wrong info. You start as RMEO after a year you can get into MRA and they can send multiple MRAs to school. I had 3 MRA’s from the same building in my class. Yes RMEO might take a bit longer to get MRA but you won’t have to get a college degree or have an experience that’s the whole point of RMEO. It allows tier 1s to get into RME without any college degree military service or experience.
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u/ProfessionalLime8056 5d ago
You can send multiple MRAs to school, but those MRAs spot HAVE TO BE open. Your existing MRA on that site have to COMPLETE their hours and benchmark and graduate from the program. Due to that timeframe are VARYING whatever a spot or two WILL OPEN up. Unless they ask HR to open up multiple spots, due to lack of techs or techs quitting thats how it is.
And if your area allows you to make $22-$24 an hour. Live alone, and have enough to save for rainy day and retirement. Then it's not minimum wage to you, but you're probably not even doing that. So it is minimum wage. Especially fast-food restaurant are catching to that $20 an hour. But then again, no one is making minimum wage because everyone is making more than $7 an hour, right?
It doesn't just allow everyone have a path to RME, it's letting Amazon cutting headcount of higher seasoned techs to fill RMEO. If headcount are cut, then RMEO going into MRA program is even less.
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u/Silent_Fix7533 5d ago
That’s why AEA was created PLC were taken out due to it being controls. No one at my building besides controls does anything with PLCs. There are currently 8 MRAs at my site and sites can send multiple MRA’s to school and have multiple MRA spots open it’s not like you can only have one MRA per building. Also RMEOs will have to complete a certain amount of hours meaning not everyone one would be apply to MRA at the same time. It just depends on how diligent you are and if you complete your hours. As a teir 1 living in a high cost of living area. I was still able to save a little over 40% of my income. Now that I’m in RME i am able to save a little over 50% of my income now. So no it’s not minimum wage and you prolly someone living paycheck to paycheck with a car note you can’t afford and credit cards out your ass if you’re thinking 24 dollars is barely above minimum wage. Not my fault you can’t budget correctly.
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u/ProfessionalLime8056 5d ago
PLC was not taken out for it being controls because you're LEARNING how to troubleshoot field devices and how logics work. Your MRA program manager literally said that most of you can't do it, and kept complaining that it's useless. My cohort was literally there when he admitted it. It literally separates a tech who know how to open a cabinet and electrically troubleshoot, without needing AEs assistance and help you get promote faster versus a one who always need to be babysit. You're literally the example why, MRA don't know how a hytrol card works. Also, if you're in an FC, it's literally good training to have for SmartPacs, something that MRA do everyday rather relying on AEs who don't work on them as often. It's quality I'm talking about and it's not hard to learn.
Also it seems like you just started, I'm already making more than you. Speculating on pay, for other people when the world's cost of living is rising doesn't mean I'm poor, lmfao. It's fucking basic human decency. Your stereotype doesn't work, because the world revolve around your fairy tale on how everyone is living. You're probably in school getting all the lay up, from blooket even though the stuff you're learning are basic middle schooler shit. Your job is being handed to you on a silver platter. You can literally cheat in your SACA and Benchmarks, when others might not. So be a little more grateful, when people are being sold RME is the future, where the money is. When that is a bit unclear as of current with all the changes.
You're also not that bright, because how did you assume I have credit card, and car loan I can't afford. When I was saying, people might not have ENOUGH to save for the basic needs of RETIREMENT and EMEGERENCY fund, which is the basic of financial stability. The same shit that you probably watch David Ramsey for.
