Automation Technician

Job Description

Job Description

Job Title: Controls & Automation Technician

Job Description

The Controls & Automation Technician builds, programs, and supports automated production equipment, including PLCs, HMIs, and robotics, while ensuring safe, reliable, and efficient operations across molding, furnace/feedstock/facilities, and secondary operations. This role combines hands-on fabrication, advanced troubleshooting, preventive maintenance, and close collaboration with engineering and maintenance teams to optimize automated systems and resolve production issues related to quality, machine performance, and cycle times.

Responsibilities

• Perform new equipment builds and support outside vendors with the design and qualification of new controls and automation systems, including light fabrication, software installation, wiring, and PLC, ladder logic, HMI, and robot programming.
• Troubleshoot and repair automated equipment to maintain production capability by adjusting settings, replacing and configuring failed sensors, and diagnosing issues in hydraulic, electrical, and control systems.
• Collaborate with process engineering to develop automation parts lists for new machinery and processes, and document all changes to new and existing equipment, including wiring diagrams, P&IDs, and electrical and instrumentation spare parts lists.
• Support the maintenance of automated systems and perform assigned maintenance activities, acting as the sole owner of electrical systems under 500V AC and DC within assigned departments.
• Conduct predictive electrical maintenance, such as thermal imaging and wire meggering, to identify potential problems, assist in scheduling preventive maintenance based on thermal scan results, and perform all assigned electrical PMs.
• Work with process engineering to optimize automated process machine operations for improved reliability, throughput, and quality.
• Review, establish, and adjust automation safety requirements for all automated machines and processes to ensure equipment and user safety, including compliance with lockout/tagout/tryout and machine safety systems.
• Collaborate with outside electrical contractors to support new circuit and equipment electrical installations and to troubleshoot existing electrical systems.
• Perform additional duties as required, such as ordering supplies and supporting continuous improvement initiatives within the automation and controls area.

Essential Skills

• At least 5 years of professional experience or equivalent technical training in troubleshooting PLCs and automated systems.
• Strong proficiency in PLC programming and computer controls, with preferred familiarity in Allen-Bradley, Click, Siemens S7-300, and/or Direct Automation PLCs.
• Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot and repair automated equipment, including hydraulic, electrical, and control systems.
• Experience working with 480V electrical systems and low-voltage control circuits.
• Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics, blueprints, and P&IDs.
• Hands-on experience with PLC troubleshooting, ladder logic, HMI interfaces, and robotics within an industrial environment.
• Ability to use a digital multimeter (DMM) and other electronic test and inspection equipment to troubleshoot machines and facility systems.
• Knowledge and practical experience with lockout/tagout/tryout (LOTOTO) procedures and machine safety systems.
• Strong troubleshooting skills in controls, automation, and electrical systems within a manufacturing setting.
• Eligibility to work in an ITAR-compliant facility, requiring proof of U.S. citizenship or permanent resident status.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience programming and supporting Allen-Bradley PLCs and related automation platforms.
• Exposure to Click, Siemens S7-300, and Direct Automation PLCs in production environments.
• Familiarity with robotics integration and programming in automated manufacturing systems.
• Experience creating and maintaining wiring diagrams, P&IDs, and electrical and instrumentation spare parts documentation.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with process engineering, maintenance, and external vendors or contractors.
• Strong attention to safety, including reviewing and improving automation safety requirements.
• Comfort working with both AC and DC systems under 500V.
• Experience in industrial manufacturing or metal processing environments is beneficial.
• Willingness to work various shifts as needed to support production and maintenance activities.

Why Work Here?

Employees enjoy a comprehensive benefits package that supports their health, financial security, and professional growth, including multiple medical plan options, generous health savings account contributions, and robust dental and vision coverage. The organization offers extensive protection benefits such as short- and long-term disability, group and dependent life insurance, whole life, AD&D, critical illness, accident insurance, and hospital indemnity coverage. Team members can take advantage of flexible spending accounts, pre-tax transit passes, and legal assistance services, as well as tuition reimbursement to support ongoing education and skill development. A competitive 401(k) plan with a generous employer match helps employees build long-term financial stability. Work-life balance is supported through a structured paid time off program that includes dedicated sick time, PTO, and designated holidays, with increased PTO accrual after five years of service to recognize and reward long-term commitment.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of WILSONVILLE, OR.

The pay range for this position is $30.00 - $38.00/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:
• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

This is a fully onsite position in WILSONVILLE,OR.

This position is anticipated to close on Jul 16, 2026.

Aerotek® Inc. provides staffing and services solutions in manufacturing, logistics, construction, aviation, facilities and maintenance. We provide the expertise, solutions and people required to rise to the challenges of North American industry. Headquartered in Hanover, Md., Aerotek operates a unified network of over 200 offices across North America, supporting more than 18,000 clients each year. Aerotek is an Allegis Group company, the global leader in workforce and business solutions. To learn more, visit: Aerotek.com | 1-888-AEROTEK.

Aerotek offers weekly pay, employee benefits including medical, dental & vision, life insurance, health advocacy and employee assistance programs, a 401(k) plan, and employee discounts.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regards to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance:
Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector:
It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI):
We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.

We know that finding work is hard, and finding meaningful work is harder. Aerotek connects 180,000+ light industrial and skilled trades workers with 14,000+ employers each year, helping our workers navigate an evolving labor market and find jobs that meet their goals, skills, and interests. Since 1983, we have provided a variety of career opportunities across North American industry – from short-term assignments at Fortune 500 companies where you can build your skills, to long-term opportunities where you can play a vital role in solving companies’ construction, manufacturing, and maintenance challenges. Our 1,500+ experienced recruiters across 250+ offices work relentlessly to put our workforce in a position to thrive. Let us rise to meet your challenges and put our people-are-everything spirit to the test as your career continues to grow.

Company Description

We know that finding work is hard, and finding meaningful work is harder. Aerotek connects 180,000+ light industrial and skilled trades workers with 14,000+ employers each year, helping our workers navigate an evolving labor market and find jobs that meet their goals, skills, and interests. Since 1983, we have provided a variety of career opportunities across North American industry – from short-term assignments at Fortune 500 companies where you can build your skills, to long-term opportunities where you can play a vital role in solving companies’ construction, manufacturing, and maintenance challenges. Our 1,500+ experienced recruiters across 250+ offices work relentlessly to put our workforce in a position to thrive. Let us rise to meet your challenges and put our people-are-everything spirit to the test as your career continues to grow.