Under the general supervision of the Automation Manager, the Automation Technician is responsible for programming robots and other automation equipment, assisting with electrical and mechanical builds, and coordinating work with project teams. This role involves troubleshooting and maintaining equipment, training employees, diagnosing product failures, and recommending products or services that meet customer needs. The Automation Technician also contributes to new system concepts and performs on-site installations and start-ups to ensure projects are completed on time and within budget.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
This list of duties may be expanded based on organizational needs:
- Project Management: Meet project schedules and provide status reports to the manufacturing manager and lead project engineer.
- Technical Review: Review installation layouts, mechanical prints, and electrical schematic drawings.
- System Modifications: Modify control systems and robot software both in-house and in the field as needed.
- Testing: Perform in-house and vendor site tests on control components and systems.
- Robot Programming: Develop offline robot programs using 3D simulation software and initialize/install software on robots.
- System Setup: Set up robot user frames and Tool Center Points (TCPs), and create, modify, and troubleshoot programming for various robots such as ABB, Fanuc, and Kuka.
- Assembly: Assist with panel wiring and mechanical assembly to meet project deadlines.
- Travel: Travel up to 50% to complete project and service tasks, including international travel if necessary.
- Customer Training: Support customer training efforts and provide documentation for automation systems.
- On-Site Support: Verify and troubleshoot offline robot path programming, I/O, and logic, and assist with debugging automated systems before customer run-off and on-site commissioning.
- Maintenance: Perform preventive maintenance on customer equipment and provide remote or on-site support for automation systems.
- Industry Awareness: Stay current with industry developments and comply with all safety and quality regulations.
- Additional Responsibilities: Perform other duties as assigned.
Qualifications:
Education and Experience:
- Associate’s degree in a related field or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
- 3+ years of experience in automation systems activities.
- Knowledge of control systems, computer architecture, and networking.
Work Environment & Physical Demands:
- Regularly required to sit, use hands to handle or touch objects, and communicate verbally.
- Occasionally required to stand, walk, reach overhead, stoop, kneel, or crouch.
- Must occasionally lift/move objects such as drawings, files, and manuals weighing up to 50 pounds.
- Specific vision abilities include close vision and the ability to adjust focus.
- The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
Company Policy/Procedure Compliance:
- Follow all company policies and procedures as outlined in the employee handbook.
The Automation Technician plays a key role in supporting automation projects, troubleshooting equipment, and ensuring the successful integration of automation systems while fostering positive relationships with customers and team members.