Automation Maintenance Technician — Proactive Uptime

westrockcoffeeinternaljobs; Conway (AR); On-site; USD 62,000 - 74,000; Full time

Job summary

WestRock in Conway, AR, seeks a Technical Operator to operate, maintain, and optimize automated production equipment using autonomous maintenance practices. The role emphasizes proactive care—cleaning, lubrication, inspection, and minor adjustments—to ensure reliable, world-class uptime.

You will perform basic troubleshooting, participate in root-cause analyses with maintenance and engineering, and support continuous improvement to reduce downtime and improve equipment reliability.

Qualifications

• Associates degree or technical diploma in Engineering Technology, Automation, Mechatronics, etc.
• 2-5 years of experience operating and maintaining complex automated equipment in a manufacturing environment.
• 2-5 years of experience in automotive repair/technology or other electrical/mechanical trade.
• Knowledge of lean manufacturing principles and autonomous maintenance pillar.
• Strong understanding of electrical systems, sensors, and actuators.
• Basic understanding of PLCs (Siemens, Allen-Bradley) and HMI systems.
• Ability to read and interpret electrical and mechanical schematics.
• Strong troubleshooting and diagnostic skills.
• Good communication and documentation skills; familiarity with lean/Six Sigma.
• OSHA, NFPA 70E, or equivalent electrical safety certification.
• Experience with robotics.
• Technical Operator Certification

Responsibilities

• Adhere to safety protocols and safety maps for minor interventions and lockout/tagout.
• Assign tasks as needed for operators and support staff for retail lines.
• Ensure products comply with quality expectations and specifications.
• Operate, maintain, and optimize automated machinery to ensure smooth production workflows.
• Perform autonomous maintenance tasks such as cleaning, inspection, lubrication, and centerlining.
• Perform visual inspections to detect abnormalities and prevent failures.
• Conduct routine operational checks to ensure machines are ready for start-up/shut-down.
• Monitor equipment performance and identify early signs of wear or abnormal conditions.
• Train newer operators on proper operation and maintenance of equipment.
• Participate in root cause analysis with maintenance teams for corrective actions.
• Assist in new equipment installation, testing, and commissioning for autonomous maintenance standards.
• Maintain logs of machine performance, downtime, and maintenance interventions.
• Participate in continuous improvement projects to enhance reliability and reduce downtime.
• Collaborate with engineering and maintenance for system upgrades and modifications.

Skills

Automation

Mechatronics

Electrical systems

Sensors and actuators

Troubleshooting

Documentation

Lean manufacturing

Six Sigma

Lockout/tagout

Robotics

Education

Associate degree or technical diploma

Tools

Siemens PLC

Allen-Bradley PLC

HMI systems

Job description

WestRock in Conway, AR, seeks a Technical Operator to operate, maintain, and optimize automated production equipment using autonomous maintenance practices. The role emphasizes proactive care—cleaning, lubrication, inspection, and minor adjustments—to ensure reliable, world-class uptime.

You will perform basic troubleshooting, participate in root-cause analyses with maintenance and engineering, and support continuous improvement to reduce downtime and improve equipment reliability.