Automation Technician

Sterling Engineering; Buffalo Grove (IL); On-site; USD 36,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

Sterling Engineering in Buffalo Grove, IL is seeking an Automation Maintenance Technician to keep highly automated manufacturing and robotics systems running. This direct-hire role involves night shifts and a 12-hour rotation, with a 10% shift differential.

You will troubleshoot electromechanical systems, work with PLCs, perform preventive maintenance, read schematics, and support installation and system qualification in a fast-paced automated environment.

Qualifications

• Background in automated manufacturing, robotics, material handling systems, or automated warehouse environments
• Strong electrical and mechanical troubleshooting skills
• Experience with PLC-controlled equipment
• Ability to read electrical schematics and mechanical drawings
• Preventive and corrective maintenance experience in high-volume or automated settings
• Solid computer and documentation skills

Responsibilities

• Maintain continuous operation of automated, robotic, and material handling systems by adjusting, repairing, replacing, or modifying components
• Troubleshoot electrical, mechanical, pneumatic, and hydraulic systems and return equipment to service quickly and safely
• Perform scheduled preventive maintenance on robotic systems and process support equipment
• Read and interpret electrical schematics, mechanical diagrams, and complex automated system drawings
• Work with PLC-controlled equipment and assist in automation system diagnostics
• Identify machine malfunctions, isolate root causes, and implement cost‑effective repairs
• Perform equipment calibrations, re‑qualifications, and system validations per schedule
• Assist engineers and automation teams with equipment installation, removal, and system qualification
• Support corrective action reports and process improvement initiatives
• Disassemble equipment, inspect components for defects, and repair or replace parts as needed
• Support both hardware and, at higher levels, limited software maintenance activities

Job description

Title: Automation Maintenance Technician

Duration and Hire Type: Direct Hire

Pay: $26–33/hour

Shift: 12-Hour Shift Rotation

Nights - 6:00 PM – 6:00 AM, Rotating Nights (10% Shift Differential)

Job Description:

We are seeking Maintenance Technicians with hands‑on experience supporting automated manufacturing, robotics, or warehouse automation environments. This role is critical to maintaining continuous system operation and minimizing downtime across highly automated equipment and production systems.

The ideal candidate is comfortable troubleshooting complex electromechanical systems, working with PLC-controlled equipment, and performing both reactive and preventive maintenance in a fast‑paced, high‑automation setting.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Maintain continuous operation of automated, robotic, and material handling systems by adjusting, repairing, replacing, or modifying components
• Troubleshoot electrical, mechanical, pneumatic, and hydraulic systems and return equipment to service quickly and safely
• Perform scheduled preventive maintenance on robotic systems and process support equipment
• Read and interpret electrical schematics, mechanical diagrams, and complex automated system drawings
• Work with PLC-controlled equipment and assist in automation system diagnostics
• Identify machine malfunctions, isolate root causes, and implement cost‑effective repairs
• Perform equipment calibrations, re‑qualifications, and system validations per schedule
• Assist engineers and automation teams with equipment installation, removal, and system qualification
• Support corrective action reports and process improvement initiatives
• Disassemble equipment, inspect components for defects, and repair or replace parts as needed
• Support both hardware and, at higher levels, limited software maintenance activities

Qualifications and Experience:

• Background in automated manufacturing, robotics, material handling systems, or automated warehouse environments
• Strong electrical and mechanical troubleshooting skills
• Experience with PLC-controlled equipment
• Ability to read electrical schematics and mechanical drawings
• Preventive and corrective maintenance experience in high-volume or automated settings
• Solid computer and documentation skills

Advanced Qualifications:

• Automation, robotics, or conveyor/material handling systems
• Electronic assembly and troubleshooting (schematics, PCB loading, mechanical assembly)
• Cable and harness work (crimping, soldering, connector assembly, cable prep)
• Testing equipment such as oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, and cable/harness testers
• Automated machine operations (surface mount, component insertion, wave soldering)
• Mechanical and electrical tools including alignment tools, measuring tools, taps & dies, and power/air tools