Worksite location: 2 different locations
- Plant: 100 Rivian Motorway in Normal
- Training Center: 1719 E Hamilton Rd, Bloomington (15 miles away)
Working hours: It will likely be a combination of all three shifts - times are approximate and subject to change:
First Shift 6:00 A.M.-2:30 A.M.
Second Shift 2:00 P.M-10:30 P.M.
Third Shift 10:00 P.M-6:30 A.M.
Travel: Traveling between 3 buildings the furthest, 15 miles away.
Contract 1-year with a possibility to extend.
Role Summary:
The Sr. Training Instructor for Controls and Automation leads the design, development, and facilitation of technical training programs for automated manufacturing systems.
This role focuses on translating complex automation concepts including PLC logic, robotics, and industrial networking into engaging, hands-on learning experiences. Rather than providing live production line support or troubleshooting, the primary focus of this position is driving technician capability through classroom instruction, simulation lab exercises, hands-on instruction on the plant floor, and structured adult learning methodologies.
Role Requirements:
The successful candidate will train maintenance technicians in PLCs, robotics, motor controls, electricity, hydraulics, pneumatics, and related automation topics.
The role will take ownership of an existing upskilling program designed to develop multi-craft maintenance technicians.
Training will range from introductory PLC concepts and programming through advanced practical topics such as robot homing.
Candidates must be able to explain technical material clearly, manage a classroom, organize a roughly 12-week curriculum, and develop content within the company s learning management system.
Formal teaching credentials or an advanced engineering degree are not required. Demonstrated teaching, mentoring, or classroom experience is highly valuable, including experience in a trade school, career academy, or similar setting.
A strong technical background and the ability to earn credibility with experienced maintenance personnel are essential.
Key Responsibilities
Instructional Delivery: Serve as the primary instructor for Technical Trades programs, teaching Mechatronics, and Industrial Automation.
Curriculum Development: Design and maintain platform-specific coursework for PLC programming (Rockwell, Beckhoff) and SCADA/HMI platforms (Ignition).
Robotics Coursework: Develop comprehensive training modules for Fanuc, Kuka, and Kawasaki robotics, covering path programming, controller setup, and lab-based exercise sequences.
Hands-On Lab Design: Creatively source, design, and build training fixtures, such as simulated PLC racks and dedicated training cells, for interactive instruction.
Sustainable Upskilling: Coach internal facilitators on effective adult learning strategies and Standardized Work Instructions (SWI), enabling them to own, deliver, and continuously adapt training within their operational teams.
Safety & Standards Instruction: Deliver training on industrial electrical standards, OSHA compliance, and NFPA guidelines for safeguarding automated equipment.
Educational Partnerships: Collaborate with external educational partners and community organizations on apprenticeship curriculum development and accreditation.
Continuous Learning: Integrate emerging technologies including vision systems, autonomous systems, and advanced robotics into the core curriculum roadmap.
Qualifications
Education: BS or AAS Degree in a related field, Certificate in Automation/Mechatronics, registered DOL apprenticeship completion (SACA/NC3 certifications), or equivalent work experience.
Instructional & Industry Experience: 5+ years of experience in Technical Trades (Electrical, Mechanical) with a focus on Industrial Automation and a proven track record in technical instruction or adult education.
Technical Mastery: Deep technical foundation in programming PLCs (Rockwell and Beckhoff) and operating robotic controllers (Fanuc, Kuka, Kawasaki) to effectively teach technical concepts.
Software & Systems Knowledge: Familiarity with Ignition SCADA, HMI platforms, and design software (ePLAN or AutoCAD Electrical) to support curriculum authoring.
Networking Understanding: Functional understanding of industrial communication protocols (EtherNet/IP, EtherCAT, IO-Link, Profinet) to explain network logic to trainees.
Pedagogy & Facilitation: Outstanding presentation and interpersonal skills, with a strong ability to break down complex automated sequences into clear, digestible lessons.
Numbers & Facts
Location
Normal, IL
Salary
$42–$52 Per Hour
Skills
Adult Learningunmatched
AutoCADunmatched
Automationunmatched
Coachingunmatched
Communications Protocolsunmatched
Content Developmentunmatched
Electricityunmatched
Emerging Technologyunmatched
Ethernetunmatched
Human Machine Interface (HMI)unmatched
Hydraulic Engineeringunmatched
IP (Internet Protocol)unmatched
Identify Issuesunmatched
Industrial Roboticsunmatched
Interpersonal Skillsunmatched
Laboratory Managementunmatched
Learning Management System (LMS)unmatched
Maintenance Servicesunmatched
Manufacturing Systemsunmatched
Mentoringunmatched
Motor Control Systemsunmatched
National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)unmatched
OSHAunmatched
Online Trainingunmatched
Pedagogyunmatched
Production Supportunmatched
Programmable Logic Controller (PLC)unmatched
Regulatory Complianceunmatched
Roboticsunmatched
Safety Standardsunmatched
Simulationunmatched
Software Designunmatched
Standards Strategyunmatched
Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA)unmatched
Technical Trainingunmatched
Training Programunmatched
Training/Teachingunmatched
Training/Teaching Curriculumunmatched
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