Automation Technician

LDJ Manufacturing is home to the Thunder Creek Equipment brand of premium diesel fuel and service trailers and trucks. We are an industry leader known for our uncompromising quality and reliability.

LDJ is a n employee-owned company, with strong Midwest roots and values, and a passion to develop, manufacture, and market innovative solutions that provide value to our customers in the agriculture, construction, fuel distribution, transportation, and commercial industries.

We are seeking an experienced and motivated Automation Technician to join our team. This role will focus on implementing, improving, troubleshooting, and maintaining automated systems to ensure smooth production and minimal downtime in a lean manufacturing environment.

The Automation Technician will work in collaboration with the Engineering, Continuous Improvement, and Production teams.

Manufacturing Engineering Manager

Non-Exempt

Full-Time

• Exhibit LDJ’s core values and culture in all aspects of the job.
• Support development, installation, calibration, and commissioning of new automation systems and upgrades.
• Collaborate with engineering and production teams to identify process improvements and enhance system efficiency and reliability.
• Program, modify, and optimize industrial robot programs (Panasonic, Fanuc or similar).
• Perform preventive and corrective maintenance on automated equipment, robotics, PLCs, sensors, and control systems.
• Troubleshoot electrical, mechanical, pneumatic, and hydraulic issues in manufacturing machinery.
• Program, modify, and optimize PLCs (Allen-Bradley, Omron, Click-PLC, or similar) and HMIs.
• Maintain accurate maintenance records and documentation.
• Ensure all work complies with safety regulations, company policies, and quality standards.
• Train operators, programmers, and other users on automation equipment setup, operation, and maintenance.

• Proficiency and strong knowledge of PLCs, electrical schematics, and instrumentation.
• Experience working on robotic systems (e.g., Fanuc, Panasonic).
• Proficiency with tools, testing equipment, and software used in industrial automation.
• Ability to read blueprints, wiring diagrams, and technical manuals.
• Excellent troubleshooting and problem-solving skills.
• Knowledge of industrial networks (Ether Net/IP, Modbus, Devicenet, etc.).
• Familiarity with Lean Manufacturing and TPM principles.

• Associate degree, technical diploma, or equivalent experience in Industrial Automation or related field.
• 2+ years of experience as an automation and controls technician in a manufacturing environment.

• This position does not require any travel.

• The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
  
  While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, walk, sit, and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.
  
  The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds without restrictions.
  
  Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision, and ability to adjust focus.