Reliability and Automation Technician

About the job

As a Reliability and Automation Technician, you’ll be responsible for maximizing the uptime, efficiency, and longevity of automated systems, robotics, and industrial machinery. This role combines preventive maintenance with advanced troubleshooting of PLCs, sensors, and control systems to minimize downtime and enhance process reliability. The technician acts as a subject matter expert, analyzing failure modes and implementing improvements to prevent recurrence.

This is a fully onsite role at our facility located at 600 N. County Line Road, Elmhurst, IL.

Who We Are

McMaster-Carr is a leading e-commerce company that industrial customers have trusted for over 125 years. Our products help them get manufacturing lines back up quickly, keep operations running smoothly, and prototype the next generation of innovative solutions. Behind it all are our people: exceptional and resourceful problem-solvers who take pride in getting every detail right for our customers.

What You’ll Do

• Troubleshooting & Repair: Diagnose and repair complex faults in automated equipment (conveyors, robotics, PLC control panels, VFDs) through electrical, mechanical, and pneumatic pathways.
• Preventive & Predictive Maintenance: Perform routine inspections and predictive maintenance (thermography, vibration analysis) to proactively identify potential component failures.
• Root Cause Analysis (RCA): Lead or assist in RCA investigations for chronic equipment failures and implement corrective actions.
• Documentation & CMMS: Maintain detailed logs of repairs, maintenance activities, and parts usage in a Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS).
• Safety Compliance: Uphold all safety policies, including Lockout/Tagout (LOTO), robot safety standards, and machine guarding.

Who You Are

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Mechatronics, Automation, Electrical Engineering Technology, or related field is strongly preferred.
• Experience: 3–5+ years of hands-on experience maintaining industrial automation, PLC controls, or robotics.

Technical Skills:

• Proficiency with PLC troubleshooting (Siemens, Allen-Bradley, or similar).
• Strong knowledge of industrial sensors, motor controls, and actuators.
• Physical Ability: Able to work in an industrial environment, lift heavy components, and work at heights.
• Flexibility: This position supports a 24/7 distribution operation. Opportunities may be available across day, evening, overnight, and weekend shifts. Final shift assignments will be determined during the selection process.

Preferred Skills

• Experience in high-volume, automated logistics, distribution and/or manufacturing.

Key Competencies for Success

• Problem-Solving: Methodical approach to isolating faults under pressure.
• Collaboration: Working shoulder-to-shoulder with engineering, maintenance, and production teams.
• Proactive Mindset: Focus on reliability rather than just "break-fix" repair.

Cash Compensation

Total cash compensation ranges from $119,500 - $137,500 annually, which includes annual cash profit sharing based on company profitability.

Benefits

We offer comprehensive benefits to support employees and their dependents, such as:

• 100% tuition reimbursement
• Medical, dental, pharmacy, and vision plans with no monthly premiums
• Industry-leading company-funded retirement accounts
• Inclusive, all-gender benefits
• First-time home buyer assistance
• Paid parental leave for all new parents
• Adoption and surrogacy assistance
• Paid time off for vacation and personal time

Equal Opportunity Employer

We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and dedicated to providing employees a workplace with reasonable accommodations and free of discrimination, harassment, and retaliation. At McMaster-Carr, we do not make employment decisions based on age, ethnicity, citizenship status, military status, gender identity and expression, race, religion, disability status, marital status, sexual orientation, or any other legally protected group.

This position is not eligible for work authorization sponsorship by McMaster-Carr.

Data We Collect

We may collect professional, education and employment-related data, and any assessments made throughout the recruiting process, to evaluate candidacy for employment. To communicate with job applicants, we may collect applicant names, contact information, and other personal identifiers, including those outlined in the California customer records statute. Through voluntary disclosure, we may also collect protected classifications under federal or California law (e.g., race, gender, etc.). For additional details about the personal information we collect and its uses, please click here.