Automation Technician (Day or Night Shift)

The Aagard Group•Alexandria, MN

About The Position

The Automation Technician assembles, tests, troubleshoots, and supports the installation and startup of purpose-built equipment. The role involves building mechanical and/or electrical components to specifications, verifying quality against prints and standards, and identifying performance or design issues during equipment testing. Technicians lead projects as the primary internal contact, communicate schedules and challenges, and travel domestically and internationally for machine installation, startup, and customer training. The position also supports team knowledge sharing and training.

Requirements

High school diploma; an Associate’s degree in a related field plus assembly experience is preferred, or an equivalent combination of education and/or experience.
Ability to read and properly use measuring instruments and small hand tools.
Basic shop math skills, including rounding, positive and negative numbers, and the metric system.
Knowledge of blueprint reading, hydraulics, pneumatics, electronics, and related terminology.
Ability to read CAD drawings and operate CAD software.
Experience or training with computers and ability to learn and use Aagard-specific software.
Ability to communicate professionally, verbally and in writing, with internal and external customers.
Strong prioritization, time management, organization, proactive decision-making, and attention to detail.
Willingness and ability to travel domestically and internationally up to 30% of the time, which may include any day of the week.
Must obtain and maintain a valid passport; the cost is reimbursed by Aagard.

Nice To Haves

Associate’s degree in a related field plus assembly experience.
Previous experience working in a manufacturing environment.

Responsibilities

Assemble mechanical and/or electrical components according to specifications.
Log issues and follow established corrective action workflows.
Maintain tools and work areas with a focus on safety and organization.
Check parts and assemblies against prints and standards to verify build quality.
Cycle equipment to identify performance or design issues during the build process.
Conduct machine testing and troubleshooting.
Drive progress toward Win-the-Week goals and deliver projects on time.
Build trust and maintain positive relationships within Aagard and with customers.
Lead projects as the primary internal contact, ensuring schedules are met and proactively communicating part delays or build challenges.
Travel for machine installation, startup, and customer training.
Support knowledge sharing and training of fellow team members.

Benefits

Preventive and major medical coverage for the employee and family, fully paid by Aagard.
Choice of health plans with company contributions through Traditional Individual Insurance.
Payment in lieu for employees insured elsewhere.
Company-paid dental, life, and disability insurance.
Reimbursements for gym memberships, nutrition counseling, mental health services, vision screenings, and more.
401(k) with a 50% company match on the first 10% of employee contributions.
Quarterly profit sharing.
Paid time off.
Nine paid holidays.
Paid bereavement leave.
Paid volunteer time off.
Mentorship and servant leadership programs.
Scholarships and tuition reimbursement.
On-staff chaplain support.
Matching of charitable contributions.
Team-building events and Lunch & Learns.
Fresh fruit, hot beverages, and local business discounts.
Double pay for all travel time.