Automation Tech

CARR Machine & Tool, Inc.; Kentwood, Northern (MI, KY); Hybrid; USD 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

CARR Machine & Tool, Inc. seeks an Automation Technician to maintain and optimize CNC machining systems and automated equipment. You will diagnose electrical, mechanical, hydraulic, and control issues, support PLC-driven machinery, and help reduce downtime in a high-volume shop.

You will work with CNC centers, robots, sensors, VFDs, and HMIs, implementing improvements and supporting preventive maintenance and safety programs.

Qualifications

• Associate degree or technical certification in Automation Technology, Mechatronics, Industrial Maintenance, Electrical Technology, or related field.
• 3+ years of experience troubleshooting and maintaining automated manufacturing equipment.
• Experience with CNC machines (Mills, Lathes, Machining Centers) and automation equipment.
• Strong knowledge of PLC systems, pneumatics, hydraulics, servo drives, and robotics.

Responsibilities

• Troubleshoot, diagnose, and repair CNC machines, automated equipment, robots, and supporting production systems.
• Perform preventive and predictive maintenance on CNC machines, automation equipment, and facility systems.
• Troubleshoot electrical, mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, and controls-related issues.
• Support and maintain PLC-controlled equipment, HMIs, sensors, VFDs, servo motors, and motion control systems.
• Program, modify, and troubleshoot automation systems to improve performance and reliability.
• Maintain robotic systems including end-arm tooling and safety devices.
• Respond quickly to equipment breakdowns to minimize downtime.
• Analyze root causes of failures and implement corrective actions.
• Assist with machine installations, upgrades, and continuous improvement projects.
• Maintain maintenance logs and equipment manuals.

Skills

Troubleshooting

Maintenance

Electrical/Controls troubleshooting

Robotics operation

Education

Associate degree or technical cert in Automation/Mechatronics

Tools

PLC systems (Allen-Bradley/Siemens)

VFDs

Servo motors and drives

HMI/SCADA

CNC machinery

Job description

Position Summary

The Automation Technician is responsible for maintaining, troubleshooting, repairing, and optimizing automated equipment and CNC machining systems used in a high-volume manufacturing environment. This role supports production by ensuring CNC machines, robotic systems, conveyors, sensors, PLCs, and associated automation equipment operate safely, efficiently, and with minimal downtime.

The ideal candidate possesses strong electrical, mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, and controls troubleshooting skills and has experience working with CNC machining centers and automated production equipment.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Troubleshoot, diagnose, and repair CNC machines, automated equipment, robots, and supporting production systems.
• Perform preventive and predictive maintenance on CNC machining centers, automation equipment, and facility systems.
• Troubleshoot electrical, mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, and controls-related issues.
• Support and maintain PLC-controlled equipment, HMIs, sensors, VFDs, servo motors, and motion control systems.
• Program, modify, and troubleshoot automation systems as needed to improve performance and reliability.
• Maintain robotic systems including end-arm tooling, safety devices, and peripheral equipment.
• Respond quickly to equipment breakdowns to minimize production downtime.
• Analyze root causes of equipment failures and implement corrective actions.
• Assist with machine installations, equipment upgrades, and continuous improvement projects.
• Maintain documentation including maintenance records, repair logs, and equipment manuals.
• Ensure compliance with company safety standards, lockout/tagout procedures, and OSHA regulations.
• Collaborate with engineering, production, and quality teams to improve equipment performance and manufacturing efficiency.
• Support process improvement initiatives focused on productivity, quality, and cost reduction.

Required Qualifications

• Associate degree or technical certification in Automation Technology, Mechatronics, Industrial Maintenance, Electrical Technology, or related field; equivalent experience considered.
• 3+ years of experience troubleshooting and maintaining automated manufacturing equipment.
• Experience working with CNC machines such as Mills, Lathes, Machining Centers, or Multi-Axis Equipment.
• Strong knowledge of:- PLC systems (Allen-Bradley, Siemens, or equivalent)
  • Industrial electrical systems
  • Pneumatic and hydraulic systems
  • Servo drives and motor controls
  • Industrial robotics
  • Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs)
• Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics, blueprints, and technical drawings.
• Experience using maintenance diagnostic tools and testing equipment.
• Strong problem-solving and troubleshooting skills.