Job Description: Automation Maintenance Technician

Department: Maintenance / Engineering

Reports To: Maintenance Supervisor or Engineering Manager

Employment Type: Full-Time

Work Location: [Insert Work Location]

Position Summary

The Automation Maintenance Technician is responsible for maintaining, troubleshooting, repairing, and improving automated manufacturing equipment to ensure optimal machine performance, production efficiency, and equipment reliability. This position works closely with Engineering, Maintenance, Production Team Leaders, Systems Technicians, and external equipment providers to identify and resolve technical issues, implement preventive maintenance programs, and minimize equipment downtime.

The successful candidate will possess strong mechanical, electrical, hydraulic, pneumatic, and automation troubleshooting skills, along with the ability to support continuous improvement initiatives in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

1. Equipment Maintenance and Troubleshooting

• Collaborate with Engineering, Production Team Leaders, and other departments to identify technical priorities and resolve issues preventing equipment from achieving performance targets.
• Troubleshoot, diagnose, and repair automated manufacturing equipment to minimize downtime and improve operational efficiency.
• Perform preventive maintenance on production cells, machinery, robots, conveyors, programmable controllers, and related equipment.
• Test malfunctioning machinery, identify root causes, and coordinate with other Maintenance Technicians to implement effective corrective actions.
• Replace defective components, including relays, switches, motors, sensors, position-sensing devices, and other electrical or mechanical parts.
• Diagnose and repair mechanical, electrical, hydraulic, and pneumatic systems.
• Read, interpret, and apply mechanical and electrical blueprints, schematics, and technical documentation.

2. Preventive Maintenance and Reliability

• Develop, maintain, and improve preventive maintenance (PM) programs in collaboration with the Maintenance Team.
• Manage the preventive maintenance schedule, create and update PM procedures, and enter required maintenance activities into the Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS).
• Monitor equipment performance and identify opportunities to improve reliability, reduce downtime, and increase overall equipment effectiveness (OEE).
• Maintain accurate maintenance records, equipment documentation, and work order information.

3. Electrical, Mechanical, and Automation Systems

• Install electrical power wiring and conduit for new machinery and equipment, including robots, conveyors, and programmable controllers.
• Install and maintain hydraulic and pneumatic piping, tubing, and related components.
• Connect power supply wiring and interconnecting cables between machines and equipment in accordance with applicable electrical codes and safety procedures.
• Program, troubleshoot, or adjust programmable logic controllers (PLCs) and automated machinery within the scope of training and authorization.
• Operate robot teach pendants and adjust automated equipment to support production requirements.
• Apply knowledge of industrial robotics, integrated camera systems, sensors, and automated inspection technologies.
• Communicate and collaborate with systems providers and engineers to diagnose and resolve complex equipment failures.
• Fabricate or modify components as necessary to support equipment repairs and maintain production operations.

4. Spare Parts and Technical Support

• Coordinate with the Maintenance Team to identify, order, and maintain appropriate spare parts inventory.
• Assist in organizing and maintaining the spare parts crib to ensure critical components are available when needed.
• Provide technical support to Systems Technicians and perform related duties as required.
• Operate forklifts, scissor lifts, and other authorized equipment when necessary and properly trained.

5. Production Reporting and Continuous Improvement

• Maintain and update spreadsheets related to production OEE, equipment performance, and shift reports.
• Communicate equipment issues, maintenance activities, and production concerns to the appropriate personnel.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives focused on equipment reliability, production efficiency, quality, and safety.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the supervisor.

Required Qualifications and Experience

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• One to three years of related maintenance, industrial automation, or manufacturing experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Journeyman-level experience or three to five years of relevant industrial maintenance experience preferred.
• Working knowledge of programmable logic controllers (PLCs) and automated manufacturing systems.
• Knowledge of electrical, mechanical, hydraulic, and pneumatic systems.
• Ability to read and interpret electrical and mechanical blueprints, schematics, and technical manuals.
• Strong troubleshooting, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Demonstrated written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to apply mathematical concepts, including probability and statistical inference, to practical workplace situations.
• Ability to identify problems, evaluate alternatives, and implement effective solutions.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with industrial robotics, robotic teach pendants, integrated camera systems, and automated production cells.
• Experience with CMMS software and preventive maintenance scheduling.
• Familiarity with OEE tracking, production reporting, and continuous improvement practices.
• Experience with equipment installation, electrical wiring, conduit, and industrial fabrication.
• Relevant industrial maintenance certifications, electrical licenses, or recognized journeyman qualifications, where applicable.

Skills and Competencies

• Strong mechanical and electrical aptitude.
• Effective troubleshooting and root-cause analysis.
• Preventive maintenance planning and execution.
• Industrial automation and PLC fundamentals.
• Clear communication and cross-functional teamwork.
• Organization, attention to detail, and accurate recordkeeping.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a manufacturing environment.
• Commitment to workplace safety, equipment reliability, and production quality.

Work Environment and Safety

This position operates in an industrial manufacturing environment and may require working around automated machinery, robotics, electrical systems, moving equipment, and production lines. The role may involve standing for extended periods, working in confined or elevated areas where authorized, lifting materials, and using approved industrial equipment.

The employee must follow all applicable company safety policies, lockout/tagout procedures, electrical safety requirements, personal protective equipment standards, and equipment operating procedures. Required training and authorization must be completed before operating powered industrial trucks, scissor lifts, or other specialized equipment.

Performance Expectations

Success in this role will be evaluated based on the employee’s ability to:

• Reduce equipment downtime and improve machine reliability.
• Complete preventive maintenance activities accurately and on schedule.
• Diagnose and resolve equipment failures effectively.
• Support production performance and OEE improvement goals.
• Maintain accurate maintenance documentation and shift reports.
• Promote safe work practices and effective teamwork.
• Support continuous improvement and manufacturing efficiency initiatives.