Automation/Robot Specialist

Summary 

The Dedicated Automation Technician is responsible for the reliability, sustainment, and performance of automated manufacturing systems. This shift-based role executes precision preventive maintenance, responds rapidly to downtime, identifies early signs of equipment failure, and restores automated cells safely and efficiently. The technician supports continuous improvement by documenting maintenance activity and recurring failure modes, communicating chronic issues to Automation Engineering, and strengthening operators’ basic troubleshooting capability. 

Responsibilities 

· Perform scheduled preventive maintenance on robots, PLCs, conveyors, vision systems, servo systems, pneumatics, electrical devices, and related automation components in accordance with standardized procedures. 

· Serve as the first responder for automation failures; diagnose electrical, mechanical, controls, robotic, network, and process-related faults and restore equipment safely with minimal production impact. 

· Monitor equipment condition and identify wear, abnormal noise, degraded performance, and other early failure indicators before breakdowns occur. 

· Complete equipment inspections, adjustments, component replacements, backups, calibrations, and functional checks within the technician’s authorized scope. 

· Record work performed, parts used, downtime, corrective actions, and failure modes in the computerized maintenance management system (CMMS). 

· Escalate complex or recurring issues to Automation Engineering or the Automation Specialist with clear diagnostic evidence and recommended follow-up actions. 

· Support root-cause analysis and reliability improvement activities by identifying repeat failures and providing accurate maintenance history. 

· Train and coach production operators on safe, basic automation troubleshooting and proper escalation practices. 

· Follow all applicable safety procedures, including lockout/tagout, electrical safety, robot safety, and emergency-stop validation. 

Performance Expectations 

· Complete 100% of assigned preventive maintenance tasks on time. 

· Respond promptly to downtime events, with a target initial response of less than 15 minutes. 

· Reduce mean time to repair and improve equipment recovery time. 

· Minimize repeat failures by identifying chronic issues and supporting permanent corrective actions. 

· Maintain accurate, timely maintenance records and communicate emerging reliability risks clearly. 

Qualifications 

Education and Experience 

· High school diploma or equivalent required; technical certification or associate degree in industrial maintenance, automation, mechatronics, electrical technology, or a related field preferred. 

· Three or more years of industrial maintenance experience supporting automated manufacturing equipment. 

· Demonstrated mechanical aptitude, structured troubleshooting ability, and capacity to read electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, mechanical drawings, and P&IDs. 

Specific Technical Requirements 

· Rockwell PLC and HMI systems: Intermediate troubleshooting and basic authorized modifications using Studio 5000, FactoryTalk View, and RSLinx. Must be able to read ladder logic; monitor tags and I/O; perform basic online edits such as timer values and counter presets; use approved I/O forcing practices; interpret fault codes; troubleshoot I/O modules; verify communications; and use trends and force tables. 

· FANUC robots and collaborative robots: Operational troubleshooting, basic teach-pendant programming, position teaching, simple motion edits, I/O verification, program backup and restoration, position-register changes, alarm interpretation, servo fault diagnosis, mastering and calibration verification, battery replacement, lubrication, cable inspection, end-of-arm tooling troubleshooting, hand-guiding, safety-zone verification, and collision-sensitivity adjustment. 

· Vision systems: Basic setup and troubleshooting of Keyence and Cognex systems, including job or scene selection, lighting, focus, exposure, image review, pass/fail thresholds, basic inspection-tool parameters, camera positioning, lens maintenance, and communication verification. 

· Mechanical and pneumatic systems: Troubleshooting and adjustment of cylinders, valves, air-pressure controls, conveyors, belt tracking, motors, sensors, and related mechanical components. 

· Electrical and servo systems: Safe use of a multimeter for voltage, continuity, and resistance testing; sensor replacement and wiring verification; emergency-stop circuit testing; and basic Kinetix drive, encoder, and servo-system diagnostics. 

· Industrial networks: Basic EtherNet/IP diagnostics, device-presence and IP-address verification, switch-indicator review, ping testing, cable continuity testing, and connector inspection. 

Certifications and Training 

· FANUC Handling Tool Operations training required. 

· OSHA 10-Hour General Industry training required. 

· Lockout/Tagout Authorized Employee qualification required. 

· NFPA 70E arc-flash safety awareness required. 

· FANUC maintenance and collaborative robot safety training preferred. 

· Rockwell ControlLogix Maintenance and Troubleshooting (CCP253) and Studio 5000 Basic Operations training preferred. 

· Keyence CV-X Basic Operations and Cognex In-Sight Essentials training preferred. 

· Confined-space entry training required when applicable to the work area. 

Software and Documentation 

· Working proficiency with a CMMS such as SAP PM, Maximo, or an equivalent system. 

· Basic proficiency with Microsoft Excel and Outlook for data logging, communication, and work-order support. 

· Ability to use tablets, smartphones, and approved mobile or augmented-reality tools for maintenance documentation and troubleshooting. 

Shifts: