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Automation Technician (1st, 2nd or 3rd shift)

LFP Associates

  • Kansas City, MO
  • 4 days ago

    Highlights

    Our client is a leading plastics manufacturer serving the automotive industry for over 40 years, offering advanced solutions in injection molding, TPO/TPE materials, extrusion, and engineered composites. The Automation Technician is responsible for installing, troubleshooting, repairing, and improving automated systems in a plastic injection molding environment.

    Numbers & Facts

    LocationKansas City, MO

    Description

    This job is posted on behalf of LFP Associates by Top Echelon.


    Automation Technician (1st, 2nd, or 3rd Shift) – Kansas City


    Company Overview
    Our client is a leading plastics manufacturer serving the automotive industry for over 40 years, offering advanced solutions in injection molding, TPO/TPE materials, extrusion, and engineered composites.



    Position Summary


    The Automation Technician is responsible for installing, troubleshooting, repairing, and improving automated systems in a plastic injection molding environment. This role ensures maximum production uptime by supporting robotics, PLC-controlled equipment, and auxiliary automation while meeting safety, quality, and IATF 16949 standards.



    Key Responsibilities



    • Troubleshoot and repair:


      • Robotics (Fanuc, Wittman, Sepro, Viper)

      • End-of-arm tooling (EOAT)

      • Conveyors and part handling systems


    • Diagnose PLCs, HMIs, sensors, and drives

    • Perform preventative and predictive maintenance

    • Assist with PLC programming (Allen-Bradley, Siemens)

    • Support robot programming and cycle time improvements

    • Read electrical schematics and ladder logic

    • Drive continuous improvement (scrap reduction, uptime)

    • Conduct root cause analysis (RCA) and corrective actions

    • Respond quickly to downtime events

    • Support mold changes and automation setups

    • Collaborate with production, quality, and engineering teams

    • Ensure OSHA and plant safety compliance

    • Support IATF 16949 quality systems



    Basic Qualifications



    • Associate’s degree or technical certification (preferred)

    • 2–5+ years automation experience (automotive preferred)

    • Injection molding experience strongly preferred

    • Knowledge of:


      • PLC systems (Allen-Bradley, Siemens)

      • Robotics systems

      • Electrical systems (24V, 120V, 480V)

      • Sensors, vision systems, servo drives


    • Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills

    • Effective communication skills



    Physical Requirements



    • Stand, walk, bend, kneel, climb ladders

    • Lift up to 50 lbs

    • Work in industrial manufacturing environment



    Working Conditions



    • Industrial environment with temperature variation

    • Exposure to noise, heat, and moving equipment

    • Injection molding and automation cells

    • Overtime and weekend work as needed



    Compensation Benefits



    • Medical, Dental, Vision

    • 401(k) with match

    • Paid holidays vacation

    • Advancement opportunities



    Key Differences Between Shifts


    1️⃣ Primary Difference: Work Schedule


    The ONLY real difference across all three descriptions is the shift designation:



    • 1st Shift → Day shift (typically ~6am–2pm or similar)

    • 2nd Shift → Afternoon/evening (~2pm–10pm)

    • 3rd Shift → Overnight (~10pm–6am)


    The job duties, qualifications, and responsibilities are identical across all three roles.



    2️⃣ Operational Expectations by Shift (Implied, Not Explicitly Stated)


    1st Shift (Days)



    • More interaction with:


      • Engineering

      • Management

      • Continuous improvement teams


    • More involvement in:


      • Projects

      • Process improvements

      • Meetings



    2nd Shift (Afternoons)



    • Transition shift between day and night

    • Balanced mix of:


      • Troubleshooting

      • Some project carryover


    • Less management presence than 1st shift


    3rd Shift (Nights)



    • Heavy focus on:


      • Troubleshooting

      • Keeping production running


    • Typically:


      • Minimal engineering support onsite

      • More independent work

      • Higher urgency response to downtime




    3️⃣ Work Environment Reality


    Even though all descriptions state the same:


    “Work off-shift, weekends, and overtime as needed”


    In reality:



    • 2nd 3rd shifts are more likely to:


      • Handle emergency breakdowns

      • Work with reduced support staff

      • Operate more autonomously



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