Automation Technician
*Overview*
Join our dynamic team as an Automation Technician and become a vital contributor to advancing manufacturing excellence through cutting-edge automation solutions.
Will be responsible for supporting, maintaining, troubleshooting, and improving automation and process control systems used in site manufacturing operations. The technician works closely with Operations, Maintenance, Engineering, and EHS teams to ensure the reliable and safe operation of PLCs, DCS systems, HMIs, industrial networks, drives, and automated equipment.
This role focuses on automation hardware and software, system reliability, and process optimization. Calibration and maintenance of field instrumentation are performed by the site's Instrumentation Technician team.
*Maintenance & Troubleshooting*
· Diagnose and resolve issues related to automation and control systems.
· Perform preventive and corrective maintenance on PLCs, DCS systems, HMIs, industrial PCs, VFDs, and associated control hardware.
· Troubleshoot control system failures that impact production, quality, or safety.
· Respond to automation-related equipment breakdowns and support rapid recovery efforts.
*Automation Systems Support*
· Maintain and support PLC, HMI, SCADA, and DCS platforms to ensure reliable process operation.
· Assist with automation system modifications, configuration changes, and software updates under engineering guidance.
· Support startup, commissioning, testing, and validation of new equipment and automation projects.
· Monitor and maintain industrial communication networks, including Ethernet/IP, Modbus, Profibus, and other plant network architectures.
· Maintain system backups, configuration records, and automation documentation.
· Support integration of new equipment into existing control systems.
*Safety & Compliance*
· Follow sites EHS policies, procedures, and safe work practices.
· Participate in Process Safety Management (PSM) and Management of Change (MOC) activities as required.
· Comply with all site safety, environmental, and quality standards.
· Utilize Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) and other required safety procedures when performing work.
*Continuous Improvement*
· Identify opportunities to improve automation system reliability and plant performance.
· Participate in root cause investigations and implement corrective actions for automation-related failures.
· Support reliability initiatives and capital improvement projects.
· Recommend process control and automation enhancements to improve productivity, reduce downtime, and enhance operational efficiency.
*Required Qualifications*
· Associate degree or technical diploma in Automation Technology, Electrical Technology, Mechatronics, Industrial Electronics, or a related field.
· Minimum of 3 years of experience supporting industrial automation systems in a manufacturing environment.
· Experience troubleshooting PLC, HMI, or DCS-based control systems.
· Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics, control drawings, network diagrams, and P&IDs.
· Strong understanding of industrial automation and electrical safety practices.
· Proficiency using computers and maintenance management systems.
Preferred Qualifications
· Experience in chemical, petrochemical, pharmaceutical, or other process manufacturing industries.
· Working knowledge of Allen-Bradley/Rockwell, control systems.
· Experience with variable frequency drives (VFDs), motor control systems, and industrial networking.
· Familiarity with SAP PM or other CMMS platforms.
· ISA Certified Control Systems Technician (CCST) certification is a plus.
Key Competencies
· Automation troubleshooting and diagnostic skills
· Problem-solving and analytical thinking
· Attention to detail
· Teamwork and collaboration
· Effective verbal and written communication
· Initiative and continuous improvement mindset
· Commitment to safety and compliance
Physical Requirements
· Ability to work in an industrial manufacturing environment.
· Ability to climb ladders and work at elevated locations when required.
· Ability to lift up to 50 lbs.
· Ability to wear required personal protective equipment (PPE).
· Availability to work rotating shifts, overtime, weekends, holidays, and emergency callouts as needed.
This role offers an engaging environment where your technical skills will directly impact production efficiency while fostering growth within a forward-thinking organization dedicated to innovation in manufacturing automation.
Pay: From $22.00 per hour
Work Location: In person