Automation Technician

Job Description

Job Description

Job Title: Automation Technician III

Job Description

• The Automation Technician III supports daily manufacturing operations by ensuring that complex automation equipment runs efficiently, reliably, and safely.
• This role works closely with automation, engineering, and manufacturing teams to troubleshoot and improve automated systems, implement design changes, and drive continuous improvement across high-speed precision manufacturing and inspection processes.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate daily with automation and manufacturing groups to maintain efficient and productive operation of automation equipment.
• Train, assist, and evaluate lower-level technicians to build technical capability within the team.
• Perform major repairs and complex troubleshooting of mechanical and electrical automation issues on production equipment.
• Communicate with project managers, customers, and vendors to clarify and support technical automation requirements.
• Provide input and constructive feedback on automation system designs to improve performance, reliability, and maintainability.
• Assist engineers and project managers in creating, executing, and documenting automation qualifications and validations.
• Make changes and revisions to basic automation designs and update all related documentation to reflect current configurations.
• Assemble cost estimates and quotations for typical automation projects, including refurbishments and repairs.
• Execute low- to mid-level project coordination tasks, ensuring timelines, resources, and technical requirements align.
• Identify and communicate technology training needs to stay current with automation equipment, software, and techniques.
• Write camera programs from start to finish for automation and mold applications, and assist in debugging and improving existing vision programs.
• Develop, modify, and optimize programs for 6-axis and SCARA automation robots, as well as complex top-entry and mold take-out robot systems.
• Use PLC knowledge to connect to automated equipment, diagnose issues, and implement improvements in performance and reliability.
• Create and modify preventive maintenance plans for automated cells to minimize downtime and extend equipment life.
• Support manufacturing engineering and process improvement initiatives, focusing on continuous improvement in quality, throughput, and efficiency.
• Apply best practices from medical device and high-precision manufacturing environments when working on automation and inspection systems.

Essential Skills

• Strong proficiency in PLC troubleshooting, including hands-on experience with Allen-Bradley and Siemens PLCs.
• Experience with CAD software for reviewing and supporting automation and mechanical designs.
• Experience with instrumentation implementation in automated systems.
• Expertise in manufacturing engineering and process improvement within a production environment.
• Demonstrated strength in continuous improvement within an engineering or manufacturing context.
• 7+ years of experience as a manufacturing technician working with high-speed precision manufacturing equipment and inspection systems.
• 5+ years of experience in automation, electrical, or mechanical engineering within a manufacturing setting.
• Ability to troubleshoot complex mechanical and electrical automation issues independently.
• Strong communication skills for working with engineers, project managers, customers, and vendors.
• Ability to write, modify, and debug programs for 6-axis and SCARA robots, as well as top-entry and mold take-out robots.
• Ability to write and optimize camera and vision system programs for automation and mold applications.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• A college degree (AAS or above) in an automation-related field such as Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a closely related discipline.
• Experience in medical device or similarly regulated, high-precision manufacturing environments.
• Background in manufacturing engineering and process optimization projects.
• Experience creating and maintaining preventive maintenance documentation for automated cells.
• Familiarity with continuous improvement methodologies applied to automation and production systems.
• Ability to estimate scope and cost for refurbishments, repairs, and small automation projects.
• Interest in expanding into broader engineering skill sets and advanced automation technologies.

Work Environment

• This position is based in a new, state-of-the-art manufacturing facility equipped with modern automation, robotics, vision systems, and high-speed precision manufacturing and inspection equipment.
• The environment encourages collaboration with engineering and manufacturing teams and offers strong opportunities for internal growth and development into advanced automation and engineering skill sets.

This is a Permanent position based out of Auburn, NY.

The pay range for this position is $83000.00 - $95000.00/yr.

401(k) 401(k) matching Dental insurance Employee assistance program Employee discount Flexible spending account Health insurance Health savings account Life insurance Paid time off Vision insurance

This is a fully onsite position in Auburn,NY.

This position is anticipated to close on Jun 4, 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 30,000 consultants and more than 4,500 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500.

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 ziprecruiter.com for other accommodation options.

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.