Description

Equipment & Automation Engineering Technician

The Equipment & Automation Engineering Technician provides hands-on technical support for automated manufacturing equipment and systems within a low-volume automotive manufacturing environment. This role is responsible for troubleshooting, repairing, maintaining, programming, and optimizing robotics, PLCs, and other automated production equipment to support safe, reliable, and efficient manufacturing operations.

The technician will diagnose and resolve complex equipment issues, perform PLCand robot program modifications, support equipment installations and modifications, and work closely with Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, Maintenance, vendors, contractors, and other technical teams.

This position requires a strong combination of electrical, mechanical, controls, robotics, and automation skills, with the ability to work independently in a fast-paced production environment.

Responsibilities (include, but are not limited to):

• Troubleshoot, diagnose, repair, and maintain automated manufacturing equipment, robotics, PLCs, and associated control systems to minimize equipment downtime and support production requirements.
• Program, modify, debug, and optimize robots and PLC-controlled equipment, including end-of-arm tooling, tool exchangers, fluid dispensing systems, hemming equipment, MIG welding systems, vision systems, AGVs, AGCs, and other automated manufacturing equipment.
• Troubleshoot electrical, mechanical, pneumatic, hydraulic, controls, robotics, and automation-related equipment issues and identify appropriate corrective actions.
• Modify and validate PLC programs, robot programs, equipment parameters, and control settings within established system requirements and engineering standards.
• Support the installation, calibration, commissioning, operation, troubleshooting, and maintenance of new and existing automated manufacturing equipment.
• Provide technical input and hands-on support for equipment installations, modifications, upgrades, and continuous improvement projects.
• Work collaboratively with Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, Maintenance, Finance, contractors, and vendors to support equipment installation, modification, troubleshooting, and improvement activities.
• Assist with equipment integration and troubleshooting involving peripherals and systems such as welders, controllers, sensors, vision systems, VFDs, servos, tooling, and other automated equipment.
• Support the identification and implementation of equipment improvements intended to increase equipment reliability, safety, quality, throughput, and overall equipment effectiveness.
• Establish and maintain equipment operating parameters, program backups, control-system documentation, and equipment records.
• Maintain appropriate backups of PLC programs, robot programs, equipment parameters, and other control-system configurations.
• Prepare equipment operational, troubleshooting, and maintenance reports as required.
• Monitor equipment performance and assist in establishing baseline performance and capability for automated systems.
• Identify recurring equipment issues and recommend corrective actions to improve equipment reliability and reduce downtime.
• Provide technical guidance, knowledge transfer, and hands-on support to Maintenance Technicians and other technical personnel.
• Assist with equipment failure investigations, root-cause analysis, and implementation of corrective and preventive actions.
• Support equipment FMEA activities and provide technical information related to equipment failure modes, controls, and corrective actions.
• Follow established safety procedures and applicable requirements when working with electrical systems, robotics, automated equipment, and high-energy manufacturing systems.
• Maintain compliance with applicable quality and environmental management system requirements.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

Required Qualifications

• Associate degree or technical degree/certification in Mechanical, Electrical, Robotics, Automation, Mechatronics, Industrial Technology, or a related field; OR completion of a recognized technical apprenticeship or journeyman program (e.g., electrician, tool and die, machine repair); OR equivalent combination of education, technical training, and hands-on experience.
• Minimum 5 years of manufacturing, industrial maintenance, controls, robotics, or automation experience, preferably within an automotive manufacturing environment.
• Minimum 2-4 years of advanced robot programming and troubleshooting experience, preferably with Fanuc, ABB, or Dürr systems.
• Minimum 2-4 years of advanced PLC programming, troubleshooting, and modification experience, preferably with Allen-Bradley, Siemens, or Omron platforms.
• Strong electrical and mechanical troubleshooting skills, with the ability to diagnose complex automated equipment failures.
• Experience troubleshooting and supporting integrated automation systems, including robotics, PLCs, sensors, vision systems, VFDs, servos, tooling, and other automated equipment.
• Experience working with automated manufacturing equipment in a production environment.
• Paint Shop experience strongly preferred.
• Working knowledge of Lean Manufacturing concepts, including autonomation, poka-yoke, man/machine interface, cycle time, takt time, and continuous improvement.
• Proficient computer skills, including Microsoft Office and the ability to work with equipment software, controls documentation, and technical records.
• Familiarity with Quality Management Systems, including ISO 9001:2015.
• Familiarity with Environmental Management Systems, including ISO 14001:2015.
• Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics, mechanical drawings, equipment manuals, PLC logic, robot programs, and technical documentation.
• Strong analytical, troubleshooting, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently while effectively collaborating with Engineering, Manufacturing, Maintenance, Quality, vendors, and contractors.

Preferred Qualifications

• Automotive OEM or automotive manufacturing experience.
• Strong PLC programming and troubleshooting experience (AB, Siemens, Omron preferred).
• Experience with paint shop automation and robotic paint systems.
• Experience with AGV/AGC systems and automated material handling.
• Experience with robotic welding, hemming, fluid dispensing, or automated assembly systems.
• Experience with industrial vision systems.
• Experience with equipment commissioning and startup.
• Experience performing root-cause analysis and implementing equipment reliability improvements.

Physical Requirements:

Note: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee should have the:

• Ability to frequently use or operate a computer, mouse, and/or other office productivity machinery, such as a calculator, copy machine, computer printer, etc.
• Ability to frequently use hand(s) for repetitive actions (grasping and fine manipulation).
• Ability to frequently walk or move - to regularly move about inside the office.
• Ability to frequently see or detect, identify, recognize, or assess surroundings while in the office.
• Ability to occasionally bend, kneel, crouch, turn, and stoop.
• Ability to frequently sit or be stationary for extended continuous periods of time.
• Ability to stand for occasional periods of time.
• Ability to occasionally lift and/or push/pull up to 30 pounds.

Work Environment The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing their job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee will spend approximately 20% (excluding breaks and meal periods) of time in an office environment and 80% of the time on the Manufacturing Floor. When working on the Shop Floor, it requires the use of personal protective equipment, including (but not limited to) steel toe shoes, bump caps, safety goggles, and reflective colored vest.

Total Rewards (Benefits, Perks & Compensation)

Benefits & Perks:
In addition to your competitive compensation, you will also be eligible for the following at Karma:

• Medical Plan
• Dental & Vision Plans
• Health Savings Account & Flexible Spending Account
• Employee Health & Well-Being Program Events
• Company Paid Basic Life & AD&D Insurance
• 401(K) with Employer Match
• Relocation Assistance (if applicable)
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Sick Time, Vacation Time, and Personal Floaters
• Paid Holidays including Company's Annual Year End Shutdown
• Employee Driving Program
• Pre-taxed Commuter Benefits & much more!

Compensation:
$40.00/per hour - $44.00/per hour. Compensation will vary DOE.
At Karma, our base pay is one part of our total rewards package.
Compensation offered may vary on multiple factors, including market location, education, skills and experience. The total compensation package for this position may also include other elements dependent on the position being offered.