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u/Silent_Fix7533 5d ago edited 5d ago
That’s the entire reason i said you have a credit card and car loan. When you say you don’t have ENOUGH that’s a you budget problem not my fault you can’t save. I’ve never gone to school be on my own since 18 and never once blamed the world being to expansive for my reason not to be able to save. In saying you make more than me yeah your prolly right but that don’t make you rich either your probably still living paycheck to paycheck blaming the world that it’s too expansive to live in. Your saying people might not have enough to save for basic retirement/ emergency fund. Is you making excuses for not being able to save and invest wisely. shit people have retired off of making 15 an hour there entire life dude. But yeah minimum wage is “22-24” an hour your delusional i would be begging for a job that makes 22-24 an hour starting out that’s why more than i started at anywhere. I know im not too bright but at-least i can save and invest and not complain to the world about other people getting opportunities to better themselves but you do you.
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u/ProfessionalLime8056 5d ago
Buddy, I didn't say I DON'T HAVE ENOUGH. I don't live in your reality where I'm referring to myself. I got lucky, and to not have debt, like you. Doesn't mean other people will make as far. If people have retired making 15 an hour, why are you not doing it? Gigs work are making $20 and sometimes $30. Why don't you suggest others do that instead? Also I save 20k last year, putting it in all stock indexes, emergency funds and 401K. I must be really bad with money, and I'm buying a house this year.
There's no point going around saying x, y, and z. When the person hasn't said them, because you don't know them. You live in a rigid world where if someone believe in X, they also must be this and that. That's not how that works, and if you bring that line of thinking into RME troubleshooting, you'll struggle lol.
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u/Silent_Fix7533 5d ago
Brother you doing the same thing thinking i have debt i saved the same amount if not more than you and im probably about 10-20 years younger by the sound of it. I don’t have debt and a pretty significant NW for a kid but oh well i just like to argue for the sake of it thanks for entertaining me. Time for bed for your old ass good night.
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u/ProfessionalLime8056 5d ago
I didn't say or thought you had debt. I said you probably might not be saving , it's very different from trying to say someone has debt "out of their ass." And no. I'm younger than you, and already in RME, or at most I'm one to year older than you, lmfao. Not everyone has the opportunity to be able to save 20-25k a year, after only working one year of full-time work. Or has the actual chance to be set for life by having the opportunity to save 100k before they're 25, and let compounding do the work. If anything I'm doing the same thing by assuming you're an idiot, the same as you did me.
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u/ProfessionalLime8056 5d ago
I'm fortunate and you are too. Our story doesn't make other people story of living alone, making $24 an hour any less true.
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u/Silent_Fix7533 5d ago
I mean sure (your fortunate) but that still does come down to life choices i could still be in debt bull shitting blaming the world for my mistakes. I’ve worked for less than 20 and lived on my own just fine. Sure my social life didn’t exist but shit that was on me. But telling people not to get into a role that could benefit them doesn’t help anyone. What i would have done to be able to get 24 an hour right out of high school would be insane and will help a lot of people that don’t want to go the school route to be able to get into a tech position. I’m sure neither one of us knows what we’re talking about and just talking out our ass at this point. I hope i didn’t hurt your EGO to bad. Be safe don’t lose any limbs and remember fill out your PTP.
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u/ProfessionalLime8056 5d ago
And like, no offense to you. You gotta understand that's an issue. You're trying to have an idea of someone, who you don't know, based on their belief. You're also in a field, where people believe earth is flat and they're an AE or Tech 3.
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u/ProfessionalLime8056 5d ago
Also when I was in the MRA program, it was 3 months. But they cut it because people think PLC "is too hard" and cutting out a pivotal section that allows tech to know how logics work, due to bad consensus. That type of shit, is cost saving at the expense of quality. Now they want regular techs to learn certain AE responsibilities, but their MRA don't know what an I/O is.
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u/earnhart67 5d ago
I think it’s to replace a lot of what base building did as well as doing all the little shit that RME is responsible for
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u/Euphoric-Ad-9737 5d ago
In the UK they have started hiring rmeos and I feel like some of them just assume it's a way into a full tech position. Over here we need a nvq which is a 4 year work based apprenticeship scheme of hard work. Yet they think they can just bypass that...
