Automation Technician III
About The Position
The Automation Technician III provides production support by setting up, troubleshooting, and operating automated welding cells in a production facility. The role implements best practices, proactively assesses welding and robotic applications, and mentors Automation Technician I and II team members and Weld Technicians. The technician must be proficient in the duties and responsibilities of an Automation Technician II and demonstrate competency in at least one specialty: PLC programming, robot programming, or intermediate weld troubleshooting. The role involves safety-focused equipment service and maintenance; troubleshooting electrical and mechanical systems using prints and schematics; intermediate programming and setup of robots and related systems; and troubleshooting a range of welding applications. The position is based at Challenge Manufacturing’s plant in Kansas City, Missouri, and works first shift, 5:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.
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.
- Ability to obtain industrial truck and aerial platform licenses.
- Excellent verbal communication skills.
- Experience with Microsoft applications such as Word, Excel, and Outlook.
- Successful completion of Automation Technician II written and performance tests; the posting mentions this for internal candidates and also states it for internal and external candidates.
- Knowledge of PLC systems and intermediate programming methods.
- Industrial Maintenance, Machine Repair, or Electrician Journeyman certification; a two-year technical degree; or equivalent work experience.
- At least 3 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.
- At least 6 years of combined experience and education as an Automation Technician or equivalent.
- Strong electrical and mechanical background in industrial and automated systems.
- Experience with the ABB Bullseye system.
Responsibilities
- Mentor Automation Technician I and II team members and Weld Technicians.
- Perform the duties and responsibilities of an Automation Technician II with proficiency.
- Follow safety procedures and protocols while servicing or maintaining equipment.
- Troubleshoot electrical and mechanical systems using prints, schematics, and electrical system knowledge.
- Perform intermediate electrical tasks under electrician supervision, including work on wiring harnesses, drive systems, relays, boards, and motors.
- Modify and perform intermediate programming tasks for robots in different robotic applications.
- Perform basic offline programming using RoboCAD or RobotStudio, TCP verification, I/O simulation, move creation or modification, and zone setups.
- Troubleshoot welding applications, including drawn arc, GMAW, resistance, projection, and pneumatic systems.
- Make fixture adjustments and perform shim moves based on manufacturing details, with guidance from a Weld Maintenance Mechanic III or Manufacturing Engineer.
- Set up and troubleshoot Poke Yoke systems and applications.
- Demonstrate competency in at least one specialty: PLC programming, robot programming, or intermediate weld troubleshooting.
- For the PLC specialty: perform intermediate PLC programming, troubleshoot ladder logic and PLC issues, program and troubleshoot HMI systems, troubleshoot or set up I/O blocks and valve stacks, search, cross-reference, edit, and load programs, and replace or configure system components.
- For the robot programming specialty: perform intermediate robot programming, load IDs, tune guns, add system components, write offline routines, set up and troubleshoot tool changers and external axes, create and verify TCPs, create offset positions, and replace motors, resolvers, and serial pulse coders.
- For the intermediate weld troubleshooting specialty: rebuild or reload schedules and make directed changes using RAFT; make Emhart DA and MIG weld schedule changes as directed by Weld Engineers; perform preventive maintenance on specialty equipment; conduct cap or electrode studies and weld validation; calibrate squeeze force on spot weld guns; troubleshoot drawn arc stud welding and basic programming; troubleshoot or set up projection welds; and use a Miyachi Weld Tester.
- Obtain industrial truck and aerial platform licenses.
Benefits
- Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) shares awarded annually as an additional retirement benefit.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
Education Level
High school or GED
