Automation Technician

Automation Technician

The Automation Technician is responsible for maintaining, troubleshooting, and optimizing control systems across the manufacturing plant. This role ensures the reliability and performance of PLCs, HMIs, instrumentation, and related automation equipment that support safe and efficient production. The Automation Technician provides sitewide support for automation systems, collaborates with cross-functional teams on system upgrades and modifications, and helps drive continuous improvement initiatives.

Your Contribution

Perform preventive maintenance, inspections, and repairs on plant automation and control systems, including PLCs, HMIs, VFDs, sensors, and instrumentation.

Troubleshoot and resolve automation and controls issues to minimize downtime and maintain process reliability.

Support installation, commissioning, and integration of new automation systems and equipment.

Collaborate with engineers, IT, and production teams on system upgrades, modifications, and process improvements.

Interpret and update electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, and technical documentation.

Maintain and administer PLC programs (e.g., Allen-Bradley, Siemens) and support process control software (SCADA, DCS, MES, SAP, LIMS).

Ensure compliance with electrical and safety standards, including NFPA 70E, LOTO procedures, and plant EHS requirements.

Document maintenance activities, updates, and changes to controls systems in accordance with site standards.

Provide technical guidance and support to operations and maintenance teams as needed.

Actively contribute to a culture of safety, quality, and continuous improvement across the site.

What You Bring

High School Diploma or GED

Minimum of 3–5 years of experience as a Controls or Automation Technician in a manufacturing or industrial environment.

Proficient in PLC programming and troubleshooting (Allen-Bradley and/or Siemens required).

Experience with SCADA, HMI, DCS, and related automation platforms.

Strong knowledge of electrical systems, control circuits, sensors, and instrumentation.

Ability to interpret electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, and technical manuals.

Familiarity with process control software and production systems (MES, SAP, LIMS).

Proficiency in MS Office and other relevant software tools.

Willingness to work flexible hours, provide on-call support, and travel if required.

Excellent problem-solving skills and attention to detail.

Strong communication and teamwork abilities.

Ability to work independently with minimal supervision while managing sitewide responsibilities.

Initiative to take ownership of tasks and make informed decisions within established process limits.

Open-minded, adaptable, and eager to learn new technologies.

Safety, quality, and environmental awareness.

Dependable, self-reflective, and receptive to feedback.

Must be willing and physically able to observe and walk in a smelter environment.

Must be willing and physically able to work in varying cold and heat situations.

Could have times that are prolonged periods of walking, standing, and bending.

Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.

Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds at times.

Ability to travel throughout the facility as required to conduct audits and make observations

Must wear all required PPE when in protected areas.

Required to reach and grasp with hands and reach with arms.

Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

Willing and physically able to travel domestically and/or internationally if requested.

Your Benefits

Competitive Retirement Savings – 401(k) plan with generous company match to help you plan for the future

Comprehensive Health Coverage – Medical, dental, and vision plans with company cost sharing to support you and your family, starting your first day of employment.

Income Protection – Company-paid disability insurance for added peace of mind

Generous Paid Time Off – Robust PTO package including vacation and 13 paid holidays.

Aurubis is an employer that stands for diversity and equal opportunity. Employment decisions are made independently of national or ethnic origin, religion and beliefs, gender and gender identity, sexual orientation, age, mental and physical disability, and social background or other legally protected characteristics of a person.