Automation Technician

The Automation Technician is responsible for supporting the safe, reliable, and efficient operation of the plant’s automation, electrical, electronic, instrumentation, controls, and electro-mechanical systems. This position serves as a technical resource for industrial automation equipment and process control systems, performing troubleshooting, repair, installation, programming, calibration, preventive maintenance, and system upgrades to maximize equipment reliability and plant performance. The Automation Technician partners closely with Maintenance, Operations, Engineering, Reliability, and Process teams to resolve equipment issues, support capital projects and outages, and drive continuous improvement initiatives that enhance safety, quality, productivity, and cost performance. The Automation Technician is expected to work independently with minimal supervision, serve as an on-shift technical leader for automation systems, maintain accurate technical documentation, and promote a strong culture of safety and operational excellence.

Key Responsibilities

Automation Systems Support & Reliability

• Maintain, troubleshoot, repair, and optimize PLCs, HMIs, industrial computers, process control systems, instrumentation, sensors, drives, and automation equipment.
• Function as the primary technical resource for automation and process control systems during assigned shifts.
• Perform preventive, predictive, and corrective maintenance activities to maximize equipment reliability and minimize downtime.
• Diagnose electrical, instrumentation, controls, and automation-related failures using structured troubleshooting techniques.
• Conduct system backups, restorations, firmware updates, and software maintenance activities for PLC, HMI, and industrial control systems.
• Monitor system health and equipment performance trends to identify and implement reliability improvements.

Electrical & Instrumentation Maintenance

• Troubleshoot and repair motors, VFDs, motor controls, electrical distribution systems, process instrumentation, and control devices.
• Inspect, calibrate, and maintain field instruments, sensors, transmitters, analyzers, and control loops.
• Repair and replace components within control panels, Remote I/O systems, automation cabinets, and electrical equipment.
• Support troubleshooting of hydraulic, pneumatic, and electromechanical systems.

Technical Problem Solving & Continuous Improvement

• Provide rapid response to automation, electrical, and process control issues affecting production.
• Analyze equipment and process performance data, including trends, alarms, and diagnostic information, to identify root causes and implement sustainable corrective actions.
• Collaborate with Engineering, Maintenance, and Operations teams to develop and implement automation improvements.
• Support reliability initiatives, predictive maintenance programs, and process optimization efforts.
• Recommend and implement solutions that improve safety, productivity, quality, equipment availability, and cost performance.

Project Support & System Development

• Support capital projects, equipment upgrades, modernization efforts, and outage activities.
• Assist with PLC programming, HMI development, control system configuration, and commissioning activities.
• Participate in design reviews, factory acceptance testing (FAT), startup activities, and system validation.
• Maintain current system documentation, backups, network diagrams, and automation standards.

Computer Systems & Industrial Networks

• Maintain industrial computer hardware, operating systems, virtualization platforms, and thin-client environments.
• Support cybersecurity efforts through software patching, antivirus maintenance, backup verification, and secure system configurations.
• Troubleshoot industrial Ethernet networks, communication protocols, and network-connected automation devices.
• Support integration of automation platforms using protocols such as EtherNet/IP, Modbus, Profinet, and related industrial communication systems.

Documentation & Planning

• Utilize SAP or computerized maintenance management systems (CMMS) to create, update, and close work orders.
• Maintain accurate records of maintenance activities, troubleshooting findings, repairs, equipment history, and system modifications.
• Support development and improvement of maintenance procedures, troubleshooting guides, and technical standards.

Safety, Compliance & Environmental Stewardship

• Embrace and model Novelis Safety Absolutes while supporting a zero-injury culture.
• Comply with all safety, environmental, quality, and operational procedures.
• Follow applicable OSHA, NEC, NFPA 70E, Lockout/Tagout, arc flash, grounding, machine guarding, and electrical safe work practices.
• Identify and mitigate electrical, automation, and equipment-related risks through proactive maintenance and safe work practices.
• Support compliance with ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 45001, IATF 16949, ASI, and other plant certification requirements.

Collaboration & Knowledge Sharing

• Partner effectively with Maintenance, Operations, Engineering, Reliability, and Process teams to achieve production objectives.
• Provide technical coaching and support to technicians, operators, and contractors.
• Deliver responsive internal customer support while maintaining strong working relationships across the organization.
• Assist in training team members on automation systems, troubleshooting techniques, and standard work practices.