Principal Automation and Reliability Technician

What a day looks like in this role

You start your shift reviewing CMMS histories, analyzing trends, and prioritizing proactive work. Before lunch, you diagnose a complex PLC issue, reconfigure hardware, and restore a production line. In the afternoon, you conduct vibration analysis, power quality checks, and infrared thermography to predict failures, then lead a rapid CI event to eliminate repeat faults. You wrap up by coaching a newer tech on precision alignment and recording updates that feed future cost-savings proposals.

What you will do Execute expert-level corrective and preventive maintenance across mechanical, electrical, and multi-system equipment; design and implement reliability improvements.

Program, troubleshoot, and optimize advanced control systems; resolve software, hardware, and configuration challenges on PLC and automation platforms.

Apply predictive diagnostics—including infrared thermography, ultrasonic testing, power quality analysis, laser interferometry, ball bar checks, and vibration analysis—to assess asset condition and drive proactive maintenance.

Lead, facilitate, and participate in Continuous Improvement initiatives, applying CI methodology to deliver measurable results and cost savings.

Source parts and supplies, propose engineered substitutions, and recommend design changes to enhance uptime and reliability.

Independently perform maintenance to industry standards while upholding 5S and exemplary housekeeping.

Set up and operate machine tools (lathe, drill press, grinder, and other metalworking equipment) and perform welding as needed to fabricate or repair components.

Research new methods, tools, and technologies; standardize best practices across sites and maintain accurate documentation.

Provide input for cost analyses, including new equipment justifications, repair/rebuild proposals, and innovation-driven savings.

Update records, review CMMS history, analyze data trends, and support data-driven decisions.

Contribute technical content for sales quotations and perform T&M duties when required.

Train and mentor less experienced technicians; step into project management responsibilities as assigned.

Champion safety—follow all policies, maintain situational awareness, and proactively identify and address unsafe conditions or behaviors.

What you bring

High School diploma or GED.Associate degree with a technical focus and 7+ years in a relevant industry; or 10+ years of industry experience.

Strength in predictive technologies (e.g., vibration analysis or laser interferometer operation), precision alignment, and maintenance of process equipment.

Working mastery of electrical, mechanical, fluid power, and control systems—able to diagnose, evaluate alternatives, and execute repairs.

Comfort with hand and specialized tools; willingness to travel as needed.

Six Sigma experience preferred.

Core proficienciesPLC Troubleshooting Skills Creating Preventive Maintenance Plans Electrical Schematics Mechanical Troubleshooting Skills
120/208/240/480 Voltage Systems Hydraulics Experience Electrical RepairPLC Programming Experience High Voltage Systems Tools and technologies you'll use Variable Frequency Drives (VFD)
Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) (Allen Bradley, Siemens)
Conveyor Systems Servo Motors Physical demands and work environment

Expect regular standing and walking; frequent use of hands; reaching; climbing ladders or lifts to heights; and balancing. You will stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl in tight spaces and communicate clearly. Sitting occurs occasionally. You may occasionally lift or move more than 50 pounds. Close and color vision are regularly needed. Work may include exposure to outdoor weather and risk of electrical shock.

The factory setting is typically very loud and may…