Lead Senior Automation Technician - Machine Vision

Role Summary We are seeking a Journeyman or Expert‑level Automation Technician with deep specialization in machine vision systems to serve as a technical authority for our automated manufacturing operations. This role is designed for a proven craft professional who independently maintains, programs, optimizes, and improves complex automation and vision inspection systems across production lines. The successful candidate will combine broad automation mastery (electrical, mechanical, controls, robotics, PLCs) with advanced hands‑on expertise in machine vision (camera systems, lighting strategies, optics, image processing, and validation). This role carries a high level of autonomy, responsibility, and influence, including mentoring apprentices and technicians, leading technical problem‑solving efforts, and partnering closely with engineering, production, quality, and IT teams to drive reliability, quality, and throughput. 2/2/3 schedule. $40 - $43 an hour. Key Responsibilities Automated Systems Maintenance & Troubleshooting Independently diagnose, repair, and optimize complex mechanical, electrical, and control system issues on automated production equipment, including robotics, PLCs, servo drives, sensors, actuators, and motion systems. Lead advanced troubleshooting, root‑cause analysis, and corrective actions for chronic or high‑impact equipment issues. Plan and execute preventive and predictive maintenance strategies to reduce downtime and extend equipment life. Machine Vision System Ownership Design, configure, program, and maintain machine vision inspection systems, including cameras, lenses, lighting, triggers, and image processing software. Select appropriate imaging hardware and lighting techniques based on product, defect types, and inspection requirements. Develop and execute calibration, validation, and change‑control procedures to ensure inspection accuracy, repeatability, and audit readiness. Serve as the primary technical owner for vision systems on assigned lines or areas. Controls & Programming Troubleshoot, modify, and develop PLC and HMI programs (e.g., Rockwell/Allen‑Bradley, Siemens) for automated manufacturing systems. Integrate vision systems with PLCs, robots, and higher‑level systems (MES, SCADA where applicable). Ensure robust error handling, diagnostics, and alarm strategies are implemented. Technical Leadership & Mentorship Act as a journeyman/expert craft resource and subject matter expert for automation and vision technologies. Train and mentor junior technicians, apprentices, and operators on system operation, troubleshooting, and best practices. Lead or play a key technical role in equipment installations, upgrades, retrofits, commissioning, and validation activities. Lead team members on assigned projects when appropriate and needed. Process Improvement & Reliability Identify opportunities to improve equipment uptime, inspection reliability, product quality, and cycle time. Partner with engineering and quality to implement sustainable process and equipment improvements. Cross‑Functional Collaboration Work closely with engineering, production, quality, maintenance, and IT to ensure automation and vision systems meet operational and business requirements. Support launches, product changes, and continuous improvement initiatives. Documentation & Safety Create, update, and maintain detailed technical documentation, including electrical schematics, vision recipes, calibration records, SOPs, and maintenance logs. Strictly adhere to safety policies, LOTO procedures, and safe work practices; actively promote a strong safety culture. Training & Knowledge Transfer Provide hands‑on training and coaching as needed to technicians, apprentices, operators, and support staff on automation and machine vision systems, including operation, troubleshooting, setup, calibration, and preventive maintenance. Collaborate with the training and/or learning & development team to support the creation and refinement of training materials, SOPs, and technical content by contributing subject‑matter expertise and practical input. Support on‑the‑job learning through demonstrations, shadowing, and guided problem‑solving during installations, startups, and issue resolution. Act as a technical resource and escalation point, helping others build capability while ensuring safe and correct system use. Promote knowledge sharing and best practices to improve overall team competency and system sustainability. Required Skills & Qualifications Education & Training Associate degree in relevant field. Technical diploma, or completed apprenticeship in electrical technology, industrial automation, mechatronics, or a related skilled trade in addition to 10+ years of relevant on the job experience may be considered in lieu of degree. Journeyman certification or equivalent demonstrated experience strongly preferred. Experience 8+ years of hands‑on experience maintaining and troubleshooting complex automated manufacturing equipment, with demonstrated progression to an advanced or lead technical level. Working knowledge of lean manufacturing, TPM, and continuous improvement programs. Automation & Electrical Expertise Expert knowledge of industrial electrical systems, PLCs, motor drives, sensors, actuators, and basic pneumatics/hydraulics. Proficiency using advanced diagnostic tools (multimeters, oscilloscopes, network tools). Strong understanding of industrial safety standards and best practices. Machine Vision Expertise Demonstrated hands‑on experience with industrial vision platforms (e.g., Cognex, Keyence, or similar). Strong working knowledge of camera types, lenses, lighting techniques, triggers, image processing, and inspection validation. Ability to independently design, tune, and sustain reliable vision inspection systems. Networking & System Integration Working knowledge of industrial networking protocols such as EtherNet/IP and PROFINET. Experience integrating automation and vision systems with HMIs, robots, and higher‑level systems (MES/SCADA exposure a plus). Soft Skills Strong analytical thinking and calm performance under pressure. Clear technical communication and documentation skills. Proven ability to mentor others and work effectively across disciplines. Strong work ethics, demonstrating tenured employment and successful advancement throughout previous work history. Leading by example. Excellent attendance record. Preferred Qualifications (Nice‑to‑Haves) Experience serving as a lead technician or technical owner for production lines or systems. Robotics integration and troubleshooting experience. Familiarity with regulated manufacturing environments (food, medical, pharmaceutical, electronics). Benefits An exciting, diverse and value based working environment. Award‑winning corporate university offering personal development and training opportunities. Competitive base salary and performance‑based bonus plan. Contribute to the communities where we reside. Innovative benefits plan which includes: 401k & Retirement Savings plan, vacation, medical, dental, vision, life, disability, pet insurance, wellness plan, and generous paid maternity/paternity leave. Location Nearest Major Market: Charlotte Nearest Secondary Market: Concord #J-18808-Ljbffr Aptar Italia S.P.A.