Automation Maintenance Technician (MON-FRI)

S&S Activewear; Lockport (IL); On-site; USD 65,000 - 72,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits package

401(k) plan

Employee discounts

Job summary

S&S Activewear, a leading North American apparel distributor, is hiring an Automation Maintenance Technician in Lockport, IL. You will maintain AMR systems and automation equipment, lead junior technicians, and ensure safe, reliable operations in a fast-paced distribution center.

We value problem-solving, strong diagnostic skills, and the ability to coordinate maintenance priorities with Operations. This salaried role offers growth opportunities and a comprehensive benefits package.

Qualifications

• Associate degree or technical certification in mechanical/electrical/industrial maintenance or related field.
• 5+ years hands-on experience with automation systems, robotics, PLCs, or related tech.
• Ability to read electrical schematics, blueprints, and technical docs; knowledge of NEC principles.

Responsibilities

• Perform preventive, predictive, and corrective maintenance on AMR systems, automation equipment, and conveyors.
• Diagnose malfunctions and repairs to restore performance with minimal downtime.
• Troubleshoot mechanical, electrical, pneumatic, and control system issues using diagnostic tools.
• Support installation, testing, and commissioning of new equipment and automation enhancements.

Skills

Automation systems

Robotics

Troubleshooting

Electrical systems

Reading diagrams

Preventive maintenance

CMMS

Safety procedures

Team coordination

Education

Associate degree or technical certification in Mechanical/Electrical/Industrial Maintenance or related field

Tools

CMMS

Diagnostic tools

Industrial electrical systems

Job description

About Us

S&S Activewear is a leading North American, tech-enabled specialty distributor of imprintable apparel, including t-shirts, fleece, athletic wear, headwear, workwear, scrubs and accessories. We pride ourselves on being the “critical link” that enables our 100+ brand partners such as Adidas, Columbia and Gildan to reach our hyper-fragmented base of customers, comprised of apparel decorators, eRetailers and promotional products distributors that embellish apparel items for diverse end consumer use cases (e.g., everyday wear, concerts, fitness attire, life events, team sports, etc.). At S&S, we differentiate in the market through a customer service focus, strategic product portfolio, world-class distribution infrastructure, a collaborative growth culture and a relentless focus on technology and innovation.

S&S ACTIVEWEAR

JOIN US AND "CREATE YOUR VISION"

About Us

S&S Activewear is a leading North American, tech-enabled specialty distributor of imprintable apparel, including t-shirts, fleece, athletic wear, headwear, workwear, scrubs and accessories. We pride ourselves on being the “critical link” that enables our 100+ brand partners such as Adidas, Columbia and Gildan to reach our hyper-fragmented base of customers, comprised of apparel decorators, eRetailers and promotional products distributors that embellish apparel items for diverse end consumer use cases (e.g., everyday wear, concerts, fitness attire, life events, team sports, etc.). At S&S, we differentiate in the market through a customer service focus, strategic product portfolio, world-class distribution infrastructure, a collaborative growth culture and a relentless focus on technology and innovation. Our success has compounded since the Company’s humble beginnings in 1988 as a regional t-shirt distributor to a leading, multi-billion-dollar value-added distribution platform that drives market penetration for our suppliers while enabling the growth, operations and fulfillment for a diverse range of customers across channels and business sizes. We strive to be the apparel distributor of choice while inspiring and fostering growth for customers, employees and suppliers through our core values of service, deep relationships, innovation, continuous improvement and accountability

About The Role

The Automation Maintenance Technician installs, maintains, troubleshoots, repairs, and optimizes autonomous mobile robot (AMR) systems, automation equipment, controls, and related facility assets to ensure safe, compliant, and reliable operations within the distribution center. This role serves as the designated technical lead for Assistant Automation Maintenance Technicians and Facilities Maintenance Technicians during assigned shifts. The position performs advanced hands-on maintenance while coordinating daily work priorities, troubleshooting activities, shift communications, and maintenance assignments to support operational uptime and productivity. The Automation Maintenance Technician executes preventive and corrective maintenance activities, supports automation system improvements and expansions, maintains accurate maintenance documentation, and helps ensure effective spare parts management and adherence to safety standards.

Schedule

Monday - Friday (6am - 2:30pm), Full-Time, Exempt

Compensation

Salaried: $65,000 - $72,000 (negotiable based on experience and education)

Benefits

We offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your life, health, and future. Benefits begin 0–90 days after hire and include Vacation, Personal, and Sick time; Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, and Disability coverage; Flexible Spending Accounts; and a 401(k) plan. You’ll also enjoy discounts on brand‑name apparel, fun employee events, and meaningful opportunities for growth and advancement. Join a company that invests in you from day one.

