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

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

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

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.

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

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