Job Title: Automation Technician
Location: Onsite | Troy, Ohio
Compensation: $40 - $45 per hour, based on experience
Employment Type: Full-Time
Shift: First Shift | Approximately 7 am - 3 pm or 8 am - 5 pm
Reports To: Manager
Requirements
- 2+ years of experience in industrial automation, machine building, electrical controls, or a related environment
- Hands-on experience building, wiring, and troubleshooting industrial electrical control panels
- Ability to read electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, panel layouts, and bills of materials
- Working knowledge of PLC programming and troubleshooting using Siemens, Allen-Bradley, Omron, or a similar platform
- Experience with HMIs, VFDs, industrial sensors, low-voltage controls, three-phase systems, and electrical test equipment
- Associate degree, technical certification, or equivalent experience in Electrical Technology, Mechatronics, Industrial Automation, or a related field
Plusses
- Siemens PLC and HMI programming experience
- Experience commissioning and debugging conveyors, production lines, or other automated machinery
- Experience with servo systems, motion control, robotics, machine vision, or industrial safety systems
- Familiarity with Profinet, EtherNet/IP, Modbus TCP, UL 508A, NFPA 70/NEC, or NFPA 79
- Experience with AutoCAD Electrical, EPLAN, or similar electrical design software
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Role Overview: Hands-on automation role focused on building, wiring, programming, testing, troubleshooting, and supporting industrial control systems and automated equipment. This position combines electrical control-panel assembly with PLC and HMI programming, machine commissioning, and technical troubleshooting
Team Environment: Works closely with engineering, technicians, manufacturing personnel, and customers. This person will support both shop-floor automation work and occasional equipment installations, startups, and customer service calls
Ideal Candidate Background: Hands-on automation technician who is comfortable building control panels, troubleshooting electrical equipment, and working within PLC and HMI programs. The strongest candidate will produce clean, accurate work, troubleshoot problems methodically, and work effectively with engineering, manufacturing, technicians, and customers
Core Responsibilities
- Build and wire industrial electrical control panels using schematics, panel layouts, and bills of materials
- Install and wire PLCs, HMIs, VFDs, relays, contactors, motor starters, power supplies, safety devices, and other controls
- Perform low-voltage control wiring and three-phase power distribution
- Wire sensors, motors, actuators, valves, encoders, and remote I/O
- Route, terminate, label, and verify wiring according to UL 508A, NFPA 79, and company standards
- Develop, modify, test, and troubleshoot PLC programs and HMI applications
- Configure and troubleshoot VFDs, safety controllers, and industrial communication networks
- Perform panel checkout, I/O verification, power-up, and functional testing
- Support startup, commissioning, troubleshooting, and debugging of automated equipment
- Diagnose electrical and control-system issues using test equipment and automation software
- Support equipment installations, customer startups, and occasional field service calls
- Collaborate with Engineering on technical issues and design improvements
- Inspect completed panels and equipment assemblies for quality and specification compliance
- Maintain documentation for wiring changes, programming updates, testing, and equipment performance
- Maintain a safe, clean, and organized work environment
Requirements
- Strong electrical and automation troubleshooting skills
- Knowledge of PLCs, HMIs, VFDs, industrial sensors, control components, and three-phase electrical systems
- Familiarity with Profinet, EtherNet/IP, Modbus TCP, or similar industrial communication protocols
- Proficiency with multimeters, continuity testers, and standard electrical test equipment
- Understanding of UL 508A, NFPA 70/NEC, and NFPA 79 standards
- Strong communication, organization, and problem-solving skills
- Ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities, and meet project deadlines
- Ability to travel occasionally for equipment installation, startup support, or customer service calls
Typical Day: Build and wire control panels, troubleshoot electrical and automation issues, modify PLC and HMI programs, test completed systems, support equipment startups, work with engineering on technical issues, update documentation, and assist with automated equipment commissioning
Task Breakdown and Workflow: Control panel assembly | Electrical wiring | PLC programming | HMI configuration | VFD setup | I/O verification | Electrical troubleshooting | Equipment commissioning | Automated equipment support | Documentation | Quality inspections | Engineering collaboration | Field startup support
You should be proficient in:
- PLC Troubleshooting Skills
- PLC Programming Experience
- PLC Wiring Experience
Machines & technologies you'll use:
- Variable Frequency Drives (VFD)
- Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) (Allen Bradley, Omron, Siemens)
- Servo Motors