Maintenance Automation Technician

Job Description

Maintenance Automation Technician - Northern Illinois


Ready to power up your career? Join a world-class operation and North American leader in food and beverage co-manufacturing. This role supports advanced automation, robotics, and next-generation control systems that help keep production running at peak performance. The company offers a dynamic team environment, strong technical exposure, relocation assistance, a flexible rotating schedule, and competitive pay and benefits. The culture is focused on innovation, employee development, and operational excellence.


Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Program, set up, repair, and troubleshoot PLCs and automation controls related to machine operations on the production floor.
• Support control system repairs and validate proper function to help achieve production throughput.
• Maintain backup libraries for devices and controls systems.
• Document software and hardware changes, including electrical and process/instrumentation prints.
• Work with the network administrator to maintain the facility controls network hardware and software.
• Review plant metrics, KPIs, and equipment data with leadership to identify continuous improvement opportunities.
• Ensure equipment is maintained, guarded, and operated in accordance with safety regulations, GMPs, and food safety requirements.

Skills, Training, and Qualifications:

• Technical degree in a related field, AAM graduation, or equivalent hands-on experience.
• Strong experience with automation software, controls systems, and PLC programming and troubleshooting.
• Proficiency with Allen Bradley PLCs, VFDs, HMI development, and remote I/O such as Ethernet IP or Modbus.
• Experience with machine vision systems such as Cognex or Keyence.
• Ability to read process diagrams, mechanical drawings, and electrical schematics.
• Strong knowledge of control components and wiring up to 480 volts.
• Ability to troubleshoot automation systems and train operations or maintenance personnel on automated processes.
• Strong communication and team-building skills.
• Food processing or food manufacturing experience is a plus.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office products.

Schedule and Working Conditions:

• Flexible rotating schedule working approximately 14 days per month.
• 12-hour night shifts on a 2-2-every-other-weekend schedule.
• Indoor work environment.
• Standing and walking for up to 12 hours.
• Walking on wet or slippery floors as part of the plant environment.

Compensation and Benefits:

• Pay range: $32.00-$40.00 per hour , based on experience.
• Additional $2.00 PM shift differential .
• Benefits include medical, vision, dental, flex spending, basic life and accidental death and dismemberment, short-term disability, long-term disability, EAP, and 401(k).

If this Maintenance Automation Technician role sounds like a great opportunity for you, apply today! You can apply directly by emailing Alex Finstad at: View email address on click.appcast.io.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, age, color, sex (including pregnancy), religion, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, military status, genetic information, or any other status protected by applicable laws or regulations. GPAC (Growing People and Companies) is an award-winning search firm specializing in placing quality professionals within multiple industries across the United States since 1990. We are extremely competitive, client-focused and realize that our value is in our ability to deliver the right solutions at the right time.