Automation Technician
Position Summary
The Automation Technician is responsible for installing, maintaining, troubleshooting, repairing, and improving automated manufacturing equipment and material-handling systems. This position provides hands-on technical support for production equipment, including conveyors, lifters, loaders/unloaders, motors, sensors, pneumatic systems, PLC-controlled equipment, and safety devices.
The technician will work closely with Automation Engineers, Manufacturing Engineers, Maintenance, Production, equipment vendors, and other technical teams to ensure equipment operates safely, reliably, and efficiently.
Key Responsibilities
Automation Equipment Support
- Install, set up, test, troubleshoot, and maintain automated and semi-automated manufacturing equipment.
- Support equipment such as conveyors, lifters, auto loaders/unloaders, transfer systems, positioning systems, robotic equipment, and other material-handling systems.
- Respond to equipment breakdowns and production downtime and restore equipment operation quickly and safely.
- Perform equipment adjustments, calibration, alignment, and functional testing.
- Identify recurring equipment problems and support permanent corrective actions.
Electrical & Controls
- Troubleshoot electrical control systems, including:
- PLC-controlled equipment
- HMI systems
- Sensors and photoelectric switches
- Proximity sensors and limit switches
- Motors and motor controls
- VFDs and servo systems
- Relays, contactors, and control circuits
- Safety switches, light curtains, and interlocks
- Read and understand electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, I/O drawings, and control panel layouts.
- Check PLC inputs/outputs and assist engineers with PLC troubleshooting and equipment debugging.
- Replace and configure electrical and automation components as required.
- Perform basic electrical wiring and control-panel troubleshooting.
Mechanical & Pneumatic Systems
- Troubleshoot mechanical problems involving conveyors, rollers, bearings, chains, belts, actuators, cylinders, guides, stoppers, and positioning mechanisms.
- Diagnose and repair pneumatic systems, including cylinders, valves, regulators, tubing, and air-pressure-related issues.
- Perform mechanical alignment and adjustment of automated equipment.
- Support equipment modifications and improvement projects.
Preventive Maintenance
- Perform scheduled preventive maintenance on automation equipment.
- Inspect equipment for abnormal wear, looseness, misalignment, vibration, sensor failure, or other potential problems.
- Maintain preventive-maintenance records and equipment service history.
- Recommend replacement of components before failure when appropriate.
Equipment Installation & Commissioning
- Support installation and commissioning of new automation equipment.
- Work with equipment suppliers during installation, testing, debugging, and acceptance.
- Verify equipment operation against technical specifications and production requirements.
- Support FAT/SAT, equipment qualification, and production ramp-up activities.
- Document open issues and follow up with vendors until corrective actions are completed.
Production Support & Continuous Improvement
- Provide technical support to production during equipment-related downtime.
- Analyze equipment failures and assist with root-cause analysis.
- Support cycle-time, throughput, reliability, and equipment-availability improvements.
- Assist engineers with equipment modifications and automation improvement projects.
- Identify opportunities to reduce manual handling, equipment downtime, and safety risks.
Safety
- Follow all company EHS and equipment safety requirements.
- Verify proper operation of emergency stops, safety interlocks, guarding, light curtains, and other safety devices.
- Follow Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) procedures when servicing equipment.
- Report unsafe equipment conditions and support corrective actions.
Required Qualifications
- Associate degree, technical diploma, or vocational training in Automation, Mechatronics, Electrical Technology, Industrial Maintenance, or a related technical field preferred.
- 4+ years of hands-on experience supporting automated manufacturing or industrial equipment preferred.
- Experience troubleshooting electrical, mechanical, and pneumatic systems.
- Basic knowledge of PLC-controlled equipment and PLC I/O troubleshooting.
- Ability to read electrical schematics and mechanical drawings.
- Familiarity with sensors, motors, VFDs, relays, contactors, pneumatic components, and industrial control systems.
- Ability to use multimeters and other electrical/mechanical diagnostic tools.
- Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to work independently during equipment breakdowns while coordinating effectively with engineering and production teams.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with Siemens, Allen-Bradley, Mitsubishi, Omron, or similar PLC platforms.
- Experience with HMI and industrial communication networks.
- Experience with servo motors, VFDs, robotics, machine vision, or automated material-handling systems.
- Experience with conveyors, lifters, loaders/unloaders, AGVs/AMRs, or automated transfer equipment.
- Basic understanding of PLC ladder logic.
- Experience supporting equipment installation, commissioning, FAT, and SAT.
- Experience working in electronics, server, automotive, or other high-volume manufacturing environments.
Physical Requirements
- Ability to work on the manufacturing floor for extended periods.
- Ability to bend, kneel, climb, and access equipment for troubleshooting and maintenance.
- Ability to use hand tools and electrical diagnostic equipment.
- Ability to lift equipment components and tools in accordance with company safety requirements.
Key Performance Expectations
The Automation Technician will be expected to contribute to:
- Equipment uptime and availability
- Reduction of unplanned downtime
- Fast response to production equipment failures
- Preventive maintenance completion
- Reduction of recurring equipment issues
- Equipment safety and compliance
- Successful installation and commissioning of new automation equipment
- Continuous improvement in equipment reliability, cycle time, and throughput
Pay: $20.00 per hour
Work Location: In person
