Automation Engineering Technician

Position Summary

The Automation Engineering Technician is responsible for the reliability, performance, troubleshooting, maintenance, and continuous improvement of automated manufacturing equipment. This role serves as the technical expert for assigned automation systems and works closely with Production, Maintenance, Engineering, and Quality to maximize equipment uptime, safety, quality, and productivity.

The Automation Engineering Technician combines strong mechanical, electrical, controls, and robotics skills to diagnose problems, implement improvements, and support manufacturing operations. This position is highly hands-on and requires the ability to independently troubleshoot complex automation systems and lead technical problem-solving efforts.

Primary responsibility is new machine design, controls architecture, and major capital equipment development are performed in partnership with Automation Engineering and New Product Development Teams.

Responsibilities and Duties

Automation Support & Troubleshooting

• Set up, adjust, troubleshoot, repair, and maintain production automation, industrial robotics, and associated interface equipment.
• Diagnose and resolve electrical, mechanical, pneumatic, controls, robotics, and software-related equipment issues.
• Support production line startups, changeovers, and new product introductions.
• Respond to equipment downtime events and lead troubleshooting activities to restore production quickly and safely.
• Troubleshoot PLC-controlled systems and interpret ladder logic programs.
• Troubleshoot and repair HMIs, sensors, vision systems, servo systems, VFDs, safety circuits, and industrial networks.
• Maintain backups of robot programs, PLC programs, HMI applications, and equipment configuration files.
• Coordinate with Maintenance and Production personnel to ensure timely equipment support.
• Establish and perform preventative maintenance activities for automation and robotics equipment.

Equipment Ownership & Continuous Improvement

• Own the performance, reliability, and continuous improvement of assigned automation systems.
• Identify and implement improvements that enhance safety, quality, throughput, ergonomics, and equipment reliability.
• Analyze chronic equipment issues and perform root cause investigations to eliminate recurring failures.
• Monitor equipment performance and recommend corrective actions to improve Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE).
• Participate in continuous improvement activities to increase manufacturing efficiency and reduce downtime.

Automation Modifications & Integration

• Modify, troubleshoot, optimize, and integrate existing automation systems, robotic cells, fixtures, tooling, and controls to improve safety, quality, reliability, uptime, and production performance.
• Create, modify, and optimize robot programs for FANUC, ABB, or similar robotic platforms.
• Assist in the assembly, wiring, installation, integration, debugging, validation, and commissioning of automation equipment and manufacturing systems.
• Support Automation Engineers with new equipment development, controls implementation, and capital projects by assisting with equipment assembly, wiring, integration, debugging, commissioning, and production launch activities.
• Fabricate, assemble, and prototype fixtures, grippers, tooling, and automation components using available resources.
• Utilize CAD software to create and modify models, fixtures, tooling, and automation components.
• Support equipment validation, production trials, and implementation activities.

Technical Leadership

• Serve as a technical resource for automation-related issues across manufacturing operations.
• Train operators, maintenance personnel, and technicians on automation equipment operation and troubleshooting.
• Lead troubleshooting efforts during major equipment failures.
• Coordinate and oversee contractors, integrators, and vendors during equipment installations and repairs.
• Participate in training and technical development activities as assigned.
• Maintain good housekeeping and a safe work environment.
• Perform all other duties as assigned.

Qualifications and Skills

Required

• Associate Degree, Technical Diploma, Journeyman Certification, Military Technical Training, or equivalent automation experience.
• Three to five years of experience troubleshooting industrial automation equipment.
• Experience with industrial robotics such as FANUC, ABB, or equivalent platforms.
• Experience troubleshooting PLC-controlled equipment.
• Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics, mechanical drawings, and technical documentation.
• Strong understanding of electrical, mechanical, pneumatic, and automation systems.
• Experience using hand tools, power tools, and diagnostic equipment.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills.
• Ability to prioritize workload and manage multiple assignments simultaneously.

Preferred

• Experience programming or modifying robot applications.
• Experience with Allen-Bradley PLC systems and Ethernet/IP networks.
• Experience with machine vision systems.
• Experience with servo motion systems and VFDs.
• Experience with CAD software such as NX, SolidWorks, Inventor, or similar.
• Experience with machining, fabrication, welding, or 3D printing.
• Experience supporting multiple manufacturing sites.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand, walk, bend, reach, and work around production equipment for extended periods.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds occasionally.
• Ability to climb ladders and access equipment in manufacturing environments.
• Ability to work flexible hours, alternate shifts, and occasional weekends to support production and project activities.

Our Perks and Benefits

• Legendary Company Culture
• Robust health, dental and vision insurance plans
• Generous 401 (K) savings plan
• Education assistance
• On-site food and coffee service
• And many more, check out our benefits site HERE.

Milwaukee Tool is an equal opportunity employer.