Automation Mechanic

McIlhenny Company•Avery Island, LA

5d•Onsite

About The Position

The Automation Mechanic is a maintenance role focused on troubleshooting, repairing, and maintaining automated equipment, particularly electrical systems, industrial automation, and equipment controls. The position supports equipment reliability, safety, and operational efficiency by performing repairs, installations, and preventive maintenance on factory machinery and automated equipment, including motors, sensors, control devices, VFDs, PLCs, and robotics. The mechanic diagnoses equipment failures, identifies root causes, and implements corrective actions to minimize unplanned downtime, while supporting new equipment installations, control system upgrades, and preventive and predictive maintenance activities. The role also performs general mechanical maintenance and repairs as needed and contributes to continuous improvement initiatives that enhance safety, efficiency, and reliability. The position works with high-speed manufacturing and facility equipment, follows technical documentation and established safety procedures, documents work in the CMMS, and collaborates with maintenance and cross-functional team members to restore operation and support uptime, OEE, and reliability initiatives. Maintenance activities must also comply with applicable food safety and quality standards, including SQF, HACCP, FDA, and GMP requirements.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
Technical training or at least 3 years of industrial electrical, automation, or maintenance experience in a manufacturing environment.
Working knowledge of PLCs, VFDs, industrial control, and electrical systems and components.
Ability to learn and operate a CMMS.
Ability to work well with employees at all levels and willingness to learn and develop skills.

Nice To Haves

Diploma or degree in Industrial Electronics, Manufacturing Technology, or a similar field.
PLC troubleshooting and programming experience.
Forklift, boom lift, or scissor lift certification.
Manufacturing, food processing, packaging, or bottling experience.
At least 5 years of automation maintenance experience in a high-speed manufacturing environment.

Responsibilities

Demonstrate understanding of factory equipment, electrical systems, industrial automation, and the interaction between mechanical and control systems.
Maintain reliable operation of high-speed manufacturing and facility equipment through preventive maintenance, troubleshooting, and repairs performed in accordance with schematics, manuals, manufacturer instructions, and engineering specifications.
Troubleshoot and repair motors, sensors, switches, relays, contactors, control circuits, VFDs, and other industrial control devices.
Troubleshoot PLC-controlled equipment by identifying faults, interpreting diagnostic information, verifying inputs and outputs, and assisting with advanced control system troubleshooting.
Use electrical test equipment, diagnostic tools, wiring diagrams, schematics, and technical documentation to identify equipment failures and verify operation.
Troubleshoot and repair mechanical, pneumatic, and hydraulic systems as needed.
Participate in equipment problem-solving and root cause analysis, identifying recurring electrical, automation, and mechanical failures.
Identify chronic failures, recommend corrective actions, and improve preventive maintenance effectiveness.
Assist with equipment installations, startups, changeovers, line adjustments, commissioning, and modifications, including electrical and control system components.
Perform preventive and predictive maintenance, including inspections, testing, adjustments, and identification of potential failures or reliability risks.
Perform electrical and mechanical adjustments, repairs, and component replacements within demonstrated competencies, coordinating additional technical support when needed.
Accurately document maintenance records, troubleshooting findings, corrective actions, work orders, issues, and follow-up needs in the CMMS or maintenance system.
Respond to equipment breakdowns and collaborate with maintenance personnel to restore operation safely and efficiently.
Maintain a safe and clean working environment by following safety procedures, electrical safety practices, lockout/tagout requirements, and company policies.
Work with cross-functional team members to support uptime, OEE, reliability initiatives, and resolution of equipment issues.
Participate in shift report communications and maintenance planning activities.
Support compliance with safety procedures and requirements, including LOTO, PPE, confined space, hot work, and machine guarding, and identify risk reductions.
Support compliance with food safety, SQF, HACCP, FDA, GMP, and company standards during maintenance and repair activities.