Industrial Automation Electrician

Job Description Summary

The Industrial Automation Electrician is a skilled journeyman-level electrician specializing in the installation, troubleshooting, maintenance, and repair of electrical and control systems for CNC machine tools, industrial robots, automated production lines, and related equipment. This role focuses on electrical systems up to 480V, but not limited to PLCs, servo drives, sensors, VFDs, and integration of automation systems to ensure maximum equipment uptime, precision, and safety in a high-volume manufacturing environment.

The position bridges traditional electrical work with advanced systems and automation, enabling proactive diagnostics and repairs on complex CNC and robotic systems. Starting wage for an Industrial Automation Electrician is $42.00/hour plus shift premium for 2nd and 3rd shift. Rates top out at $48 an hour.

Industrial Automation Electrician

The Industrial Automation Electrician is a skilled journeyman-level electrician specializing in the installation, troubleshooting, maintenance, and repair of electrical and control systems for CNC machine tools, industrial robots, automated production lines, and related equipment. This role focuses on electrical systems up to 480V, but not limited to PLCs, servo drives, sensors, VFDs, and integration of automation systems to ensure maximum equipment uptime, precision, and safety in a high-volume manufacturing environment.

The position bridges traditional electrical work with advanced systems and automation, enabling proactive diagnostics and repairs on complex CNC and robotic systems. Starting wage for an Industrial Automation Electrician is $42.00/hour plus shift premium for 2nd and 3rd shift. Rates top out at $48 an hour.

• Troubleshoot and diagnose electrical and control issues on CNC machines (lathes, mills, grinders), industrial robots (Fanuc), and automated systems using multimeters, oscilloscopes, PLC software, and diagnostic tools.
• Perform preventive and corrective maintenance on electrical components including servo motors, encoders, VFDs, servo amplifiers, proximity sensors, limit switches, safety interlocks, light curtains, and emergency stops.
• Read, interpret, and modify electrical schematics, ladder logic diagrams, and control panel layouts to support repairs, retrofits, and upgrades.
• Troubleshoot PLCs (Allen-Bradley, Siemens), HMI interfaces, and basic robot teach pendant operations; assist with parameter adjustments and fault code analysis.
• Install, wire, and test control panels, field devices, communication networks (Ethernet/IP, Profibus, IO-Link), and cabling for new equipment or modifications.
• Support integration of robotics and automation with CNC systems, including end-of-arm tooling, conveyors, vision systems, and safety-rated controls.
• Collaborate with multi-craft technicians, machine repair, and engineering teams during equipment installations, startups, and root-cause analysis of downtime events.
• Perform lockout/tagout, arc flash safety protocols, and risk assessments for electrical work on live or powered equipment.
• Maintain accurate records of repairs, parts usage, and system changes in the CMMS; generate reports on recurring issues to drive continuous improvement.

• High school diploma or GED required; associate degree or technical certificate in industrial electricity, automation, controls, or mechatronics preferred.
• Valid 4 year journeyman card or minimum of 5 years verifiable experience - electrician license or equivalent certification (state license, IEC, or IBEW apprenticeship completion).
• 3+years of industrial electrical experience, with at least 2+ years focused on CNC machines, robotics, PLC controls, or automated manufacturing equipment.
• Strong knowledge of electrical theory, three-phase power distribution, motor controls, and troubleshooting techniques.
• Hands‑on experience with PLC programming/troubleshooting (ladder logic preferred), servo systems, VFDs, and industrial networks.
• CNC controls knowledge (Fanuc, Siemens, Okuma), robot controllers, and safety standards (NFPA 79, ANSI/RIA R15.06 for robotics).
• Proficien…