Hi, I’m Antoine Boylston. I’ve spent nearly 20 years at Amazon working in automation and controls, where I’ve built a strong foundation troubleshooting complex systems, leading projects, and keeping operations running reliably in fast-paced environments. I’m currently completing my B.S. in Computer Science with a concentration in Data Analytics, and I’ve been expanding my skill set through hands-on projects and continued learning. My background combines real-world engineering experience with growing knowledge in software and modern technologies. I enjoy solving problems, digging into root causes, and building solutions that improve performance and reliability.
My career has been shaped by a love of solving problems, a drive to keep learning, and a passion for helping others. Here’s a look at where I’ve been, where I am now, and where I’m headed next.
I was born and raised in Flint, MI, where my love for technology began early. Video games and helping my father build and repair things kept me curious and focused. At 12 years old, I built my first PC alongside him — an experience that sparked my passion for problem-solving and set me on the path I’m still following today.
At 19, I began working at Amazon in shipping while pursuing a B.S. in Criminal Justice with a focus on juvenile justice. During that time, I served on the Kentucky Juvenile Justice Advisory Board, interned at the Fayette County Juvenile Detention Center, and contributed to research on disproportionate minority contact with police.
As I prepared for graduate school, I was offered a role in Reliability and Maintenance Engineering at Amazon. Accepting the opportunity marked my first career pivot — a decision that shifted my path from criminal justice into engineering, where I began building the foundation for the career I continue to grow today.
I began my engineering career in Amazon’s Make On Demand department, which produced books and media such as DVDs, Blu-rays, and CDs. In this role, I carried out preventive maintenance, responded quickly to breakdowns, and investigated root causes to implement effective solutions. I also led long-term improvement projects — for example, designing and fabricating a physical guard for cutting machines to protect associates if electronic safeguards failed or were bypassed.
This role also gave me the opportunity to travel across the country, training other Reliability and Maintenance Engineers in fabrication and general maintenance of Make On Demand equipment. These experiences broadened my skills, strengthened my problem-solving abilities, and prepared me for my transition into Automation Engineering within Amazon’s Re-commerce and Returns network.
In my current role as an Automation Engineer at Amazon, I focus on maximizing equipment reliability and keeping operations running smoothly. I work with systems like conveyors, sorters, scanners, cameras, print-and-apply equipment, and robtic palletizers, serving as the site expert for automation support.
Day to day, I troubleshoot PLC control systems, support technicians, and collaborate with Operations and Engineering teams to optimize material handling performance. I also take on improvement projects — from creating tools like a light bulb tester to documenting processes that help teams scale more efficiently.
What I enjoy most is the challenge: every issue is a puzzle, and solving it not only restores operations but often sparks ideas for long-term improvements. These experiences continue to sharpen my problem-solving skills.
After years of growing in engineering roles, I made the decision to invest in my future by returning to school. I am currently completing a B.S. in Computer Science with a concentration in Data Analytics at Southern New Hampshire University, with an expected graduation in Spring 2026.
Alongside this, I completed the AWS Cloud Institute, where I gained hands-on experience with cloud infrastructure, automation, and application development. This program led to earning my AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner, AWS AI Practitioner, and AWS Developer certifications.
For me, education isn’t just about earning degrees or certifications - it’s about applying what I learn to real-world projects, adapting to evolving technologies, and continuously sharpening my skills to stay effective and contribute in a fast-changing technical environment.
Looking ahead, my goal is to continue growing into more advanced technical roles where I can apply both my engineering experience and expanding skill set in software and modern technologies. I’m focused on building hands-on projects, continuing my education, and strengthening my ability to solve complex technical problems across different environments.
In the long term, I aim to grow into roles that allow me to mentor others, contribute to innovative cloud solutions, and drive meaningful improvements for the teams and customers I support.