AUTOMATION TECHNICIAN
Automation Technician Jobs with NT Staffing.
An Automation Technician is a skilled professional responsible for installing, maintaining, troubleshooting, and repairing automated systems and equipment. These systems are widely used in manufacturing, energy, logistics, pharmaceuticals, and more, controlling machinery, processes, and production lines. Automation Technicians play a key role in ensuring automated processes function smoothly and efficiently to maximize productivity and reduce human error.
Duties of an Automation Technician:
- Installation of Automation Systems:
- Install and configure automation equipment such as robots, PLCs (Programmable Logic Controllers), sensors, actuators, and other control devices.
- Ensure that automated systems are properly integrated with existing equipment and systems.
- Programming and Configuration:
- Develop and modify control programs for automated equipment, typically using PLC programming languages (e.g., Ladder Logic, Structured Text).
- Configure human-machine interfaces (HMIs) to provide user-friendly access to automated systems.
- Maintenance and Repair:
- Perform regular maintenance on automated systems to ensure optimal performance.
- Diagnose and repair issues related to electrical, mechanical, or software components in automation systems.
- Troubleshooting:
- Analyze and resolve faults in automated systems using diagnostic tools and specialized software.
- Collaborate with engineers to identify root causes of system failures and implement solutions.
- Calibration and Testing:
- Calibrate sensors, actuators, and other components to ensure accurate and reliable operation.
- Conduct performance tests on equipment to ensure proper functionality and compliance with industry standards.
- Upgrading Systems:
- Assist in upgrading and improving existing automated systems to increase efficiency, accuracy, and safety.
- Implement new technologies and software updates to keep systems up to date.
- Documentation:
- Maintain detailed records of all maintenance, repairs, and modifications.
- Create documentation, including wiring diagrams, operational manuals, and service reports for future reference.
- Compliance with Safety Standards:
- Adhere to safety protocols and industry standards (such as OSHA, ANSI, or NFPA) to ensure that automated systems are safe for operators and compliant with regulations.
- Conduct risk assessments to mitigate potential hazards associated with automation equipment.
Key Skills Required:
- Technical Proficiency:
- In-depth knowledge of automated systems, including PLCs, HMIs, SCADA systems (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition), and robotics.
- Expertise in reading and interpreting electrical schematics, P&ID (Piping and Instrumentation Diagrams), and blueprints.
- PLC Programming:
- Familiarity with PLC programming languages (e.g., Ladder Logic, Function Block Diagram, Structured Text) is essential for configuring and troubleshooting automation systems.
- Problem-Solving and Troubleshooting:
- Strong analytical skills to diagnose issues in complex automation systems.
- Ability to troubleshoot electrical, mechanical, and software components.
- Attention to Detail:
- Precision in calibrating equipment and making system adjustments to ensure optimal performance.
- Mechanical and Electrical Skills:
- Solid understanding of mechanical systems, pneumatics, hydraulics, and electrical circuits involved in automation processes.
- Communication Skills:
- Ability to work effectively with engineers, operators, and other team members to address system issues and propose improvements.
Qualifications:
- Education: Typically requires an associate degree or technical diploma in automation technology, electrical engineering, robotics, or a related field.
- Certifications: Industry certifications like Certified Automation Professional (CAP) from ISA (International Society of Automation) or specific training in PLC programming (e.g., Siemens, Allen-Bradley) can be valuable.
- Experience: Hands-on experience working with automation systems, either through internships, apprenticeships, or previous jobs in manufacturing, is highly desired.
Industries Where Automation Technicians Work:
- Manufacturing: Maintaining automated production lines, robotic systems, and CNC machines.
- Food and Beverage Processing: Ensuring the smooth operation of automated packaging and production systems.
- Energy and Utilities: Working with SCADA systems and automated control in power generation or oil and gas pipelines.
- Logistics and Warehousing: Managing automated storage, retrieval systems, and conveyor systems.
- Pharmaceuticals: Monitoring and maintaining automated processes used for drug manufacturing and packaging.
Work Environment:
- Automation Technicians may work in factories, manufacturing plants, laboratories, or industrial facilities.
- The job often involves a mix of working on-site in production areas and in control rooms or workshops, diagnosing and fixing automation systems.
- The role may require irregular hours, especially when dealing with system breakdowns or urgent repairs.
- Technicians must follow safety guidelines as they often work with high-voltage equipment and complex machinery.
Automation Technicians are essential for industries that rely on high-speed, high-precision processes, ensuring that automated systems operate efficiently and without interruption. Their blend of technical expertise in electrical, mechanical, and software systems makes them a crucial part of modern industrial operations.
NT Staffing fulfills Automation Technician jobs throughout the U.S.
