Automation, Automation Systems, Commissioning, Communication Skills, Conveyor Systems, Distribution Operations, Distribution Services, Electricity, Equipment Maintenance/Repair, Human Machine Interface (HMI), Identify Issues, Leadership, Maintenance Services, Manufacturing, Manufacturing Operations, OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer), Order/Customer Fulfillment, Problem Solving Skills, Programmable Logic Controller (PLC), Record Keeping, Reliability Engineering, Root Cause Analysis, Schematics, Startup, System Start-Up, Systems Reliability, Technical Writing
A growing distribution operation in Portland, TN is seeking an Automation Maintenance Technician to support a highly automated packaging and conveyor environment. This role is ideal for a maintenance professional who enjoys troubleshooting complex automation systems, solving technical challenges, and taking ownership of equipment that directly impacts facility operations.
The Automation Maintenance Technician will serve as the primary technical resource for a mission-critical automation system and will play a key role in installation support, startup activities, troubleshooting, reliability improvements, and long-term equipment performance. This individual will work closely with equipment manufacturers, operations leaders, and maintenance personnel to maximize uptime and ensure the successful operation of a highly automated material handling environment.
This position offers a unique opportunity to become the site expert on a newly implemented automation system and help shape future maintenance practices as the operation continues to grow.
Automation Maintenance Technician Compensation:
- Direct hire opportunity
- $35 to $40 per hour
- 1st Shift Hours
- Company-provided tools
Automation Maintenance Technician Key Responsibilities:
- Serve as the primary maintenance resource for a highly automated packaging and conveyor system
- Support equipment installation, startup, commissioning, and optimization activities
- Troubleshoot electrical, mechanical, pneumatic, sensor, conveyor, and controls-related issues
- Diagnose equipment failures and perform root cause analysis
- Read and interpret electrical schematics and technical documentation
- Utilize PLC and HMI systems to identify faults and troubleshoot equipment issues
- Coordinate with OEM support teams on advanced troubleshooting and system improvements
- Perform preventive, predictive, and corrective maintenance activities
- Support conveyor system reliability and overall facility automation performance
- Train and support other maintenance team members on equipment operation and troubleshooting
- Document maintenance activities and maintain accurate equipment records
- Assist with general facility maintenance activities as needed
Automation Maintenance Technician Qualifications:
- 5+ years of industrial maintenance experience
- Experience supporting automated equipment, conveyor systems, or material handling equipment
- Strong electrical troubleshooting skills
- Experience reading and interpreting electrical schematics
- PLC troubleshooting and diagnostic experience
- Experience working with sensors, photo eyes, switches, and pneumatic systems
- Ability to troubleshoot equipment independently and identify root causes of failures
- Experience utilizing HMI systems and automated controls platforms
- Distribution, fulfillment center, packaging, material handling, or highly automated manufacturing experience preferred
- Lead technician, SME, or informal leadership experience preferred
- Strong communication, troubleshooting, and problem-solving skills
- Ability to work independently and take ownership of critical equipment