Description:
Be part of a growing, successful company in an exciting and challenging field. Border States is 100% employee-owned, which means you’re empowered to make decisions, find solutions and receive rewards for your hard work.
This position will be located in: Fargo, ND
Application Deadline: Posted Until Filled
Please note that the position may be filled before or after the listed application deadline. Applications will only be accepted while the posting remains active.
The Distribution Center (DC) Maintenance Technician - Automation is responsible for the maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair of automated warehouse systems, including AutoStore, conveyors, and sorting equipment. This role ensures optimal system performance by conducting routine inspections, preventative maintenance, and timely repairs of mechanical, electrical, and software components. Works closely with IT and operations teams to identify and implement system improvements, maintains detailed maintenance and equipment records, and coordinates with external service providers as needed. This position plays a critical role in minimizing downtime, ensuring operational efficiency, and maintaining compliance with safety and manufacturer standards.
Essential Functions
- Performs routine maintenance and troubleshooting on automated systems, including AutoStore, conveyors, and sorting equipment.
- Diagnoses and repairs mechanical, electrical, and software-related issues in automation systems.
- Develops and maintains work logs, inventory and equipment control records, and preventive maintenance records.
- Coordinates work with outside service providers or contractors as needed.
- Ensures all equipment operates according to safety standards and manufacturer guidelines.
- Conducts preventative maintenance to minimize system downtime and increase operational efficiency.
- Works with IT and operations teams to identify areas for system improvements or upgrades.
- Documents maintenance work, repairs, and parts used in the system logs.
- Responds promptly to system alerts and breakdowns to reduce operational disruptions.
- Assists with the installation and setup of new automation equipment as needed.
Non-essential Functions
- Cross-trains in basic warehouse operations (e.g., receiving, picking, packing) to understand system interactions.
- Collaborates with warehouse managers to improve the efficiency of automated workflows.
- Assists in the training of associates on equipment safety and proper system usage.
- Performs other duties as assigned by supervisor or designate.
- High School diploma or equivalent work experience required; technical certifications in automation or industrial maintenance are preferred.
- 5+ years of mechanical related experience preferred.
- Mechanical aptitude required.
- Experience with automated systems, robotics, conveyors, and electrical systems is a plus.
- Working knowledge of general maintenance and methods.
- Working knowledge of the techniques, tools, and materials used in the maintenance and repair of the industrial machinery and equipment.
- Experience troubleshooting PLC and automation equipment.
- Experience reading labels, directions, schematics, blueprints, drawings, and construction diagrams.
- Currently licensed or ability to obtain a license to operate fork trucks.
- PC working knowledge for Windows, internet, email, and SAP software is a plus.
- Strong troubleshooting and mechanical/electrical repair skills.
- Ability to use tools and diagnostic equipment for system repairs.
- Strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
- Ability to work flexible hours, including holidays, evenings, and weekends as required for the efficient running of the operations which may include overtime.
- Technical, mechanical, and problem-solving skills with a proactive approach to daily tasks required.
- Ability to perform all duties in a safe working manner, following all safety policies and procedures
- Must be well-organized and promote a clean and productive overall work environment.
- Must adhere to all safety requirements and implement safe working procedures in all tasks.
- Must be a team player committed to working in a quality environment.
