Automation Control Technician

Becton Dickinson Medical Devices•Sumter, SC

8d•Onsite

About The Position

The Automation Control Technician supports, maintains, and optimizes automated manufacturing systems. The role involves hands-on work with electrical, pneumatic, and mechanical systems, limited interaction with hydraulic systems depending on the department, and foundational PLC programming and troubleshooting. The technician works with operators, line leads, production teams, and Engineering to set up and maintain production equipment, support new equipment installation and startup, resolve equipment problems, and improve processes. The position includes performing preventive maintenance, checking that systems are calibrated and operating to specifications, supporting vision systems and other automated inspection tools, and keeping equipment and quality documentation accurate. The technician also supports production associates during troubleshooting and follows safety, environmental, and Quality System Requirements. The role is based at BD’s Sumter, South Carolina work location. Production-floor rules include wearing steel-toe, non-slip shoes and restrictions on specified jewelry, false eyelashes, press-on fingernails, dermals, smoking, and tobacco or marijuana products on BD property.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED and at least 4 years of electronic, industrial, or manufacturing experience, or equivalent experience and education.
Alternatively, an associate degree in Mechatronics, Industrial Electronics, or a related technical field may be accepted in lieu of experience, or equivalent industry experience in a manufacturing or technical environment.
Demonstrated proficiency in equipment setup, maintenance, PLCs, and troubleshooting.
Hands-on lab and project experience analyzing schematics and wiring diagrams.
Ability to understand and apply Ohm’s Law.
Experience troubleshooting electrical and mechanical systems.
Foundational PLC programming knowledge and ability to interpret ladder logic.
Ability to communicate effectively with Engineering, Quality, Production, and other cross-functional teams to report issues, share updates, and support investigations.
Strong written communication skills for documenting troubleshooting steps, corrective actions, and preventive measures.

Nice To Haves

Associate degree in Mechatronics, Industrial Electronics, or a related technical field.

Responsibilities

Help set up and maintain electrical, pneumatic, and mechanical systems on production equipment, working with operators, line leads, and Engineering.
Ensure systems are calibrated and function according to specifications; help implement and maintain machine challenges and parts.
Complete scheduled preventive maintenance tasks, document maintenance activities, and flag potential issues before they cause downtime.
Diagnose and resolve equipment issues using foundational knowledge of PLC systems, Ohm’s Law, and hydraulics, including tubes, injection molding, and rubber molding.
Use schematics and technical documentation to guide repairs.
Assist with installation, debugging, and startup of new equipment in collaboration with Engineering.
Support and adjust vision systems and other automated inspection tools.
Collaborate with Engineering to identify and implement process improvements that enhance output and reduce waste; provide equipment-performance feedback and suggest optimization opportunities.
Maintain accurate equipment logs, including downtime, maintenance actions, and process changes.
Complete and maintain quality-related documentation in compliance with regulatory agencies and customers.
Report performance metrics and issues to supervisors and Engineering teams.
Follow safety protocols, environmental regulations, and Quality System Requirements, and ensure work areas and equipment meet compliance standards.
Support and guide production associates during equipment troubleshooting and communicate with supervisors and cross-functional teams.