Automation Technician

Flex; Buffalo Grove (IL); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Flex is seeking an Automation Technician in Buffalo Grove, IL, on a standard 8am-4:30pm, Monday–Friday shift. The role focuses on troubleshooting automation hardware and software, performing preventive maintenance, and supporting daily production to meet safety, quality, and cost targets.

Candidates should have 3+ years of hands‑on experience with automation equipment, sensors, pneumatics, motors, and servo systems, plus an associate degree or technical diploma in a related field.

Qualifications

• Associate degree or technical diploma in automation or related field.
• 3+ years supporting automated manufacturing equipment in production.
• Hands-on with sensors, pneumatics, motors and servo systems.

Responsibilities

• Maintain and troubleshoot automated production equipment and robots.
• Respond to downtime, diagnose root causes, and restore production.
• Perform preventive and corrective maintenance on automation systems.
• Document repairs and maintenance activities.
• Support training of operators and maintenance staff.

Education

Associate degree or technical diploma in Automation/Mechatronics/Electrical/Industrial Technology

Tools

Sensors

Pneumatics

Motors

Drives

Servo systems

Industrial HMIs

Job description

Flex is the diversified manufacturing partner of choice that helps market-leading brands design, build and deliver innovative products that improve the world. A career at Flex offers the opportunity to make a difference and invest in your growth in a respectful, inclusive, and collaborative environment. If you are excited about a role but don't meet every bullet point, we encourage you to apply and join us to create the extraordinary.

Automation Technician is assigned to a designated production line and supports, maintains, and improves its automated production equipment and systems to ensure safe, reliable, and efficient manufacturing operations. This role focuses on troubleshooting automation hardware and software, performing preventive maintenance and supporting production.

Shift Schedule: 8am-430pm M-F

Location: Buffalo Grove, IL

Key Responsibilities

Production & Support

• Maintain and troubleshoot automated production equipment, including robots, conveyors, vision systems, and automated assembly/test stations.
• Respond quickly to equipment downtime to diagnose root cause and restore production.
• Support daily production operations to meet safety, quality, delivery, and cost targets.
• Verify proper operation of safety interlocks, light curtains, E‑Stops, and guarding.
• Perform preventive and corrective maintenance on automation equipment.
• Identify recurring issues and recommend permanent corrective actions.
• Retrieve spare parts and assist with equipment documentation.
• Participate in root‑cause analysis and corrective/preventive action activities.
• Document repairs, changes, and maintenance activities.
• Support training of operators and maintenance personnel on automated systems.
• Strong mechanical and electrical aptitude
• Ability to work independently under production pressure
• Good communication and documentation skills
• Team‑oriented with a continuous improvement mindset
• Comfortable working with both engineering and production teams

Required Qualifications

• Associate degree, technical diploma, or equivalent experience in Automation, Mechatronics, Electrical, Electronics, or Industrial Technology.
• 3+ years of experience supporting automated manufacturing equipment (production environment).
• Hands‑on experience with:
  • Sensors, pneumatics, motors, drives, and servo systems
  • Industrial HMIs and automation hardware
• Ability to read electrical schematics, mechanical drawings, and control diagrams.
• Strong troubleshooting and problem‑solving skills.

Flex is an Equal Opportunity Employer and employment selection decisions are based on merit, qualifications, and abilities. We do not discriminate based on: age, race, religion, color, sex, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, disability, pregnancy status or any other status protected by law. We're happy to provide reasonable accommodations to those with a disability for assistance in the application process. Please email [e-mail] and we'll discuss your specific situation and next steps (NOTE: this email does not accept or consider resumes or applications. This is only for disability assistance. To be considered for a position at Flex, you must complete the application process first).