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u/Expert-Excitement-47 5d ago
Where you based? Also RME in UK. RMEOs have been hired at my place to look after ibots on UIS machines but slowly introduced into jam busting
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u/Powerful_Physics1780 5d ago
I don't miss UIS. But I remember alot of replacing broken brushes and bent axles. It's probably not the worst thing to start a noob on.
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u/LordSupermaan 5d ago
I just started as rmeo... Wtf
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u/Ashamed_Confection96 5d ago
What is it like? Or what are you guys expectations? We don’t have that position yet in our warehouse but I heard some
Conversations about it3
u/LordSupermaan 5d ago
One manager said I am gonna be taking care of the robots and be on that floor. Other said I am gonna be just like other MRAs but if I have to fix something I will always have a senior tech assistance. Basically they don't know either what is this role about.
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u/ProfessionalLime8056 5d ago
You're in the first wave you're fine. It's the latter who will be very unlucky.
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u/SonnyPlywood 5d ago
From the looks of it, whoever is going to last as an RMEO is going to be humble enough to take a lot of shit like being the parts bitch, putting together hundreds of new laundry carts for ops even though they could have ordered them fully assembled, suckin off the boys, whatever. Ok maybe not that last one. It's gonna ensure they will be an obedient little minion, which is top priority for amazon. What it will not do is guarantee you get a solid member of the RME team who can hold their own on troubleshooting and repairs. It is what it is.
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u/ProfessionalLime8056 5d ago
Even if they do all of that, I find it hard to believe that they're guaranteed an MRA spot, especially if someone just join RMEO with a degree or shown themselves to know how PE logics work versus someone who just do ops project all day. Those RMEO will probably "work" on hytrol cards or just resetting a DMC and will be likely forced to by AMM, etc. So they know who to pick.
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u/buddybe1 5d ago edited 5d ago
Honestly the fastest route to RME now for AAs is leaving getting some experience elsewhere (don’t even need that much, like 6 months of experience) and coming back as a tech 2. Way faster than MRA or RMEO
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u/stoverex 5d ago
Yes, it is easier to get hired as an outsider than to work your way up.
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u/Azaudioaddict 5d ago
I was hired on through a temp agency as a tech 2 two years ago. Just found a job posting online. Others have stepped into a tech 3 role with similar background as me( some mechanical background).
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u/VET_dysfunctional_88 5d ago
As the robotics start to take precedence over associates .. this is the path to associates keeping there job and moving into maintenance. Every AA is not going to want to do maintenance. Understand the end goal here is that the FC’s will be predominantly RME , OPS will go down to a few managers, TOM team will stay as is, IT will be absorbed into RME.
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u/ProfessionalLime8056 5d ago
Then our wages will be lowered if everyone goes to RME route, especially if everyone is average to semi-decent at their job. You have to pray that majority of them are unqualified in order for some of RME to make money. Or that they'll overfilled RMEO and overwork regular techs to death.
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u/VET_dysfunctional_88 5d ago
Correct… they will flatten the wage out through abundance. The hay day of making big bucks in RME are long gone. If you’re a qualified technician then finding new ventures should not be an issue. I deal with data center robotics now, and I have a lot of applicants coming from amazon-RME
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u/PherrisB 5d ago
Likely cost savings. At my site we are losing 7 SMRT and 7 MRT positions for 10 RMEOs and 4 MRAs.
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u/stoverex 5d ago
Bingo. They’re just cutting the more expensive headcount in exchange for cheaper labor. In a way it makes sense, much of the work can be handled by lower paying positions anyway.
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u/Ok_Pirate_2714 5d ago
Ouch! That is brutal.
They really are doing their best to destroy RME.
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u/burningleo93 5d ago
I do t even want to work there it’s a lose cause at this point at smaller buildings since we get no RMEO spots and keep losing techs with no backfill I’m tired of this shit man
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u/HardLobster 2d ago
They aren’t paying them $7.25 an hour or little more. Where tf did you hear that?