Automation Engineering Technician Lead

Nesco Resource•Scottsville, NY

About The Position

The Automation Engineering Technician Lead sustains site manufacturing processes, ensures equipment reliability, and leads shift maintenance team members in returning equipment to standard and performing preventive maintenance. The role serves as the maintenance escalation path during the shift and carries out smaller process-improvement projects supporting site initiatives. The lead diagnoses and resolves complex electrical, mechanical, and controls issues on automated manufacturing equipment; uses PLC knowledge to address equipment and process problems; and supports continuous improvement through structured problem-solving, project execution, and required verification and validation protocols. The position also provides on-shift leadership, coaching, training, and developmental support to maintenance staff, and helps manufacturing technicians understand automated process flows. The role supports accurate equipment documentation and maintenance procedures, coordinates with internal and external support groups, and may assist with facility issues during normal working hours. Work is primarily in a clean medical-device manufacturing environment, with some office work and exposure to chemicals or solvents used to maintain automated equipment. Extended hours and mandatory overtime may be required as business needs dictate. Travel is not required.

Requirements

7–10 years of experience resolving and maintaining automated equipment processes, including PLC controls, electrical, mechanical, or related competencies.
Notable PLC controls experience, including the ability to access PLC content and resolve process or equipment issues efficiently.
Demonstrated electrical problem-solving ability, including controls up to 480 VAC.
Experience using MS Office.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including English-language comprehension.
Associate degree or equivalent technical certification is preferred, with seven years of experience; equivalent certification may be completion of an apprenticeship, military program, or trade school.

Nice To Haves

Allen Bradley PLC experience is preferred.
Industrial robot, vision, or laser-marking experience is preferred.
Experience following SOPs and regulatory requirements in medical-device manufacturing is preferred.
Machining and fabrication experience is desired.
Previous leadership responsibilities are desired.

Responsibilities

Understand site Key Business Metrics and use them to drive focused improvement activities.
Apply statistical problem-solving tools to implement robust solutions and verify or validate results.
Define, plan, and execute site improvement initiatives within Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) guidelines, including required IQ, OQ, and PQ protocols.
Design and dimension component details for automated equipment improvements.
Work with external vendors, site engineers, and other company sites to improve manufacturing processes.
Understand and describe automated process flows to support improvements to automated logic control systems.
Troubleshoot, repair, and maintain production equipment, including diagnosing complex electrical, mechanical, and controls issues on automated manufacturing cells.
Interpret PLC logic to resolve complex equipment and process issues.
Apply written specifications, schematics, parts lists, prints, and sketches to equipment installation, maintenance, and repair.
Communicate verbally and in writing with shift team members, management, and support groups; escalate issues to minimize lost time incidents.
Provide on-shift leadership for manufacturing maintenance personnel, including training, employee-relations support, performance reviews, and discipline; provide feedback to the Senior Engineering Manager regarding hiring and termination decisions.
Identify team members' development needs and provide appropriate training and coaching, partnering with Human Resources as needed.
Coach and develop maintenance team members in equipment and process return-to-standard and preventive maintenance; also coach manufacturing technicians on automated process flows.
Ensure shift team members complete preventive maintenance events for site manufacturing equipment before their due dates.
Complete related documentation accurately and legibly in accordance with SOPs.
Update electrical and mechanical drawings as needed, including electrical, pneumatic, hydraulic, and mechanical details for manufacturing cells.
Periodically review or approve equipment maintenance SOPs and work instructions, and coach team members in updating and developing procedures.
Provide leadership support for facility-related issues during normal working hours to sustain or restore key manufacturing processes.
Work extended hours, including mandatory overtime, when business needs require it to complete department goals or tasks.
Perform other duties as directed by the department manager or shift supervisor.