Automation Controls Technician

Kocher + Beck USA; Lenexa (KS); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Kocher + Beck USA in Lenexa, KS seeks an Automation Controls Technician to support robotics, automation, and integrated mechanical-electrical systems on the production lines.

Core duties include programming PLCs/HMI, maintaining robotic systems and servo drives, and troubleshooting cross-disciplinary faults. Candidates should read schematics, work with CAD, and uphold OSHA/LOTO safety standards.

Qualifications

• Hands-on experience maintaining, programming, and troubleshooting automated/mechatronic equipment.
• Proficiency programming and troubleshooting PLCs and automation controls.
• Working knowledge of robotics, servo systems, motor controls, sensors, and instrumentation.
• Ability to read electrical schematics and mechanical drawings; CAD modifications as needed.
• Lift up to 50 pounds; perform standing, kneeling, and heights tasks as required.

Responsibilities

• Program, configure, and troubleshoot PLCs, HMIs, and automation controls.
• Install, program, maintain, and troubleshoot robotic systems and servo drives.
• Diagnose faults across mechanical, electrical, pneumatic, hydraulic, and software systems.
• Calibrate sensors and vision systems; perform preventive maintenance.
• Interpret schematics; modify components in CAD; install new equipment.
• Perform root cause analysis and document work in CMMS.
• Train operators and maintenance staff on safe operation.
• Ensure OSHA, LOTO, arc flash, and safety policy compliance.

Skills

PLC programming

HMI programming

Robotics

Servo drives

Sensors & instrumentation

Electrical schematics reading

Troubleshooting

Maintenance planning

Team collaboration

Safety compliance

Education

Mechatronics / Electrical / Robotics degree or related

Tools

CAD software

CMMS

Multimeter

Oscilloscope

Vision systems knowledge

Job description

Automation Controls Technician

Kocher and Beck Lenexa, Kansas, United States

About this position

Description:

Kocher + Beck is a global leader in rotary die-cutting technology, enabling the high-speed production of millions of products every day — from food and beverage labels to pharmaceutical and safety-critical applications. A family-owned business with almost 600 employees worldwide and production sites in Germany, the UK, and the USA, we combine decades of precision engineering expertise with a personal, hands-on approach to our people and customers.

Our Values: Family - Safety - Teamwork - Innovation - Integrity - Quality

We are seeking a a skilled Mechatronics Technician to support the robotics, automation, and integrated mechanical-electrical systems that keep our Lenexa, KS manufacturing operations running. This position installs, programs, maintains, troubleshoots, and repairs mechatronic equipment to maximize safety, reliability, and production uptime. The ideal candidate enjoys solving problems that cross mechanical, electrical, and software boundaries and takes pride in work that drives continuous improvement.

Position Type + Hours

Permanent full-time, salaried position. Core hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., 40+ hours per week, with overtime as needed to support production and project schedules. Occasional travel may be required for equipment training, vendor support, or installation projects.

Essential Responsibilities

• Program, configure, and troubleshoot PLCs, HMIs, and related automation controls.
• Install, program, maintain, and troubleshoot robotic systems, servo drives, and automated machinery.
• Diagnose and repair faults across integrated mechanical, electrical, pneumatic, hydraulic, and software systems.
• Calibrate and maintain sensors, instrumentation, and vision systems used in automated production.
• Perform preventive and predictive maintenance, including inspections, calibrations, and functional testing.
• Interpret electrical schematics and mechanical drawings, and modify components or fixtures in CAD as needed.
• Install, commission, and integrate new automation equipment into existing production lines.
• Perform root cause analysis on complex failures, implement lasting corrective actions, and document work in the CMMS.
• Partner with Production, Engineering, and Quality to improve throughput and eliminate recurring failures.
• Train operators and maintenance staff on the safe, correct operation of automated equipment.
• Maintain compliance with OSHA requirements, Lockout/Tagout (LOTO), arc flash, and company safety policies.

Benefits

• 100% Employer Paid Health, Dental, Accident, and Short-Term Disability Insurance premiums (100% employee-only and 75% dependent coverage).
• Bi-weekly employer contribution to Health Savings Account.
• $25,000 Basic Life Insurance.
• Optional voluntary benefits: Accident, Critical Illness, and Cancer insurance, Long-Term Disability, and Supplemental Life.
• 401(k) with company match up to 4.5%.
• Vacation, Personal Days, and 9 Paid Holidays.
• Up to $750 annual tuition reimbursement.
• Up to $100 charitable contribution match per year to a 501(c)(3) organization.

Requirements:

• Demonstrated hands-on experience maintaining, programming, and troubleshooting automated or mechatronic production equipment. Equivalent experience is accepted in place of a degree.
• Proficiency pro gramming and troubleshooting PLCs and other automation controls.
• Working knowledge of robotics, servo systems, motor controls, AC/DC circuits, and the sensors and instrumentation used in automated equipment.
• Practical understanding of how mechanical, electrical, pneumatic, hydraulic, and software components interact within an integrated system.
• Ability to read electrical schematics and mechanical drawings and use precision diagnostic tools such as multimeters, oscilloscopes, and micrometers.
• Strong troubleshooting, communication, and organizational skills, with the ability to work independently and respond to urgent equipment issues.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds and work standing, kneeling, climbing, or at heights when required.

Preferred

• Mechatronics, automation, robotics, or industrial maintenance training or certification.
• Experience with CAD software for designing and modifying mechanical components.
• Experience with 480V three-phase electrical systems, machine vision, or motion control.
• Experience using a Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS).
• Experience in precision tooling, narrow-web printing, or converting equipment manufacturing.

Success in This Role

• Responds quickly and effectively to equipment issues, minimizing downtime.
• Completes preventive maintenance and project work accurately and on schedule.
• Reduces repeat failures by correcting root causes rather than symptoms.
• Works safely and keeps an organized work environment.
• Builds strong working relationships with Operations, Engineering, and fellow technicians.