Reliability and Automation Technician
As a Reliability and Automation Technician, you’ll maximize the uptime, efficiency, and longevity of automated systems, robotics, and industrial machinery. This role combines preventive maintenance with advanced troubleshooting of PLCs, sensors, and control systems to minimize downtime and enhance process reliability. The technician acts as a subject-matter expert, analyzing failure modes and implementing improvements to prevent recurrence. This is a fully onsite role at our facility located at 600 N. County Line Road, Elmhurst, IL.
About Us
McMaster-Carr is a leading e-commerce company that industrial customers have trusted for over 125 years. Our products help them get manufacturing lines back up quickly, keep operations running smoothly, and prototype the next generation of innovative solutions. Behind it all are our people: exceptional and resourceful problem-solvers who take pride in getting every detail right for our customers.
Responsibilities
- Troubleshoot and repair complex faults in automated equipment (conveyors, robotics, PLC control panels, VFDs) through electrical, mechanical, and pneumatic pathways.
- Perform routine inspections and predictive maintenance (thermography, vibration analysis) to proactively identify potential component failures.
- Lead or assist in Root Cause Analysis (RCA) investigations for chronic equipment failures and implement corrective actions.
- Maintain detailed logs of repairs, maintenance activities, and parts usage in a Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS).
- Uphold all safety policies, including Lockout/Tagout (LOTO), robot safety standards, and machine guarding.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Mechatronics, Automation, Electrical Engineering Technology, or related field is strongly preferred.
- 3–5+ years of hands-on experience maintaining industrial automation, PLC controls, or robotics.
- Proficiency with PLC troubleshooting (Siemens, Allen-Bradley, or similar).
- Strong knowledge of industrial sensors, motor controls, and actuators.
- Able to work in an industrial environment, lift heavy components, and work at heights.
Schedule
This position supports a 24/7 distribution operation. Opportunities may be available across day, evening, overnight, and weekend shifts. Final shift assignments will be determined during the selection process.
Preferred Skills
- Experience in high-volume, automated logistics, distribution, and/or manufacturing.
Key Competencies
- Problem-Solving: Methodical approach to isolating faults under pressure.
- Collaboration: Working shoulder-to-shoulder with engineering, maintenance, and production teams.
- Proactive Mindset: Focus on reliability rather than just "break-fix" repair.
Pay
Total cash compensation ranges from $119,500 - $137,500 annually, which includes annual cash profit sharing based on company profitability.
Benefits
- 100% tuition reimbursement
- Medical, dental, pharmacy, and vision plans with no monthly premiums
- Industry-leading company-funded retirement accounts
- Inclusive, all-gender benefits
- First-time home buyer assistance
- Paid parental leave for all new parents
- Adoption and surrogacy assistance
- Paid time off for vacation and personal time