Automation Technician

Position Summary

Seeking a hands-on Automation Technician to troubleshoot, set up, repair, and improve manufacturing equipment. This role is well suited to someone who enjoys working directly with machinery, understands how mechanical systems work, and takes ownership of getting equipment back into reliable operation. Strong mechanical aptitude and practical troubleshooting ability are the core requirements. PLC programming or troubleshooting experience is preferred, but it is not required.

We will consider a capable mechanical technician who is motivated and able to learn industrial controls.

• Troubleshoot and repair manufacturing machinery and automation equipment.
• Set up, adjust, test, and operate equipment for production runs and changeovers.
• Diagnose mechanical, pneumatic, electrical, sensor, and basic controls-related issues in a systematic manner.
• Help commission new machines and bring equipment from installation through stable production use.
• Install, replace, and configure components such as sensors, switches, relays, motors, actuators, valves, and guards.
• Assist with PLC and HMI troubleshooting, programming, and modifications when qualified to do so.
• Perform preventive maintenance and identify improvements that reduce downtime and recurring failures.
• Fabricate or modify simple fixtures, brackets, guards, and machine components as needed.
• Work closely with engineering, production, and quality personnel to solve equipment and process problems.
• Support production employees with machine setup, safe operation, and first-level troubleshooting.
• Document machine settings, repairs, changes, and maintenance activities clearly.
• Maintain a safe, organized work area and follow equipment safety and lockout/tagout procedures.

• Strong hands-on mechanical aptitude and demonstrated ability to troubleshoot machinery.
• Comfort using hand tools, power tools, measuring tools, and shop equipment safely.
• Ability to isolate the root cause of a problem instead of relying only on part replacement.
• Reliable work habits, strong follow-through, and willingness to stay with a problem until it is resolved.
• Ability to read basic mechanical drawings, equipment manuals, and technical instructions.
• Ability to work independently while communicating effectively with production and engineering teams.
• Commitment to safe work practices in an active manufacturing environment.

• PLC programming or PLC troubleshooting experience; familiarity with Allen-Bradley, Siemens, Mitsubishi, Automation Direct, or a similar platform is a plus.
• Experience with industrial electrical systems, control panels, wiring diagrams, HMIs, VFDs, sensors, relays, servo systems, or motor controls.
• Experience with pneumatic systems and basic machine controls.
• Experience in manufacturing maintenance, machine building, mechatronics, industrial automation, or equipment commissioning.
• Technical degree, trade school training, apprenticeship, or equivalent hands-on experience.

Equipment problems are diagnosed quickly and repaired correctly. Machine setups are repeatable, documented, and ready when production needs them. Recurring failures are reduced through practical repairs and continuous improvement. Production employees view this person as dependable, responsive, and safety-minded.