Automation Technician

Automation Technician

The Automation Technician configures, sets up, operates, and troubleshoots automated production equipment, with a focus on automated cable assembly. This role supports production goals by minimizing downtime, maintaining equipment performance, and ensuring that safety and quality standards are consistently met.

Responsibilities

• Set up and operate complex automated cable assembly production equipment to support daily production requirements.
• Configure, operate, and troubleshoot automated production equipment, including mechanical, electrical, and control system components.
• Monitor production processes and proactively identify issues to reduce downtime and maintenance costs.
• Collaborate closely with engineering, maintenance, and production teams to improve equipment reliability and process efficiency.
• Support equipment upgrades and the implementation of new automation technologies.
• Troubleshoot mechanical, electrical, and control system issues on automation equipment to restore optimal performance.
• Support scrap reduction, production rate improvement, and cost reduction initiatives through effective equipment and process optimization.
• Assist in developing and updating work instructions, preventive maintenance plans, and safety procedures related to automated equipment.
• Ensure compliance with company safety policies and quality standards in all automation activities.
• Maintain accurate documentation of equipment configurations, changes, and maintenance activities as required.

Essential Skills

• High school diploma or GED.
• Experience with automated or industrial equipment, with 2+ years of experience preferred.
• Hands-on experience with PLCs, including Allen-Bradley and Siemens, or similar platforms.
• Experience working with HMIs and industrial control systems.
• Strong mechanical skills for working with automated and industrial equipment.
• Strong electrical skills, including working with automated production equipment and control systems.
• Proven troubleshooting skills for mechanical, electrical, and control system issues.
• Ability to read and interpret mechanical and electrical blueprints.
• Experience working with automated production equipment, particularly in automated cable assembly environments.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Associate degree in a technical discipline such as Automation, Mechatronics, Industrial Maintenance, or a related field is preferred.
• Robotics experience is preferred and considered a strong asset.
• Knowledge of IPC 620 standards and wire processing practices is preferred.
• Familiarity with USCAR standards is preferred.
• Understanding of IATF-related quality requirements is preferred.
• Experience in controls engineering or mechatronics is beneficial.
• Experience supporting process improvements, including scrap reduction and rate improvement initiatives.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams, including engineering, maintenance, and production.

Work Environment

The Automation Technician works in a production environment that relies on complex automated cable assembly equipment and other automated production systems. The role involves frequent interaction with PLC-based control systems, including Allen-Bradley and Siemens platforms, as well as HMIs and related control hardware. Work is hands-on and equipment-focused, requiring regular troubleshooting of mechanical, electrical, and control system issues on the production floor. The environment emphasizes safety, adherence to documented work instructions, and compliance with quality standards such as IPC 620, USCAR, and IATF-related requirements. The technician collaborates closely with engineering, maintenance, and production teams to support continuous improvement, equipment upgrades, and the introduction of new automation technologies.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Akron, PA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $28.00 - $35.00/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)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Akron, PA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 3, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing winner for both client and talent service.

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

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email View email address on click.appcast.io for other accommodation options.

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.

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.

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.