Automation Technician II

Challenge Manufacturing•Cusseta, AL

32d•Onsite

About The Position

Challenge Manufacturing is seeking an Automation Technician II to support production by setting up, troubleshooting, and operating automated welding cells in a production facility. The role also involves implementing best practices, proactively assessing welding and robotic applications, and mentoring Automation Technician I team members, trainees, and Weld Technicians. The position requires following safety procedures, performing preventive maintenance, troubleshooting electrical and mechanical systems, carrying out basic robot programming tasks, and addressing welding issues across multiple applications. This is a first-shift position, Monday through Friday, from 6:00 AM to 4:30 PM, located at Challenge Manufacturing’s plant in Cusseta, Alabama. Challenge is an employee-owned automotive supplier and offers participation in its ESOP program, through which employee-owners receive annual company shares as an additional retirement benefit.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
Ability to read, write, speak, and understand English sufficiently to perform job duties safely and effectively, including following work instructions, safety procedures, and company communications.
Industrial truck and aerial platform licenses.
Excellent verbal communication skills.
Experience with Microsoft applications such as Word, Excel, and Outlook.
Knowledge of PLC systems and basic programming methods.
Industrial Maintenance, Machine Repair, or Electrician Journeyman certification; a two-year technical degree; or equivalent work experience.
Successful completion of Automation Technician II written and performance tests.
Three years of Weld Technician, Automation Technician, or equivalent experience.

Nice To Haves

Mechatronics certificate or journeyperson card.
Associate degree in mechatronics, controls, or maintenance technician studies.
Minimum six years of combined experience and education as an Automation Technician.
Strong electrical background in industrial and automated systems.

Responsibilities

Mentor Automation Technician I team members and Weld Technicians.
Perform all duties and responsibilities required of an Automation Technician I.
Follow safety procedures and protocols when servicing or maintaining equipment.
Troubleshoot equipment using electrical and mechanical prints at an intermediate level.
Perform, train, and critique equipment preventive maintenance.
Use electrical system knowledge and schematics or prints to troubleshoot electrical components and circuits, with electrician assistance for basic-level work such as connecting circuit breakers, transformers, or other components in a junction box or panel.
Work with wiring harnesses, drive systems, relays, boards, and motors.
Modify and perform basic programming tasks for robots across robotic applications, including basic teach pendant programming, TCP verification, I/O simulation, and move creation or modification.
Perform intermediate troubleshooting for welding applications, including drawn arc, GMAW, resistance welding, projection welding, and pneumatic systems.