Engineering (Automation) Technician

Reports to: Shift Maintenance Supervisor | Location: Crestline, OH | Non-Exempt, Salaried

About the role

Provides on-shift, hands-on engineering, maintenance, and technical support/troubleshooting to process operations with specific focus and accountability for electrical and automation equipment (robotics, vision systems, PLCs, VFDs, etc.) to ensure reliability and the optimum and safe use of facilities, equipment, and resources to meet customer requirements and plant objectives.

Responsibilities

• Troubleshoot and program PLCs, robotics, HMIs, and servos.
• Partner with maintenance and engineering teams to increase efficiencies and minimize downtime.
• Fix and debug equipment in a timely manner, including VFDs, PLCs, robotics, and servo systems.
• Implement process modifications and engineering projects to improve operational effectiveness, product quality, equipment reliability, cost to operate, and product/material scrap.
• Advance skillsets through on-the-job training and formal training.
• Identify and facilitate continuous improvement initiatives.
• Investigate engineering and process problems using established principles and methods, analyze pertinent data, and develop recommended solutions.
• Make decisions relating to operational priorities regarding automation/electrical components to support shift/plant needs, utilizing sound judgment and collaborating with technical resources, managers, and vendors as needed.
• Perform other duties as assigned by management.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent required; Associate Degree in Electrical Technologies, Automation, Robotics, Network Systems, or similar experience preferred.
• 2-3 years of applicable experience in industrial electrical, automation, robotics (Fanuc), PLCs (Allen Bradley), programming, vision systems, etc., in a manufacturing environment.
• Strong technical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to take initiative, communicate at all levels, work within a team environment, take ownership of projects, and demonstrate good floor presence.

Skills

• PLCs (Allen Bradley, RSLogix, ControlLogix, CompactLogix, MicroLogix)
• Robotics (Fanuc)
• HMI programming (Talk View Studio, RSView, InduSoft)
• VFDs (PowerFlex)
• Motion controls
• Vision systems and integration
• Electrical control panel design
• Ladder logic and programmable ladder logic
• Ethernet and networking (RSLinx, gateways)
• Siemens systems (familiarity)
• Light curtains and safety systems

Working Conditions

• Frequently exposed to temperature extremes, moving mechanical parts, electricity, and vibration.
• Loud noise levels in the work environment; appropriate personal safety protection equipment required (e.g., safety glasses, protective clothing).
• Actively on the manufacturing floor approximately 70% of the time; extensive walking required.
• Full-time position on a shift schedule.

Physical Requirements

• Regularly required to talk and hear.
• Active position requiring standing, walking, bending, and occasionally kneeling, stooping, and crouching.
• Must occasionally lift and/or move items up to 25 pounds.
• Specific vision abilities required: close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.