Automation Maintenance Technician

Job Title: Automation Maintenance Technician

Job Description

The Automation Maintenance Technician supports a highly automated manufacturing facility by performing preventive, predictive, and corrective maintenance on high-volume production equipment. This role focuses on ensuring maximum equipment uptime, troubleshooting complex electrical and mechanical issues, and supporting continuous improvement through equipment modifications and new installations in an advanced automotive and electric vehicle battery manufacturing environment.

Responsibilities

• Perform preventive, predictive, and routine maintenance on high-volume automated manufacturing production equipment to minimize downtime and extend equipment life.
• Troubleshoot, maintain, repair, and modify automotive manufacturing and test equipment, including electrical, mechanical, pneumatic, and hydraulic systems.
• Diagnose and resolve issues with automation and PLC-controlled equipment, using schematics, blueprints, and ladder logic to identify root causes.
• Document all maintenance activities and repairs thoroughly in the computerized maintenance management system (CMMS), ensuring accurate and up-to-date records.
• Assist the maintenance team with major projects such as machine overhauls, rebuilds, and large-scale repairs.
• Support new equipment installations by helping with setup, alignment, wiring, and integration into existing automated systems.
• Oversee and implement equipment modifications to support process changes, new product models, and production line expansions.
• Troubleshoot and maintain electrical systems ranging from low voltage to 480V and 380V, including power distribution, control circuits, and safety circuits.
• Perform hands-on troubleshooting and replacement of variable frequency drives (VFDs), sensors, motors, and related automation components.
• Maintain and troubleshoot 6-axis ABB robots and other automated robotics systems to ensure consistent and reliable operation.
• Read and interpret electrical, mechanical, pneumatic, fluid, and ladder logic schematics to guide maintenance and repair activities.
• Inspect, maintain, and repair conveyors and associated mechanical systems to ensure smooth material flow.
• Support and troubleshoot pneumatic and hydraulic systems, including valves, cylinders, actuators, and associated controls.
• Collaborate with production, engineering, and quality teams to resolve equipment issues that impact safety, quality, and productivity.
• Participate in continuous improvement initiatives related to equipment reliability, maintainability, and safety.
• Adhere to all safety procedures, including safe work practices when working with live current, and follow applicable standards and plant policies.
• Complete and pass a hands-on electrical troubleshooting proficiency test involving live current as part of qualification for the role.

Essential Skills

• 24 years of experience working with automation and PLC controls in an industrial or manufacturing environment.
• Proficiency in troubleshooting and maintaining PLC-based control systems, with experience interfacing with various PLC programming languages.
• Experience with Siemens PLCs, including reading and interpreting ladder logic for troubleshooting purposes.
• Understanding of human-machine interfaces (HMI) and the ability to use HMI screens for diagnostics and fault finding.
• Hands-on experience working with electrical systems from 24V up to 480V and 380V, including both power and control circuits.
• Proven ability to troubleshoot and service variable frequency drives (VFDs), sensors, and other automation components.
• Experience maintaining and troubleshooting automated robotics systems, including 6-axis ABB robots.
• Strong mechanical aptitude with experience working on conveyors, motors, pneumatics, hydraulics, and related mechanical assemblies.
• Ability to read and interpret technical schematics and drawings, including ladder logic, electrical, mechanical, pneumatic, and fluid diagrams.
• in industrial maintenance, including electrical maintenance, preventive maintenance, and troubleshooting of complex automated equipment.
• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• Successful completion of a hands-on electrical troubleshooting proficiency test involving live current.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Associate degree in industrial maintenance technology, mechatronics, or a related technical discipline is preferred.
• Experience with IATF 16949, VDA 6.3, and ISO 14001 standards is a plus.
• Experience maintaining and modifying electrical systems in an industrial environment.
• Experience troubleshooting complex electrical systems spanning 24V to 480V.
• Experience maintaining and troubleshooting pneumatic systems, including valves, actuators, and controls.
• Exposure to HVAC systems in an industrial setting.
• Basic welding and fabrication skills for equipment repair and modification.
• Experience with installation and commissioning of automated equipment and PLC-controlled systems.
• Ability to use and interpret blueprints, schematics, and technical documentation accurately.
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to work independently as well as in a team environment.

Why Work Here?

This opportunity offers the chance to work at the forefront of the growing electric vehicle battery manufacturing sector in a clean, safe, and highly automated facility. Team members benefit from a comprehensive benefits package that includes a bonus program and tuition reimbursement, supporting both financial well-being and ongoing professional development. The organization emphasizes a modern, technology-driven work environment with a focus on safety, stability, and long-term career growth.

Work Environment

The role is based in a primarily automated manufacturing plant with concrete floors, moderate noise levels, and regular forklift traffic. The facility is clean, safe, highly automated, and temperature-controlled, providing a comfortable and controlled production environment. The position operates on second shift (3:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.) with a planned third shift (11:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m.) expected in the future, Monday through Friday. Weekend work and overtime may be required, particularly to support preventive maintenance activities and critical repairs. Technicians work closely with advanced automation, robotics, PLC-controlled systems, and high-voltage electrical equipment, following established safety procedures and plant guidelines.

This is a Permanent position based out of Blythewood, SC.

The pay range for this position is $62400.00 - $83200.00/yr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance HSA and Flexible Spending Accounts 401K with company match Paid Vacation and 14 Paid Holidays Company-paid short-term and long-term disability coverage Tuition reimbursement

This is a Permanent position based out of Blythewood, SC.

This position is anticipated to close on Nov 6, 2026.

This is a fully onsite position in Blythewood,SC.

About Aerotek

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.