Automation Technician — Position Description
Department : Engineering
Reports to : Engineering Manager / Automation Engineer
Location : Edinburgh, Indiana
Schedule : Full-time; supports 24 / 7 operations with on-call rotation
Position Summary :
The Automation Technician supports and sustains automated production systems across injection molding, assembly, material handling, and warehousing. This role is hands-on and focused on line support, Total Productive Maintenance (TPM), troubleshooting, and fabrication of End-of-Arm Tooling (EOAT). The technician works closely with engineers, production, and maintenance teams to keep automation systems running safely, efficiently, and reliably. A strong emphasis is placed on applying 5S principles and maintaining well-organized work areas to ensure efficiency, safety, and reliability.
Key Responsibilities :
Production Support & TPM :
- Perform daily line support for robots, conveyors, lasers, palletizers, AMRs / AGVs, and vision systems.
- Conduct TPM checks (lubrication, torque checks, hose / fitting integrity, wiring inspections).
- Respond to alarms, assist in recovery, and escalate complex issues to engineers.
- Document repairs and maintenance actions on work logs and check sheets.
EOAT Fabrication & Mechanical Support :
Fabricate, assemble, and repair EOAT and fixturing to meet production requirements.Assist in setups, changeovers, and verification of tooling.Operate basic shop tools (saws, drills, grinders, welders) to support automation hardware needs.Preventive Maintenance & Reliability :
Execute PM plans and inspections on automation assets.Replace worn components (bearings, belts, cylinders, sensors, cables, etc.).Support engineers in root cause analysis (RCA) of recurring failures.Safety & Compliance :
Follow all LOTO, PPE, and safety policies.Inspect and maintain guarding, interlocks, and sensors.Support compliance activities for lasers, robotics, and automated equipment.Documentation & Team Support :
Maintain organized spare parts, tools, and documentation, applying 5S principles to ensure efficiency and readiness.
Key Equipment & Technologies :
Robotics & EOAT : UR10e / UR20 collaborative robots, OTTO AMRs / AGVs, tool changers, EOAT components.Material Handling : Conveyors, palletizers, sensors (IFM / Keyence).Controls & Safety : PLC / HMI basics, safety relays, E-Stops, interlocks.Vision & Lasers : Camera systems, Keyence MD-X lasers, enclosures, fume extraction.Mechanical & Pneumatics : Cylinders, valves, fittings, shop fabrication tools.Qualifications : Required :
Technical diploma, trade school, or equivalent hands-on experience.Ability to read basic electrical and mechanical prints.Hands-on skills in mechanical assembly, wiring, and pneumatic systems.Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills.Good communication and teamwork across shifts.Preferred :
Familiarity with Lean / CI tools, especially 5S, and Kaizen.
Core Competencies :
Safety-first mindset.Hands-on technical ability.Clear communication and teamwork.Ownership and follow-through.Documentation discipline.Strong commitment to 5S and workplace organization.Key Performance Indicators : (KPIs)
Response time and effectiveness on line support calls.Completion of TPM and PM tasks on schedule.Uptime and reliability of supported automation cells.Quality of EOAT fabrication and repairs.Safety compliance (zero incidents).