Automation Technician (Contract-to-Hire)
Location: Wheeling, IL
Job Requisition: 7723
Hourly Pay Range: $32.00 – $43.00. Individual rates are based on education, geographic location, and alignment to market data.
Description for Automation Technician:
The Automation Technician will provide hands-on maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair support for highly automated manufacturing equipment operating within a 24/7 production environment. This role is responsible for diagnosing mechanical and electrical issues, performing preventative maintenance, and supporting continuous production through effective troubleshooting of PLC-controlled automation systems.
This is not a parts replacement position. The ideal candidate understands how an automated manufacturing system functions from the PLC and electrical controls through drives, motors, sensors, pneumatics, hydraulics, and mechanical components. The successful candidate will possess strong diagnostic skills and be capable of identifying root causes while explaining their troubleshooting methodology. This position offers the opportunity to work in a growing manufacturing facility utilizing Siemens PLC-controlled automation equipment while supporting the expansion of one of the company's largest production operations.
Responsibilities for Automation Technician:
- Interface with machine operators to understand and diagnose equipment issues.
- Troubleshoot automated manufacturing equipment including PLCs, VFDs, servo systems, motors, sensors, and electromechanical components.
- Perform preventative maintenance on production machinery and equipment.
- Diagnose electrical and mechanical failures to determine root cause and implement corrective actions.
- Rebuild and repair mechanical components including gearboxes, bearings, shafts, cylinders, and drive systems.
- Read and interpret electrical schematics, mechanical drawings, pneumatic diagrams, and hydraulic schematics.
- Utilize hand tools, power tools, multimeters, and diagnostic equipment to troubleshoot production equipment.
- Fabricate and repair machine components using mills, lathes, drill presses, welders, and measuring devices as required.
- Support continuous operation of highly automated production equipment in a 24/7 manufacturing environment.
- Coordinate maintenance activities with production personnel and other departments.
- Follow all company safety policies and maintain a safe work environment.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Requirements for Automation Technician:
Must Haves
- Minimum of 3 years of experience maintaining or troubleshooting highly automated manufacturing equipment.
- Experience troubleshooting PLC-controlled automation systems (Siemens preferred; Allen-Bradley acceptable).
- Experience troubleshooting Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs).
- Strong understanding of automated manufacturing systems and how PLCs, drives, sensors, motors, pneumatics, hydraulics, and mechanical components interact.
- Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics, mechanical drawings, pneumatic diagrams, and hydraulic diagrams.
- Strong electrical and mechanical troubleshooting skills.
- Experience rebuilding mechanical components including gearboxes, bearings, shafts, and cylinders.
- Ability to explain a logical troubleshooting methodology.
- Understanding of industrial electrical systems including AC/DC voltage and single- and three-phase power.
- Experience using hand tools, power tools, multimeters, and other diagnostic equipment.
- Strong mechanical aptitude and knowledge of proper tool usage.
- Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
- Willingness to work rotating weekends, 12-hour shifts, and support a 24/7 manufacturing environment.
Preferred Qualifications
- Degree in Mechatronics, Automation Technology, or related technical field.
- Siemens PLC experience.
- Allen-Bradley PLC experience.
- SCADA troubleshooting experience.
- Servo motor and servo drive troubleshooting experience.
- PLC programming or Ladder Logic experience.
- Experience with vibration analyzers, thermography equipment, or ultrasonic leak detection equipment.
- Welding and machining experience.
- OSHA or other industrial safety certifications.
Benefits for Automation Technician:
- Health insurance eligibility on 1st day of employment (Medical, Dental)
- 401k after 6 months of employment
- Accrued Paid Time Off
