Automation and Control Technician - Mascot, TN

Lifetime Products, Inc.•Knoxville, TN

1d•Onsite

About The Position

This Automation and Controls Technician role supports large-scale industrial automation, robotics, and high-speed manufacturing equipment to help ensure safe, efficient, and reliable production of high-quality products. The technician will troubleshoot, maintain, repair, and improve automation systems, robotic cells, blow molding machines, PLC controls, HMI interfaces, sensors, conveyors, and related electrical and mechanical systems. This position works closely with engineering, maintenance, machine processors, and production teams to reduce downtime, improve equipment performance, support continuous improvement, and maintain a strong safety and quality culture. Ideal candidates will bring hands-on experience with Fanuc robots, Allen-Bradley PLCs, HMI systems, industrial controls, machine networking, preventive maintenance, root cause analysis, and manufacturing automation in a fast-paced industrial environment in Mascot, TN. At Lifetime Products, you will be part of a company known for building durable, innovative products that people use every day. From folding tables and chairs to basketball systems, storage sheds, kayaks, paddle boards, and playsets, our team takes pride in creating quality products through smart manufacturing, advanced technology, and continuous improvement. We are excited to welcome candidates who want to grow their skills, work with modern automation and robotics systems, and make a real impact as part of a supportive team in Mascot, Tennessee.

Requirements

Associate degree, technical school training, or equivalent hands-on experience in robotics, automation, controls, electrical technology, mechatronics, mechanical systems, or a related technical field.
Two to four years of experience in industrial automation, automated systems, controls maintenance, robotics, manufacturing equipment support, or a similar Automation and Controls Technician role.
Working knowledge of electrical and electronic principles, motor controls, industrial wiring, control panels, and safe troubleshooting practices in a manufacturing environment.
Experience with PLC programming, PLC troubleshooting, and HMI modification, with preferred familiarity in Beckhoff, B&R, and Allen-Bradley controls platforms.
Hands-on experience with robotics, industrial automation equipment, sensors, pneumatics, hydraulics, and machine troubleshooting.
Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics, ladder logic, mechanical drawings, and control system documentation.
Strong root cause analysis, problem-solving, and systematic troubleshooting skills with the ability to work independently and as part of a team.
Experience with industrial machine and plant networking.
Availability to perform on-site and phone-based emergency support as needed, including occasional 24/7 on-call responsibilities and travel when required.
Ability to take initiative, manage priorities, and complete tasks efficiently with limited supervision in a fast-paced production setting.
Must be able to pass a background check.

Nice To Haves

AutoCAD Electrical experience is preferred, along with the ability to document repairs, updates, and control changes accurately.

Responsibilities

Work with operations, engineering, and maintenance teams to keep automation systems, robotic cells, and production equipment running safely and efficiently while meeting safety, quality, and production goals.
Perform planned preventive maintenance, inspections, diagnostics, calibration, and repairs on automation systems, blow molding machines, robotic equipment, conveyors, sensors, vision systems, vacuum systems, and transfer or loading systems.
Troubleshoot electrical, mechanical, and controls-related issues involving PLCs, HMIs, drives, motors, relays, sensors, actuators, and industrial communication networks to minimize downtime and restore production quickly.
Support robotic and automation cell start-up, commissioning, integration, optimization, and continuous improvement projects in partnership with engineering and production teams.
Program, modify, back up, and troubleshoot PLC and HMI systems, with preference for experience in Beckhoff and Allen-Bradley platforms and a strong understanding of industrial machine controls.
Maintain and repair Fanuc robots, end-of-arm tooling, robotic pick-and-place systems, and automated production support equipment used in a manufacturing environment.
Read and interpret electrical schematics, control drawings, wiring diagrams, and mechanical documentation to identify root causes and complete accurate repairs.
Work within industrial networking environments to support communication between robots, PLCs, HMIs, and connected manufacturing equipment.
Respond to urgent equipment issues, prioritize emergency repairs, document findings, and communicate clearly with cross-functional teams to support safe and reliable operations.
Identify opportunities for process improvement, equipment reliability, and automation performance enhancements that improve uptime, productivity, and product quality.