Lift and carry requirements (weight and frequency):
Occasionally 0 – 33% Frequently 34 – 66% Continuously: 67 – 100%
- Lift from Floor to Waist:
- < than 10 lbs. - Frequently
- 10 to 25 lbs. - Frequently
- 26 to 50 lbs. - Frequently
- 51 to 75 lbs. - Occasionally
- 76 to 100 lbs. - Not at all
- 101 + lbs. - Not at all
- Above Waist Lift:
- < than 10 lbs. - Frequently
- 10 to 25 lbs. - Frequently
- 26 to 50 lbs. - Frequently
- 51 to 75 lbs. - Occasionally
- 76 to 100 lbs. - Not at all
- 101+ lbs. - Not at all
- Carried for Distance:
- < than 10 lbs. - Not at all
- 10 to 25 lbs. - Not at all
- 26 to 50 lbs. - Not at all
- 51 to 75 lbs. - Not at all
- 75 to 100 lbs. - Not at all
- 100+ lbs. - Not at all
Frequency at which you would do the following in a typical day:
- Sitting (a continuous period of being seated) - Occasionally
- Standing (for sustained periods of time) - Frequently
- Walking (moving about on foot to accomplish tasks) - Frequently
- Bending/Stooping (downward and forward) - Frequently
- Crawling (moving about on hands and knees or hands and feet) - Frequently
- Climbing/Walking Stairs (ascending or descending) - Frequently
- Reaching (extending arms in any direction) - Frequently
- Crouching/Squatting (bending the body downward and forward by bending leg and spine) - Frequently
- Kneeling (bending legs at knee to come to rest on knee(s)) - Occasionally
- Balancing (maintaining body equilibrium to prevent falling) - Occasionally
- Repetitive Motion (substantial movement (motions) of the wrists, hands, and/or fingers) - Occasionally
- Trunk Rotation (movement in any direction, whether standing or sitting, with at least one foot stationary and in contact with the floor) - Occasionally
- Pushing/Pulling (using upper extremities to press against or draw or tug) - Frequently
- Handling (applying pressure to an object with the fingers and palm) - Continuously
- Fingering (picking, pinching, typing; working primarily with fingers and not whole hand) - Occasionally
- Talking (expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word) - Frequently
- Driving (the control and operation of a fork lift) - Occasionally
- Desk Work (tasks generally performed at a desk, including use of a computer, printer, fax machine, telephone and other office equipment) - Not at all
- Use of tools (safely operate equipment needed for receiving, conveying, stocking, packaging, and shipping parts) - Frequently
- Hearing (perceiving the nature of sounds at normal speaking levels) - Continuously
- Exposure to adverse weather & temperature conditions - Occasionally
- Travel(travel needed to perform job duties) - Not at all
This job description is a summary of the job duties and responsibilities and is not intended to cover all possible job duties and is subject to change at the employer’s discretion. Employees must be able to perform the essential job duties and satisfy job requirements either with or without a reasonable accommodation.
Our History
Border States is a leader in the electrical supply distribution industry with approximately 130 locations in 31 states. Our employee-owners are second to none in delivering top-notch customer service and in demonstrating extra-ordinary people skills. We are one of the largest independent electrical distributors in the United States providing products and services to the construction, industrial and utility industries. Border States has a competitive benefit package and is a 100 percent employee-owned company. Employee-ownership is a significant part of our culture and our success stems from the dedication of our employee-owners. We practice open-book management and our employee-owners are empowered with clearly defined levels of authority to be innovative and decisive, allowing us to respond quickly to the needs of customers. Employee-owners understand their roles in the success of the company and care about customers’ needs, which drives our focus on adding value to everything we do. We recognize that not all customers are the same and each has specific requirements. Our employee-owners understand these diverse needs and have the commitment, resourcefulness and flexibility to outperform all others.
Values
As a Border States employee-owner, you’re responsible for living our mission, service philosophy and service standards.
Our Purpose
We believe unstoppable businesses shouldn't go it alone. We are owners - of relationships, of outcomes, of every moment these unstoppable businesses need to deliver.
Service Philosophy
We earn customer loyalty and confidence by caring about their needs and adding value to everything we do.
Service Standards
Border States employee-owners are competent, accurate, responsive, and engaged .
Your career
Join an experienced team at one of the largest electrical distributors in the United States. What are you waiting for?
Border States has a competitive benefits package which includes but is not limited to:
Health, Dental and Vision Benefits
Accident, Critical Illness, Hospital Indemnity
FSA & HSA
Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)
Disability Benefits
401(k) Retirement Plan
Life Insurance
Employee Assistance Program
Paid Holidays
Paid Volunteer Time
Personal Leave time and more!
Border States provides bonuses to their employee-owners upon the achievement of branch and company goals.
Equal Opportunity For All
It’s not just the law. It’s something we’ve believed in since our founding. We value the diversity of all of our employee-owners and will always be an equal opportunity employer.
Drug Free/Smoke Free workplace
Employment may be contingent on the offered candidate successfully passing one or more of the following pre-employment screenings:
- Criminal background check (required for all positions)
- Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) check (required for positions involving driving)
- Drug testing
The MVR check and drug testing vary by role and will be communicated to the offered candidate during the onboarding process and as applicable.
