Automation /Controls Technician

Job Title: Automation Technician - 1^st SHIFT: 5am-3pm (10 hour days) M-Thur

Industry: Plastics Manufacturing

On-site Location: Montgomery, AL

Relocation Provided: Possibly

Hourly Range: $25-$35/hour Depending on experience

Job Overview:

The Automation Technician is responsible for maintaining, troubleshooting, and optimizing automation systems in a high-volume, automotive-grade injection molding environment. This role is critical to ensuring maximum uptime of robots, EOAT, and integrated automation systems within a fast-paced, production-driven setting.

This position requires a highly hands-on, floor-oriented individual who can quickly diagnose and resolve issues under pressure while maintaining process stability and product quality. The Automation Technician will work closely with Maintenance, Process Engineering, and Production teams to support both ongoing operations and new program launches.

The environment includes large-tonnage Engel molding machines (350T–2000T), single-shot and two-shot processes, and highly automated cells producing complex, appearance-critical (Class A) components with strict dimensional and cosmetic requirements.

Minimum Requirements:

• 3+ years of hands-on experience in automotive manufacturing automation
• Strong experience in plastic injection molding & high-volume manufacturing environment
• Proven ability to troubleshoot robots, EOAT, and automation systems under production pressure
• Experience with PLC troubleshooting and basic electrical systems
• Knowledge of sensors, pneumatics, servo systems, and automated assembly systems
• Ability to read electrical schematics and mechanical drawings
• Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to work independently
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced, less structured, production-floor environment

Preferred Requirements:

• Automotive / Tier 1 supplier experience
• Experience with Engel machines and molding automation
• Familiarity with vision systems, poka-yoke systems, and automated inspection/assembly
• Exposure to multi-component (two-shot) molding processes
• Experience with robotics brands such as Fanuc, Wittmann, Yushin, or similar
• Leadership potential and ability to grow into expanded responsibilities

Responsibilities:

Automation Maintenance & Troubleshooting

• Maintain and troubleshoot robots (3-axis, 6-axis, Cartesian) and EOAT systems
• Diagnose and resolve automation faults (PLC, sensors, servos, communication issues)
• Support conveyors, vision systems, leak testers, and assembly fixtures
• Ensure all automation systems operate safely and efficiently

Production Support & Uptime

• Respond rapidly to downtime events and restore production with minimal disruption
• Troubleshoot issues directly on the production floor under time-sensitive conditions
• Support mold changeovers, including robot program adjustments and validation
• Identify and correct automation-related quality issues (e.g., part damage, misplacement)

Programming & Optimization

• Modify and optimize robot programs to improve cycle time and efficiency
• Support the development and validation of new automation sequences
• Drive improvements in repeatability, uptime, and labor reduction
• Maintain backups and documentation of automation programs

New Equipment & Integration

• Assist with installation, startup, and commissioning of automation systems
• Support the integration of robots and automation with molding machines
• Work with integrators and suppliers to resolve technical challenges
• Participate in the FAT/SAT and validation activities

Continuous Improvement & Preventive Maintenance

• Perform preventative maintenance on automation systems
• Identify and implement improvements to reduce downtime and scrap
• Support initiatives to improve OEE, cycle time, and process stability
• Maintain organized work areas aligned with 5S standards

Safety & Compliance

• Follow lockout/tagout procedures and all safety protocols
• Ensure proper guarding, interlocks, and safety systems are functional
• Support internal and customer audits
• Document downtime, maintenance actions, and corrective measures