Job Title: Automation Maintenance Technician
Job Description
The Automation Maintenance Technician will perform advanced electrical maintenance on a wide range of CNC and automated equipment in a modern manufacturing environment. This role focuses on independently diagnosing, troubleshooting, and repairing CNC machines and related automation systems, including mills, lathes, machining centers, robotics, and material handling equipment. The technician will work with multiple OEM brands and control platforms, connect to machines via laptop to resolve issues, and support production by prioritizing repairs based on equipment value streams.
Responsibilities
Diagnose, troubleshoot, and repair CNC machines, including CNC mills, CNC lathes, CNC machining centers, and other CNC machine tools.
Perform electrical maintenance and repair on automation machine tools and robotics, including ABB robots and other robotic systems.
Work with and maintain equipment such as P&H cranes and hoists, conveyors, furnaces, large part washers, and associated industrial machinery.
Troubleshoot and repair CNC and PLC-based equipment using controllers from brands such as Fanuc, Siemens, Modicon, Allen-Bradley, Rockwell, and similar platforms.
Connect a laptop to machines to go online with PLCs and control systems for diagnostics, troubleshooting, and program edits.
Troubleshoot and repair AC and DC analog and digital drives, including identifying and resolving drive faults.
Diagnose and repair issues with sensors, cables, wiring, encoders, Glass Scale Linear Encoders, and 480V electrical systems.
Use HMI interfaces to perform electrical troubleshooting and alter programs as needed to support machine operation and recovery.
Interpret and work from electrical schematics, blueprints, ladder logic, and control diagrams to identify and resolve problems.
Troubleshoot PLC controls by going online and editing ladder logic to correct faults and improve system performance.
Perform electrical machine repair on industrial equipment to minimize downtime and support continuous production.
Utilize a Maintenance Management System (MMS) to receive and manage work orders for maintenance tasks.
Accurately log all maintenance activities, repairs, and parts used in the MMS using a company-provided computer or tablet.
Prioritize machinery repairs based on the value stream and criticality of the equipment to production.
Collaborate with other maintenance technicians, production personnel, and engineering to resolve complex equipment issues.
Follow all safety procedures and electrical safety practices while working on high-voltage and industrial equipment.
Support training and knowledge sharing within the maintenance team by documenting solutions and best practices.
Assist with continuous improvement initiatives related to equipment reliability and maintenance processes as needed.
Essential Skills
Proven ability to electrically diagnose, troubleshoot, and repair CNC equipment independently.
Hands-on experience troubleshooting CNC machines such as CNC mills, lathes, machining centers, and related automation equipment.
Strong electrical maintenance background, including electrical machine repair in an industrial environment.
Ability to troubleshoot through various types of controls, including CNC and PLC-based systems.
Experience troubleshooting PLC controls by going online and editing ladder logic.
Proficiency reading and interpreting electrical schematics, blueprints, and ladder logic diagrams.
Demonstrated skill in electrical wiring, relay logic, and control systems troubleshooting.
Experience using HMI interfaces to perform electrical troubleshooting and alter programs.
Controls experience with platforms such as Allen-Bradley, Siemens, Rockwell, and Fanuc.
AC and DC power troubleshooting experience, including analog and digital drives.
Knowledge of Glass Scale Linear Encoders and other encoder systems used in industrial equipment.
Experience with industrial robotics and PLC-based robotic controls.
Familiarity with Siemens PLCs and Rockwell/Allen-Bradley PLC control systems.
Ability to use a laptop and related software tools to connect to machines and perform diagnostics.
Comfort working with 480V electrical systems and industrial power distribution.
Strong troubleshooting skills across electrical, controls, and automation systems.
Ability to document work performed clearly and accurately in a computerized maintenance system.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
Certified Electrician credential is highly preferred.
Associate Degree in Industrial Automation or a related technical field is strongly preferred.
Experience working with multiple OEM machine brands in a manufacturing or machine shop environment.
background in industrial automation, controls systems, and HMI programming or configuration.
Experience with robotics, PLC robotics, and integrated automation systems in production environments.
Familiarity with MMS or CMMS systems for managing and tracking maintenance work orders.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a focus on root-cause analysis.
Ability to work independently with minimal supervision and make sound technical decisions under time pressure.
Willingness to work off-shifts (2nd, 3rd, or weekend AWS) and adjust to training schedules as needed.
Effective communication skills to collaborate with cross-functional teams and provide clear status updates on equipment issues.
Why Work Here?
Join a large, well-established employer that offers the stability of a major operation combined with opportunities for growth and development. You will benefit from travel opportunities with per diem for qualifying assignments and pay rates that are positioned above market for this specialized skill set. This role provides a streamlined path into a highly regarded organization without the lengthy onboarding process typically required for direct hires, and there is potential for a substantial sign-on bonus if converted to full-time employment. You will work in a professional, well-organized environment that values technical expertise, supports ongoing learning, and rewards high-performing technicians.
Work Environment
Work in a clean, climate-controlled manufacturing facility with a machine shop production environment. The operation features a wide variety of CNC machines, robotics, cranes, conveyors, furnaces, and industrial automation equipment, providing exposure to diverse technologies and control platforms. The role is off-shift, with openings on 2nd shift (3:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m.), 3rd shift (11:30 p.m. to 7:30 a.m.), and an AWS weekend schedule consisting of 12-hour shifts on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, with the option to pick up an additional day during the week to reach 40 hours. During the first 2-4 weeks, you can expect a standard 40-hour workweek on day shift for training before transitioning to your assigned off-shift schedule. The environment emphasizes safety, organization, and reliability, and you will use company-provided computers or tablets and a Maintenance Management System to manage work orders and documentation.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract position based out of Detroit, MI.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $42.00 - $45.00/hr.
Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:
Medical, dental & vision
Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
401(k) Retirement Plan - Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
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