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