Automation Technician

Aurubis AG; Augusta (GA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) match

Health coverage

Disability insurance

Generous PTO

Job summary

Aurubis AG is seeking an Automation Technician to maintain and optimize plant control systems. You will ensure reliability of PLCs, HMIs, instrumentation, and related automation equipment to support safe production.

The role requires troubleshooting, installation support, and cross-functional collaboration with engineers, IT, and maintenance teams. Flexibility for on-call and travel may be needed.

Qualifications

• 3–5 years of experience as a Controls or Automation Technician in a manufacturing environment.
• Proficient in PLC programming and troubleshooting (Allen‑Bradley and/or Siemens).
• Experience with SCADA, HMI, DCS, and related automation platforms.

Responsibilities

• Perform preventive maintenance, inspections, and repairs on plant automation and control systems, including PLCs, HMIs, VFDs, sensors, and instrumentation.
• Troubleshoot and resolve automation and controls issues to minimize downtime and maintain process reliability.
• Support installation, commissioning, and integration of new automation systems and equipment.
• Collaborate with engineers, IT, and production teams on system upgrades, modifications, and process improvements.
• Interpret and update electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, and technical documentation.

Skills

PLC programming

Troubleshooting

SCADA

HMI

DCS

MES

SAP

LIMS

Electrical systems

MS Office

Teamwork

On-call travel

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

Allen‑Bradley PLC

Siemens PLC

SCADA

HMI

DCS

MES

SAP

LIMS

Job description

Aurubis – metallurgy is our passion. We are a leading global multi-metal company and one of the largest copper recyclers worldwide. We process complex metal concentrates, scrap metals, and metal-bearing recycling materials into metals of the highest purity. These metals serve as the basis for key megatrends such as digitalization, renewable energies, e‑mobility, and urbanization. Aurubis has about 7,000 employees, production sites in Europe and the US, and an extensive worldwide distribution system. Join our team and promote progress together with us!

The Automation Technician is responsible for maintaining, troubleshooting, and optimizing control systems across the manufacturing plant. This role ensures the reliability and performance of PLCs, HMIs, instrumentation, and related automation equipment that support safe and efficient production. The Automation Technician provides sitewide support for automation systems, collaborates with cross‑functional teams on system upgrades and modifications, and helps drive continuous improvement initiatives.

Automation Technician

Your Tasks

• Perform preventive maintenance, inspections, and repairs on plant automation and control systems, including PLCs, HMIs, VFDs, sensors, and instrumentation.
• Troubleshoot and resolve automation and controls issues to minimize downtime and maintain process reliability.
• Support installation, commissioning, and integration of new automation systems and equipment.
• Collaborate with engineers, IT, and production teams on system upgrades, modifications, and process improvements.
• Interpret and update electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, and technical documentation.
• Maintain and administer PLC programs (e.g., Allen‑Bradley, Siemens) and support process control software (SCADA, DCS, MES, SAP, LIMS).
• Ensure compliance with electrical and safety standards, including NFPA 70E, LOTO procedures, and plant EHS requirements.
• Document maintenance activities, updates, and changes to controls systems in accordance with site standards.
• Provide technical guidance and support to operations and maintenance teams as needed.
• Actively contribute to a culture of safety, quality, and continuous improvement across the site.

Your Profile

• High School Diploma or GED
• Minimum of 3–5 years of experience as a Controls or Automation Technician in a manufacturing or industrial environment.
• Proficient in PLC programming and troubleshooting (Allen‑Bradley and/or Siemens required).
• Experience with SCADA, HMI, DCS, and related automation platforms.
• Strong knowledge of electrical systems, control circuits, sensors, and instrumentation.
• Ability to interpret electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, and technical manuals.
• Familiarity with process control software and production systems (MES, SAP, LIMS).
• Proficiency in MS Office and other relevant software tools.
• Willingness to work flexible hours, provide on‑call support, and travel if required.
• Excellent problem‑solving skills and attention to detail.
• Strong communication and teamwork abilities.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision while managing sitewide responsibilities.
• Initiative to take ownership of tasks and make informed decisions within established process limits.
• Open‑minded, adaptable, and eager to learn new technologies.
• Safety, quality, and environmental awareness.
• Dependable, self‑reflective, and receptive to feedback.
• Must be willing and physically able to observe and walk in a smelter environment.
• Must be willing and physically able to work in varying cold and heat situations.
• Could have times that are prolonged periods of walking, standing, and bending.
• Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds at times.
• Ability to travel throughout the facility as required to conduct audits and make observations.
• Must wear all required PPE when in protected areas.
• Required to reach and grasp with hands and reach with arms.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
• Willing and physically able to travel domestically and/or internationally if requested.

We Offer

• Competitive Retirement Savings – 401(k) plan with generous company match to help you plan for the future
• Comprehensive Health Coverage – Medical, dental, and vision plans with company cost sharing to support you and your family, starting you first day of employment.
• Income Protection – Company‑paid disability insurance for added peace of mind
• Generous Paid Time Off – Robust PTO package including vacation and 13 paid holidays.

Interested?

What does Aurubis stand for? Take a look here!

Aurubis is an employer that stands for diversity and equal opportunity. Employment decisions are made regardless of national or ethnic origin, religion and belief, gender and gender identity, sexual orientation, age, mental and physical impairment and social origin or any other legally protected characteristics of an individual.