Automation Technician Lead

Kenco • Joliet, IL

43d • $36 - $53

About The Position

An Automation Technician Lead plays a crucial role in maintaining and optimizing automated systems to ensure peak operational performance. This position is responsible for leading/coaching a team of technicians to fulfill individual daily tasks in addition to the Lead’s own tasks including, but not limited to, troubleshooting complex automation issues, performing maintenance, diagnostics, repairs and preventative maintenance, and implementing continuous improvement projects. This role involves working closely with operations and maintenance teams to ensure the Automated Storage and Retrieval Systems (ASRS) and related equipment perform reliably and efficiently while minimizing downtime and ensuring compliance with safety standards in support of operational goals at Kenco Fleet Services.

Requirements

• High school diploma, G.E.D., or tech school graduate required; in-field associate’s degree preferred.
• 5 - 7 years’ experience in automation technology within a manufacturing or distribution environment.
• Preferably prior experience with repair and maintenance, automated systems, and conveyors, or similar equipment.
• 2 - 3 years’ experience in maintaining and troubleshooting automated systems, preferably with specific expertise in ASRS.
• Proficient in troubleshooting PLCs and robotics.
• Ability to troubleshoot mechanical and electrical problems on multiple types of equipment and systems.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to work under pressure to quickly diagnose and resolve issues.
• Effective communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to convey technical information to non-technical team members.
• Commitment to safety and quality standards.
• Self-motivated, self-directed, highly responsible, and able to work both independently and as part of a team.
• Must be able to frequently lift/carry/push/pull up to 50 lbs.
• Must be able to safely operate lift trucks, scissor lifts and boom lifts.

Nice To Haves

• Preferably prior experience with repair and maintenance, automated systems, and conveyors, or similar equipment.
• High school diploma, G.E.D., or tech school graduate required; in-field associate’s degree preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead a team to perform regular maintenance, diagnostics, and repairs on ASRS and related automation equipment, ensuring minimal downtime with OSHA and operational standards.
• Lead a team to, and/or individually, troubleshoot mechanical and electrical issues within the ASRS, employing problem-solving skills to quickly resolve disruptions.
• Collaborate with the operations team to optimize ASRS system performance, including adjustments to improve efficiency, reliability, and throughput.
• Lead the installation and commissioning of new ASRS components or systems, working alongside technicians and external vendors as required.
• Lead team to maintain parts inventory and repair records for all equipment by completing accurate paperwork.
• Oversee the development and management of preventative maintenance documentation on system configurations, maintenance procedures, and troubleshooting guides; monitor maintenance checklists to ensure efficient equipment operation.
• Prepare and present reports on automation system performance, maintenance activities, and improvement projects.
• Ensure compliance with safety standards and protocols while performing maintenance or repair tasks.
• Use repair manuals, parts manuals, parts diagrams to troubleshoot all automated systems to include all conveyor systems.
• Communicate any abuse damages to onsite personnel with a detailed description of problem.
• Responsible for general cleanliness of service area always.
• Train operations staff on basic troubleshooting and preventive maintenance tasks to enhance system knowledge across the team.

Benefits

• Medical insurance including HSA, HRA and FSA accounts
• Supplemental insurance including critical illness, hospital indemnity, accidental injury
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Basic Life and Supplemental Life
• Short Term and Long Term Disability
• Paid Parental Leave
• 401(k)
• Paid Time Off approximately 2 weeks (accrual begins on Day 1 of employment)
• Employer Paid Holidays- 10 days

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: High school or GED