Automation Technician (1st, 2nd or 3rd shift)

Automation Technician (1st, 2nd, or 3rd Shift) - Kansas City Company Overview Our client is a leading plastics manufacturer serving the automotive industry for over 40 years, offering advanced solutions in injection molding, TPO/TPE materials, extrusion, and engineered composites. Position Summary The Automation Technician is responsible for installing, troubleshooting, repairing, and improving automated systems in a plastic injection molding environment. This role ensures maximum production uptime by supporting robotics, PLC-controlled equipment, and auxiliary automation while meeting safety, quality, and IATF 16949 standards. Key Responsibilities Troubleshoot and repair: Robotics (Fanuc, Wittman, Sepro, Viper) End-of-arm tooling (EOAT) Conveyors and part handling systems Diagnose PLCs, HMIs, sensors, and drives Perform preventative and predictive maintenance Assist with PLC programming (Allen-Bradley, Siemens) Support robot programming and cycle time improvements Read electrical schematics and ladder logic Drive continuous improvement (scrap reduction, uptime) Conduct root cause analysis (RCA) and corrective actions Respond quickly to downtime events Support mold changes and automation setups Collaborate with production, quality, and engineering teams Ensure OSHA and plant safety compliance Support IATF 16949 quality systems Basic Qualifications Associate's degree or technical certification (preferred) 2-5+ years automation experience (automotive preferred) Injection molding experience strongly preferred Knowledge of: PLC systems (Allen-Bradley, Siemens) Robotics systems Electrical systems (24V, 120V, 480V) Sensors, vision systems, servo drives Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills Effective communication skills Physical Requirements Stand, walk, bend, kneel, climb ladders Lift up to 50 lbs Work in industrial manufacturing environment Working Conditions Industrial environment with temperature variation Exposure to noise, heat, and moving equipment Injection molding and automation cells Overtime and weekend work as needed Compensation & Benefits Medical, Dental, Vision 401(k) with match Paid holidays & vacation Advancement opportunities Key Differences Between Shifts 1 ⃣ Primary Difference: Work Schedule The ONLY real difference across all three descriptions is the shift designation : 1st Shift Day shift (typically ~6am-2pm or similar) 2nd Shift Afternoon/evening (~2pm-10pm) 3rd Shift Overnight (~10pm-6am) The job duties, qualifications, and responsibilities are identical across all three roles. 2 ⃣ Operational Expectations by Shift (Implied, Not Explicitly Stated) 1st Shift (Days) More interaction with: Engineering Management Continuous improvement teams More involvement in: Projects Process improvements Meetings 2nd Shift (Afternoons) Transition shift between day and night Balanced mix of: Troubleshooting Some project carryover Less management presence than 1st shift 3rd Shift (Nights) Heavy focus on: Troubleshooting Keeping production running Typically: Minimal engineering support onsite More independent work Higher urgency response to downtime 3 ⃣ Work Environment Reality Even though all descriptions state the same: "Work off-shift, weekends, and overtime as needed" In reality: 2nd & 3rd shifts are more likely to: Handle emergency breakdowns Work with reduced support staff Operate more autonomously