Join us as the hands-on expert who builds, validates, and improves secondary equipment across our operation. In this role, you’ll collaborate closely with engineering to design, integrate, and troubleshoot automation so that every system operates correctly, safely, and efficiently.
You might start by reviewing electrical schematics to interface new automation components with a main control panel, then move on to installing a fresh control panel from engineering prints. With a multimeter and solid electrical theory at your side, you diagnose a tricky instrumentation signal, fine-tune a pneumatic circuit, and document your work in the MRO system. In the shop, you’ll assemble new secondary equipment using mills, drill presses, grinders, and cutoff saws, routing air and electrical lines for full range of motion and minimal wear. Before lunch, you verify machine guarding and operation to SIM safety standards. In the afternoon, you call a vendor about a part lead time, update R&D component inventory, and tackle a workflow bottleneck by troubleshooting an automation fault—always pushing toward a zero-defect operation. You wrap the day by practicing 5S and TPM and sketching a quick VSM update for tomorrow’s improvement huddle.
- Interpret electrical schematics to integrate automation components back to the main control panel.
- Install new control panels from engineering drawings and prints.
- Use a multi-meter, hand tools, and electrical theory to diagnose and resolve control/instrumentation issues.
- Install, inspect, repair, and maintain a range of electrical systems.
- Build new secondary equipment using blueprints, work instructions, and schematics; operate mills, drill presses, grinders, and cutoff saws.
- Plan routing for air and electrical lines to preserve motion range and minimize wear.
- Wire electrical and pneumatic systems on secondary equipment based on schematics.
- Ensure all secondary equipment is guarded and operating to SIM safety standards.
- Control and maintain component inventory within R&D.
- Maintain the MRO system and document maintenance as equipment is serviced.
- Work with vendors for product supply and service on in-house products.
- Troubleshoot automation issues to keep production flowing efficiently.
- Continuously improve secondary operations toward a zero-defect goal; take initiative and work independently.
- Apply Lean tools including 5S, Total Preventive Maintenance (TPM), and Value Stream Mapping (VSM).
- Maintain a safe workplace; report unsafe conditions.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
- 2-year technical degree or a minimum of 5 years of hands-on experience with secondary equipment/automation systems.
- Entry level to 5 years of experience in fabrication and repair of manufacturing equipment.
- Sharp analytical and problem-solving ability.
- Basic computer proficiency: email, spreadsheets, and use of IQMS / MRO.
- Self-directed and able to work independently.
- Clear, courteous communicator; contributes to a positive team environment and engages in interpersonal skills training.
- Safe operation of small power hand tools.
- High attention to detail.
- Entry level (technical degree, little experience): $24–30/hr
- 3–5 years of relevant experience: $30–38/hr
- Highly experienced machine builder/automation technician: $38–45+/hr
- Electrical Schematics
- Machine Building/Assembling
- Troubleshooting Industrial Automation Equipment
- Mechanical Assembly Skills
- Automation Technician
- Control Panel Assembly
- Custom Fabrication
- Electrical Assembly
- Factory Automation
- Industrial Automation
- Machine Installation
- Pneumatics
- Relay Wiring
- PLC
