Automation Technician

About the Role

We operate a custom automated concrete production system consisting of two lines — a fill line that pours molds and a demold line that removes cured product from molds after curing. Each line runs its own HMI and uses a mix of AC and servo motors and controls.

We are looking for a hands-on Automation Technician to take ownership of this system: troubleshooting and reprogramming the controls, optimizing line performance, and handling the mechanical upkeep and improvement of the equipment. This is a newly created, high-visibility role for someone who wants to build and own an automation function at a growing manufacturing company, rather than be one of many technicians on a large team.

Our control platform is built on Allen-Bradley CompactLogix PLCs, PanelView Plus HMIs, and Kollmorgen servo drives/motors, along with FANUC and Epson robots used on the lines. Direct experience with this specific stack is a strong plus and will shorten the ramp-up time considerably.

What You'll Do

Controls & Programming

• Troubleshoot faults and downtime on the fill and demold lines, diagnosing issues across Allen-Bradley CompactLogix PLCs, PanelView Plus HMIs, Kollmorgen servo drives, and AC motor controls.
• Read, edit, and reprogram existing PLC ladder logic (Studio 5000 / RSLogix) and PanelView Plus HMI screens to fix issues and improve line performance.
• Tune and optimize Kollmorgen servo motion and line sequencing to improve cycle time, repeatability, and product quality.
• Maintain documentation of program changes, I/O lists, and control system architecture as the lines evolve.
• Work with our outside integrator when needed on larger programming projects, and reduce our reliance on them for day-to-day issues over time.

Robotics

• Program, troubleshoot, and maintain FANUC and Epson robots used on the fill and demold lines, including teaching/adjusting points, paths, and I/O interlocks with the PLC.
• Diagnose and resolve robot faults (servo, motion, tooling, end-of-arm) and coordinate repairs or vendor support when needed.
• Modify robot programs to accommodate new products, mold changes, or process improvements.

Mechanical & Maintenance

• Perform mechanical repairs and preventive maintenance on both lines (conveyors, actuators, mold handling hardware, pneumatics, etc.).
• Specify, source, and install new hardware, sensors, and accessories to add capability or solve recurring problems.
• Fabricate or modify brackets, guarding, and fixtures as needed to support line changes.
• Keep spare-parts inventory organized and flag critical spares before they become a downtime risk.

Continuous Improvement

• Identify recurring failure points and lead root-cause fixes rather than repeated patchwork repairs.
• Recommend and help implement upgrades that improve uptime, throughput, or safety as the company grows.
• Partner with production and management to prioritize automation work against overall business needs.

What We're Looking For

Required

• 2+ years of hands-on experience with industrial automation: PLCs, HMIs, and motor/drive systems (AC and servo). Allen-Bradley (Rockwell) and/or Siemens experience preferred.
• Experience programming and troubleshooting industrial robots (FANUC, Epson, or similar), including teaching points and editing programs. Candidates strong in PLC/servo/HMI work but newer to robotics are still encouraged to apply — see training note below.
• Demonstrated ability to read and troubleshoot ladder logic or similar PLC programming, and make edits confidently.
• Solid mechanical aptitude — comfortable with hand tools, basic fabrication, and diagnosing mechanical (not just electrical) failures.
• Ability to read electrical schematics and mechanical drawings.
• Strong troubleshooting mindset: methodical, calm under pressure, comfortable owning a problem end-to-end.
• Basic understanding of electrical safety practices (lockout/tagout, work on live vs. de-energized equipment).

Preferred (Nice to Have)

• Direct experience with Allen-Bradley CompactLogix PLCs and Studio 5000/RSLogix 5000 programming software.
• Direct experience with Rockwell PanelView Plus HMI configuration (FactoryTalk View Studio).
• Direct experience with Kollmorgen servo drives and motors (e.g., AKD or similar drive families).
• Direct experience programming FANUC and/or Epson robots specifically (teach pendant use, TP/RAPID or similar programming languages, robot-to-PLC I/O integration).
• Experience with servo motion control and drive tuning specifically (not just AC motors/VFDs).
• Experience in precast concrete, batching, or similar heavy manufacturing environments.
• Formal training or certification in industrial electronics, mechatronics, or electrical trades.
• Experience specifying and integrating new sensors, actuators, or third-party equipment into an existing control system.
• Welding/fabrication skills.

What Success Looks Like in the First Year

• Line downtime and unplanned stoppages are reduced, and most issues are resolved in-house without calling the integrator.
• You have a working knowledge of both HMI programs, the PLC logic, and the FANUC/Epson robot programs well enough to make routine edits and improvements independently.
• At least one meaningful hardware or process improvement has been identified and implemented on each line.
• Reliance on the outside integrator has shifted from routine troubleshooting to occasional, higher-level projects only.