Automation Technician - 1st Shift

US Farathane is seeking a 1st Shift Automation Technician at our Facility in Riverside, MO who can troubleshoot, root cause and correct plant issues related to automation, robots, and maintenance, while effectively communicating findings and training others in the repairs.

The Automation Technician is responsible for the installation, troubleshooting, repair, and continuous improvement of automated systems within an automotive plastic injection molding environment. This role supports production uptime by maintaining robotic systems, PLC-controlled equipment, and auxiliary automation to meet safety, quality, and production standards aligned with IATF 16949.

• Troubleshoot and repair automation equipment, including robotics (Fanuc, Wittman, Sepro, Viper), end-of-arm tooling (EOAT), conveyors and part handling systems
• Diagnose and resolve issues with PLCs, HMIs, sensors, and drives
• Perform preventative and predictive maintenance on automated systems
• Assist with PLC programming, modifications, and debugging (e.g., Allen Bradley, Siemens)
• Support robot programming and optimization for cycle time improvements
• Read and interpret electrical schematics, ladder logic, and blueprints
• Identify opportunities to improve efficiency, scrap reduction, and uptime
• Support lean manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives
• Participate in root cause analysis (RCA) and corrective action implementation
• Respond to downtime events with urgency to minimize production loss
• Support mold changes and automation setup for new or existing programs
• Collaborate with production, quality, and engineering teams
• Follow all plant safety procedures and OSHA requirements; ensure equipment meets safety and guarding standards
• Support compliance with IATF 16949 and internal quality systems

• Associate’s degree or technical certification in Mechatronics, Automation, Electrical Technology, or related field preferred
• 2-5+ years of experience in automation within a manufacturing environment (automotive preferred)
• Experience in plastic injection molding strongly preferred
• Working knowledge of PLC systems (Allen-Bradley, Siemens, etc.), robotics (Fanuc, Wittman, Sepro, Viper), electrical systems (24V, 120V, 480V), sensors, vision systems, and servo drives
• Ability to troubleshoot electrical and mechanical systems
• Strong problem solving and analytical skills
• Effective communication across all levels of organization
• Physical abilities: stand, walk, bend, kneel, sit, talk and hear; climb ladders; lift up to 50 pounds; work in industrial manufacturing environment
• Ability to work off-shift, weekends, and overtime as needed

• Industrial manufacturing environment with uncontrolled temperatures, noise, heat, moving mechanical parts, injection molding presses and automation cells

• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• 401(k) with company match
• Paid holidays and vacation
• Job promotional opportunities and more

Equal Opportunity Employer, including disabled and veterans