Junior Automation & Maintenance Procurement Technician

Edesia Nutrition•North Kingstown, RI

15d•Onsite

About The Position

Edesia is a non-profit social enterprise on a mission to end global malnutrition. We manufacture and distribute life-saving, ready-to-use therapeutic foods—such as Plumpy’Nut and Nutributter—to treat and prevent malnutrition among children and mothers in the world’s most vulnerable and hard-to-reach communities. Through strong partnerships with leading humanitarian organizations, NGOs, and Ministries of Health, we ensure our products reach those who need them most—even in the midst of the most complex and challenging humanitarian emergencies. We are looking for a highly motivated Junior Automation & Maintenance Procurement Technician to support equipment reliability and ensure operational continuity. This role combines two key responsibilities: managing purchase orders and supplier communication for spare parts and supporting the troubleshooting of automated systems and HMI platforms, including mixing systems and PLC-controlled equipment. This position is ideal for a candidate looking to grow in the field of industrial automation and gain hands-on experience in a manufacturing environment.

Requirements

Degree in Automation, Electrotechnical Engineering, Industrial Maintenance, or a related field (Associate’s degree, Bachelor’s degree, technical certification, or equivalent).
Foundational knowledge of industrial automation, including: PLCs (Siemens, Allen‑Bradley, Schneider, or similar) HMI/SCADA or operator interfaces Sensors, actuators, and motors
Ability to read and understand electrical and logic diagrams.
Strong computer skills: Excel, Word, Outlook, supplier portals, and ideally ERP experience (SAP is a plus).
Good analytical skills for troubleshooting equipment and automation issues.
Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
Ability to balance administrative and technical responsibilities.
Fast learner with initiative.
Effective communication with internal teams and external suppliers.
Strong sense of urgency and service.

Nice To Haves

Previous experience through internships, co‑ops, or early employment in automation or maintenance is a plus but not required.

Responsibilities

Identify spare parts needs in collaboration with the maintenance team.
Place purchase orders with approved suppliers following internal procedures.
Track deliveries, follow up on delays, and ensure proper administrative receiving.
Maintain and update spare parts databases (ERP / Excel / SharePoint).
Support optimization of stock levels together with the maintenance supervisor and storeroom personnel.
Search for alternative parts when needed (obsolete components, urgent replacements).
Diagnoses and resolve issues on automated systems: HMI platforms, PLCs, operator panels, instrumentation.
Intervene on key systems such as mixing equipment, automated lines, and machinery running PLC programs.
Perform minor program modifications under supervision (depending on skill level).
Collaborate with senior automation technicians and engineers on continuous improvement tasks.
Document all interventions in the maintenance management system.
Assist with updates of electrical and logic diagrams.