Automation Engineering Technician - 2nd Shift (2:30pm Est - 10:30pm Est)

US Conec Ltd.; Hickory (NC); On-site; USD 52,000 - 76,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

4 weeks PTO

Health, dental, and vision plans

401(k) retirement plan with employer/匹

Job summary

US Conec, Ltd. seeks a hands-on Automation Technician to install, optimize, and support automated manufacturing systems in Hickory, NC.

You’ll apply mechanical and electrical troubleshooting to keep lines running and drive continuous improvement across injection molding and ferrule posting areas. The role requires an associate degree or technical equivalent and 2–4 years of manufacturing automation experience.

Qualifications

• Associate degree in a relevant technical field is preferred.
• 2–4 years hands-on automation experience in a manufacturing setting.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and ability to maintain automated equipment.
• Familiarity with PLCs and HMIs; ability to assist with program loading, testing, and diagnostics.
• Ability to read 2D/3D CAD drawings and schematics.

Responsibilities

• Support installation, commissioning, and optimization of automation in molding areas.
• Monitor automated processes and adjust systems to maintain quality and consistency.
• Provide first-line technical support and troubleshooting to minimize downtime.
• Read and update work instructions, schematics, and process flows.
• Assist with PLC/HMI testing in coordination with controls engineers.

Skills

Mechanical aptitude

Electrical troubleshooting

PLC/HMI familiarity

CAD reading

Team collaboration

Communication skills

Physical capability

Education

Associate’s degree in Mechatronics, Mechanical, or Electrical Engineering Technology

Tools

CAD software

PLC/HMI programming basics

Job description

Hickory, North Carolina, United States

US Conec, Ltd.

Engineering Innovation. Precision Plastics. Powering AI.

USConec, Ltd. is a trusted, global company that prides itself on engineering excellence—creating innovative connectivity solutions that support today’s most important technologies. We foster a friendly, inclusive culture that values teamwork, creativity, and mutual respect. At USConec, you’ll find real opportunities to grow and make a meaningful impact in a company that genuinely cares about its people and its customers. With competitive compensation, excellent benefits, and a supportive environment, this is a place where you can build your future—whether your interests lie in manufacturing, engineering, operations, or beyond.

Overview

We’re seeking a hands‑on Automation Technician to install, optimize, and support automated manufacturing systems across injection molding and ferrule posting areas. In this role you’ll use mechanical and electrical troubleshooting skills to keep automation running, drive continuous improvement, and collaborate with engineering and operations to deliver reliable, efficient production.

Responsibilities

• Support installation, commissioning, and optimization of automation in black and clear injection molding areas.
• Support installation and optimization of automation for ferrule posting processes.
• Monitor automated processes, inspect output, and adjust systems to maintain product quality and process consistency.
• Provide first‑line technical support and troubleshooting to minimize downtime; elevate complex repairs as needed.
• Perform preventative maintenance and basic repairs on automation equipment; coordinate vendor/engineering repairs.
• Read and update technical documentation, including work instructions, schematics, and process flow for manual and automated tasks.
• Assist with PLC/HMI program testing, loading, and diagnostics in coordination with controls engineers.
• Use 2D/3D CAD drawings to identify components, fixtures, and assemblies during installation and troubleshooting.
• Support and occasionally lead training for operators, technicians, or engineers on new or modified automation systems.
• Collaborate across business units to support additional automation projects from concept through implementation.
• Occasionally operate automation equipment to support training, validation, or production needs.

Must Haves

• Associate’s degree in Mechatronics, Mechanical, or Electrical Engineering Technology preferred; other technical fields acceptable.
• 2–4 years hands‑on experience in a medium‑volume manufacturing environment (injection molding, die casting, machining, assembly).
• Strong mechanical aptitude and experience maintaining automated equipment, jigs, and fixturing.
• Familiarity with PLCs and HMIs and ability to assist with program loading, basic testing, and diagnostics.
• Working knowledge of 2D/3D CAD to read schematics and assembly drawings.
• Proactive problem‑solver with strong analytical and communication skills.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office (Excel, Outlook) and basic PC skills.
• Ability to lift/move up to 25 lbs regularly and up to 50 lbs occasionally, good visual acuity and manual dexterity.
• Willingness to work in a manufacturing environment with regular exposure to machining fluids, adhesives, and particulate.

Nice to Haves

• Experience specifically with injection molding automation and ferrule/posting process equipment.
• Hands‑on troubleshooting experience with servo drives, motion systems, sensors, and vision inspection equipment.
• Previous experience authoring or improving work instructions, SOPs, and technical documentation.
• Familiarity with root‑cause analysis, corrective actions, and continuous improvement methodologies (5S, Kaizen, Lean).
• Experience coordinating vendor repairs and upgrades for automation systems.

What We Offer

• Competitive base salary with performance‑based bonus potential.
• 4 weeks of PTO to relax and recharge.
• Health, dental, and vision plans to support you and your family.
• 401(k) retirement savings plan with employer match and planning resources.
• Collaborative, team‑based culture that fuels innovation.
• Paid holidays and employee recognition programs to celebrate achievements.
• Community engagement and STEM outreach opportunities to give back locally.

US Conec will only employ those are legally authorized to work in the United States. This is not a position for which sponsorship will be provided. Individuals with temporary visas such as E, F-1, H-1, H-2, L, B, J, or TN or who need sponsorship for work authorization now or in the future, are not eligible for hire.

US Conec is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristics

Voluntary Self-Identification

As set forth in US Conec, Ltd.’s Equal Employment Opportunity policy,we do not discriminate on the basis of any protected group status under any applicable law.

If you believe you belong to any of the categories of protected veterans listed below, please indicate by making the appropriate selection.As a government contractor subject to the Vietnam Era Veterans Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA), we request this information in order to measurethe effectiveness of the outreach and positive recruitment efforts we undertake pursuant to VEVRAA. Classification of protected categoriesis as follows:

A "disabled veteran" is one of the following: a veteran of the U.S. military, ground, naval or air service who is entitled to compensation (or who but for the receipt of military retired pay would be entitled to compensation) under laws administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs; or a person who was discharged or released from active duty because of a service-connected disability.

A "recently separated veteran" means any veteran during the three‑year period beginning on the date of such veteran's discharge or release from active duty in the U.S. military, ground, naval, or air service.

An "active duty wartime or campaign badge veteran" means a veteran who served on active duty in the U.S. military, ground, naval or air service during a war, or in a campaign or expedition for which a campaign badge has been authorized under the laws administered by the Department of Defense.

An "Armed forces service medal veteran" means a veteran who, while serving on active duty in the U.S. military, ground, naval or air service, participated in a United States military operation for which an Armed Forces service medal was awarded pursuant to Executive Order 12985.