Automation Technician

Automation Maintenance Technician

Job Description

This role provides maintenance and technical support for automated and semi-automated manufacturing solutions in a high-volume poultry production facility. You will troubleshoot and repair complex electrical and mechanical systems, support PLC and HMI/SCADA platforms, perform preventive maintenance, and train technicians and operators on equipment and processes to ensure safe, reliable, and efficient production.

Responsibilities

• Troubleshoot control issues using PLC programming software such as Studio 5000 and other PLC platforms, diagnosing faults and implementing effective corrections.

• Use a wide range of hand and power tools to diagnose, adjust, maintain, and repair electrical, mechanical, hydraulic, and pneumatic equipment.

• Troubleshoot and modify HMI and SCADA systems, ensuring screens, objects, and pop-ups function correctly and support production needs.

• Diagnose and resolve network communication issues related to automation and control systems.

• Apply basic networking knowledge and terminology to support Ethernet-based industrial networks and connected equipment.

• Repair and maintain electrical controls on processing equipment and facility systems to minimize downtime.

• Proficiently use a multimeter to troubleshoot analog devices and electrical circuits safely and accurately.

• Identify risk areas likely to cause equipment breakdowns and participate in projects focused on improving equipment reliability, process improvements, lean manufacturing initiatives, and root cause analysis (RCA).

• Download and restore PLC programs in the event of program loss or PLC replacement, ensuring systems return to proper operation.

• Maintain software, documentation, and equipment to the latest revisions and operational specifications, including backups and version control.

• Train technicians and operators on products, processes, and equipment to build capability and ensure safe, consistent operation.

• Organize and maintain documentation such as specifications, schematics, and procedures for easy access and accurate reference.

• Follow all company safety policies and procedures to ensure a safe working environment, including safe practices around high-voltage equipment and moving machinery.

Essential Skills

• Basic knowledge and safety understanding of electrical components, including safe work practices around energized equipment.

• Knowledge of mechanical and electrical equipment and systems, including automated industrial equipment such as conveyors, packaging systems, robotic cells, and assembly equipment.

• Knowledge of PLCs and PLC programming, including the ability to troubleshoot existing code, add to and modify existing programs, use and understand Add-On Instructions (AOIs), and develop programs from scratch when needed.

• Understanding and practical experience with HMI and SCADA software, with preference for FactoryTalk View Studio ME or Ignition, and the ability to create new screens and objects, modify existing screens and objects, and work with pop-ups.

• Knowledge of Ethernet communication, including basic understanding of Ethernet concepts, IP addressing schemes, subnets, VLANs, and routers; familiarity with EtherNet/IP and other industrial protocols is beneficial.

• Knowledge of automated manufacturing principles and techniques in a high-volume production environment.

• Ability to work safely around 480V equipment, adhering to appropriate safety procedures and standards.

• Skill in troubleshooting and replacing variable frequency drives (VFDs), including modifying parameters for different applications and performing backup and restore operations.

• Skill in reading, analyzing, and clearly conveying electrical schematics to support troubleshooting and maintenance activities.

• Experience with PLC troubleshooting and automation systems, including practical use of PLC programming tools such as Studio 5000.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Degree in mechatronics or a similar technical field of study plus 2 years of experience in a manufacturing environment is recommended but not required.

• Relevant hands-on experience in lieu of formal education will be considered.

• Relevant technical certifications from providers such as Rockwell, Fanuc, or Inductive Automation are beneficial.

• Experience with multiple PLC platforms beyond Studio 5000 is advantageous.

• Experience with multiple brands of VFDs and familiarity with their configuration and parameterization is beneficial.

• Exposure to lean manufacturing practices and participation in root cause analysis (RCA) or continuous improvement projects is a plus.

Why Work Here?

You will join a clean, well-maintained facility that invests in both people and technology. The organization offers strong benefits, a planned raise schedule that rewards performance and tenure, and access to classes that help you expand your technical skills and advance your career. Additional perks, such as a Costco membership, reflect a commitment to supporting employees’ lives inside and outside of work, fostering a stable, growth-oriented environment.

Work Environment

• This role is based in a high-volume poultry processing facility that operates with a strong focus on cleanliness and organization. The environment involves automated and semi-automated production lines with conveyors, packaging equipment, robotic cells, and other industrial machinery.

• The facility is very clean but includes varying temperatures and a distinct poultry processing smell.

• Maintenance team members typically work on 1st or 2nd shift within a 6:00am to 6:30pm or 6:00 pm to 6:30 am schedule, following a 2 days on, 2 days off, 3 days on, 3 days off rotation.

Job Type & Location

This is a Permanent position based out of Fremont, NE.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $68640.00 - $68640.00/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.

• 401(k) • 401(k) matching • Dental insurance • Disability insurance • Employee assistance program • Flexible spending account • Health insurance • Life insurance • Paid time off • Parental leave • Vision insurance

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Fremont,NE.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 10, 2026.

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.