Automation Technician

Advanced Drainage Systems, Inc.; Bessemer City (NC); On-site; USD 55,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health plan

Telemedicine

HDHP / HSA

Dental & Vision

EAP

Disability insurance

Life Insurance

Parental leave

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

Advanced Drainage Systems, Inc. is seeking an Automation Technician to perform preventive and reactive maintenance on automated equipment in our North Carolina facility.

You will execute PM schedules, perform repairs, and implement automation improvements to meet quality and safety standards. The role emphasizes troubleshooting PLC/HMI/robot systems, ordering parts, and collaborating with production to maintain safe, efficient operations.

Qualifications

• Associates Degree in Electrical Engineering Technology or similar.
• 5+ years Industrial Maintenance, Electrical Controls and Robotics.
• Fanuc Robot programming experience preferred.
• Knowledge of NEC, UL508A and NFPA 79 codes.
• Lock Out Tag Out safety procedures.

Responsibilities

• Troubleshoot and repair machines and controls on automated equipment.
• Work with PLC, HMI, and Robot programs to implement improvements.
• Source, specify, and order replacement parts and control components as needed.
• Collaborate with Production to ensure safe, reliable operation of automation.
• Support continuous improvement projects to boost efficiency and safety.
• Maintain CMMS records with timely PMs and repairs.

Skills

PLCs / HMIs

Robot programming

Servo drives

Electrical troubleshooting

Reading schematics

3‑phase wiring

Ethernet networking

Team leadership

Education

Associate degree in Electrical Engineering Technology

Tools

PLC programming

HMI integration

Robot programming (Fanuc)

Job description

Overview

Advanced Drainage Systems is a leading manufacturer of stormwater and onsite septic wastewater solutions, committed to sustainability and innovation. With a vast manufacturing and distribution network, we deliver high-quality products across multiple industries while recycling over half a billion pounds of plastic annually. At ADS, we foster a culture where diverse perspectives drive better ideas, ensuring every employee feels valued, heard, and empowered to make an impact.

Responsibilities

The Automation Technician is responsible for performing the preventive and reactive maintenance duties for the automated equipment in our facility. Primary focus of the Automation Technician is to ensure automation is performing to quality, safety, and production expectations. This position will include execution of PM schedules, repair, and implementation of improvements for automation cells.

Primary Job Responsibilities:

• Troubleshoot and perform repairs on machines and their controls
• Work with HMI, PLC, and Robot programs to implement improvements
• Contact, specify, and order replacement parts & control components from supplier as needed
• Work with Production Staff to ensure the safe and reliable operation of automation.
• Help develop and implement Continuous Improvement projects to improve production efficiencies and Safety.
• Effectively contribute to CMMS performance through timely PM & Repair Work Order completion while ensuring compliance1st responder to troubleshooting machine problems, Contact Appropriate internal/external resources for assistance
• Maintain and build job skills through training programs.
• Support Daily Management directives and initiatives.

Job Skills:

• Work with PLCS, HMIs, and Servo Drives
• Program and work with material handling robots
• Advanced industrial mechanical, electrical, plumbing and pneumatic skills including troubleshooting
• Proficient in reading electrical, pneumatics and mechanical drawings.
• Strong leadership ability with time management and task prioritization skills
• Proficient in electrical formulas and mechanical math.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications like Word, Outlook, and Excel
• Knowledge of NEC, UL508A and NFPA 79 codes.
• Lock Out Tag Out Safety procedures.
• Arc Flash and PPE Requirements
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work with and communicate to other plant personnel as well as company resources and vendors
• Knowledge of 3 Phase Industrial wiring and power distribution
• Basic understanding of Ethernet communication and networks

Educational Requirements:

Associates Degree in Electrical Engineering Technology or similar (preferred)

Basic PLC, Drive, and Robot training preferred

Preferred Experience:

5+ years Industrial Maintenance, Electrical Controls and Robotics

Plastic Process knowledge

Teaching and Programming Fanuc Robots

Company Benefits:

Health & Welfare Benefits:

• Medical and prescription drug plans
• telemedicine (with medical plan)
• High-Deductible Health Plan (HDHP) and Health Savings Account (HSA)
dental and vision plans
• virtual physical therapy*
• an employee assistance program (EAP)*
• voluntary accident, critical illness, and hospital indemnification programs

Financial Benefits:

• Retirement 401k program with company match
• an employee stock purchase plan (voluntary)
• financial wellness planning*
• paid parental leave*
• flexible spending accounts (FSA) for child care and health care
• short-term and long-term disability*
• basic life insurance
• accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D)*
• adoption financial reimbursement*
• tuition reimbursement*
• voluntary life insurance (for employees, spouses, and children)
• voluntary identity theft and fraud protection

*100% paid by ADS.

Why Join ADS?

Growth Opportunities & Global Presence: With a global network of approximately 70 manufacturing plants and 40 distribution centers, ADS offers extensive opportunities for career growth and development in various locations around the world.

Inclusive and Creative Work Culture: ADS fosters a culture of passion, innovation, and continuous improvement, empowering employees to shape industry-leading solutions. We value diverse perspectives, recognizing that they drive better ideas, processes, and performance. Our workplace is built on respect, inclusivity, and shared responsibility, ensuring every team member feels valued and contributes to our collective success.

Innovative & Sustainability Focused: Advanced Drainage Systems is one of the largest plastic recyclers in North America, ensuring over half a billion pounds of plastic is kept out of landfills every year.

Learn More: https://www.adspipe.com/about-us