Senior Principal Automation Technician

Swagelok Company • Valley City, ND

55d

About The Position

The Senior Principal Automation Technician is an advanced technical role focused on providing expert-level troubleshooting, system optimization, and system design across complex automation systems. This position is responsible for handling the most challenging technical issues and optimizing automation systems to improve performance, reliability, and efficiency. The Senior Principal Automation Technician will work closely with engineering teams to ensure seamless integration of automation solutions, provide mentorship and knowledge transfer to other technicians, and stay ahead of industry trends to apply new technologies to system improvements. This role involves mentoring a team of technicians, leading long-term automation projects, and providing expert-level troubleshooting and system optimization. Individuals will drive cross-functional collaboration to ensure operational excellence will also influence decision-making and strategic direction related to automation within the organization.

Requirements

• 2-year associate's degree in a related field (e.g., Mechanical Engineering Technology, Robotics, Mechatronics, Controls, or other automation fields); OR 2 additional years of relevant experience in lieu of a degree.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in automation and controls engineering.
• Advanced technical courses or on the job training in related field.
• Extensive experience leading automation projects, system integrations, and troubleshooting complex automation issues.
• Excellent user of moderately technical tools.
• Subject matter expert (SME) in areas of expertise.
• Demonstrates excellent communication, programming and troubleshooting skills.
• Strong computer and office software skills.
• Excellent written communication skills.

Nice To Haves

• Manufacturing, assembly, and/or warehouse experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Mentors a team of technicians, fostering an environment of growth, collaboration, and technical excellence.
• Designs, integrates, and optimizes complex automation systems to enhance operational efficiency and system reliability.
• Provides expert-level troubleshooting and support for complex automation systems, driving problem resolution and continuous improvement.
• Leads automation projects and installations, ensuring they meet specifications.
• Modifies, reverse engineers, and optimizes existing automation systems to improve functionality and performance.
• Provides leadership and guidance for long-term automation projects, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and operational needs.
• Enhances comprehensive documentation and report system performance regularly.
• Recommends and influences improvements for automated system solutions, including electrical, controls, robotic, pneumatic, and mechanical systems.
• Collaborates with engineering teams to optimize and improve automation systems (including PLCs, robots, and vision systems) for better efficiency, quality, and reliability.
• Influences decision-making and strategic planning regarding automation systems and technological innovations.
• Oversees the development of new automation systems, from conceptual design through to implementation and optimization.
• Ensures all automation systems and projects comply with safety, quality, and regulatory standards.
• Proactively identifies opportunities for continuous improvement and implements solutions to enhance system performance and reduce downtime.
• Applies engineering theory, practices, and principles to perform failure analysis to determine root cause of equipment failures and conduct machinery performance evaluations.
• Leads technical communication and quotations with 3rd party automation / integrator vendors.
• Collaborates cross-functionally with other groups such as Operations, IT, Sourcing, and other stakeholders as needed.
• Contributes to training and development activities to stay current with new automation technologies and industry best practices.

Benefits

• Swagelok provides a comprehensive package of valuable benefits called Total Rewards focused on health and wellness, compensation, retirement planning, and supplemental rewards.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: Associate degree
• Number of Employees: 51-100 employees