What You Will Do

Automation Maintenance & Repair

• Perform preventive, predictive, and corrective maintenance on AMR systems, automation equipment, conveyors, controls, and facility assets.
• Diagnose equipment malfunctions and complete repairs to restore performance while minimizing downtime and operational disruption.
• Troubleshoot mechanical, electrical, pneumatic, and control system issues using diagnostic tools and technical documentation.
• Support installation, testing, commissioning, and optimization of new equipment, upgrades, and automation enhancements.

Technical Leadership & Coordination

• Coordinate daily maintenance priorities and work assignments for Assistant Automation Maintenance Technicians and Facilities Maintenance Technicians.
• Provide technical guidance, troubleshooting support, and on-the-job training to less experienced technicians.
• Facilitate effective shift handoffs and communicate equipment status, open issues, and maintenance priorities.
• Partner with Operations and other stakeholders to align maintenance activities with business and production requirements.

Documentation & Inventory Management

• Accurately document preventive maintenance activities, corrective repairs, parts usage, and work order completion within the CMMS.
• Maintain inventory accuracy for spare parts and communicate shortages, critical inventory needs, and usage trends.
• Ensure maintenance records are complete, accurate, and compliant with established procedures and standards.
• Maintain company-issued tools, diagnostic devices, and maintenance equipment in safe and serviceable condition.

Safety & Continuous Improvement

• Comply with all safety policies, lockout/tagout procedures, PPE requirements, and regulatory standards.
• Identify opportunities to improve equipment reliability, maintenance processes, and operational performance.
• Support root cause analysis and corrective action efforts to reduce recurring equipment failures.
• Promote a culture of safety, accountability, and continuous improvement throughout the maintenance team.

Required

What We're Looking For

• Associate degree, technical certification, or equivalent vocational training in Mechanical, Electrical, Industrial Maintenance, Mechatronics, Automation, or a related technical field.
• Five (5) or more years of hands-on experience supporting automation systems, robotics, PLC-controlled equipment, industrial electrical systems, or related technologies.
• Experience diagnosing, troubleshooting, maintaining, and repairing automated robotic systems, conveyor controls, pneumatic systems, and associated components.
• Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics, mechanical drawings, blueprints, hydraulic diagrams, and technical documentation.
• Working knowledge of preventive maintenance programs, CMMS systems, National Electrical Code (NEC) principles, diagnostic tools, and safe work practices.
• Ability to work flexible schedules, including overtime, weekends, and holidays, based on business needs.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, cross-functional distribution center environment.

Preferred

• Experience supporting Autonomous Mobile Robot (AMR) systems and warehouse automation technologies.
• Prior experience serving as a lead technician, coordinating maintenance priorities, or mentoring junior technical team members.
• Knowledge of PLC troubleshooting, industrial networking, controls systems, and root cause analysis methodologies.
• Experience within a high-volume distribution, fulfillment, manufacturing, or logistics environment.

Physical Demands

Job Duties

• Stand and walk for extended periods, including shifts exceeding eight hours.
• Frequently lift, carry, push, pull, reach, grasp, stoop, kneel, crouch, and perform repetitive physical movements.
• Lift and move materials weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Use hand tools, diagnostic equipment, and mobile technology as part of daily responsibilities.
• Maintain sufficient visual acuity, depth perception, color vision, and hearing to safely troubleshoot and repair equipment.
• Operate scissor lifts and other elevated work platforms at heights up to 40 feet.

Working Environment

• This position works primarily within a warehouse and distribution center environment.
• Regular exposure to automation equipment, robotics systems, conveyors, and other warehouse machinery.
• Work conditions may vary from cool to warm temperatures depending on facility and seasonal conditions.
• Moderate noise levels are present due to operating equipment and warehouse activity.
• Requires the ability to manage changing priorities and respond to equipment issues in a fast-paced, high-volume operation.
• Frequent interaction with employees, contractors, vendors, and business partners across multiple levels of the organization.

Equal Opportunity Employer

S&S Activewear welcomes people of all backgrounds and experiences and are committed to creating a diverse culture and supporting human growth. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer and are committed to providing equal opportunity for all employees and applicants. We conduct business without regard to sex, race, creed, color, religion, marital status, national origin, citizenship status, age, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, disability, military status, status as a veteran, or any other protected characteristic. Our policy is to recruit, hire, train, promote, assign, transfer, and terminate employees based on their own ability, achievement, experience and conduct and other legitimate business reasons. S&S participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm you are authorized to work in the U.S. This job offer is contingent upon the completion of a satisfactory background check.