Automation Technician

trak group; Cincinnati (OH); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

trak group is partnering with a growing client in Cincinnati, Ohio, seeking an experienced Automation Technician to support automated manufacturing and assembly equipment.

This hands-on role focuses on troubleshooting, preventive maintenance, repair, and continuous improvement within a production environment. Strong electrical/mechanical troubleshooting and knowledge of PLCs, servo drives, HMIs, robotics, and vision systems are required.

Qualifications

• Hands-on Automation Technician with strong electrical and mechanical troubleshooting background.
• Experience supporting industrial automation including PLCs, servo drives, HMIs, robotics, pneumatics, and vision systems.
• Proven ability to read electrical and pneumatic schematics and perform preventive maintenance.

Responsibilities

• Set up and operate automated manufacturing and assembly equipment safely.

Skills

Servo drives

HMIs

Robotics

Vision systems

Electrical troubleshooting

Mechanical troubleshooting

Pneumatic systems

Hydraulic systems

Electrical schematics

Pneumatic schematics

Tools

PLC programming

Automation controls

Job description

Setting/Hours: On-Site | All Shifts Open

Join trak group in partnering with a growing client in Cincinnati, Ohio that’s expanding its Manufacturing team.

Position Overview

Trak group is partnering with a growing client seeking an experienced Automation Technician to support automated manufacturing and assembly equipment. This is a hands‑on technical role focused on equipment troubleshooting, preventive maintenance, repair, and continuous improvement within a production environment.

The ideal candidate will have strong mechanical and electrical troubleshooting skills with experience supporting industrial automation, including PLCs, servo drives, HMIs, robotics, pneumatics, and vision systems. This individual will work closely with Manufacturing, Engineering, Maintenance, Quality, and other technical teams to maximize equipment reliability and production performance.

Key Responsibilities

Automation & Equipment Support

• Ensure automated manufacturing and assembly equipment is set up and operated safely.
• Troubleshoot automated equipment involving mechanical, electrical, pneumatic, and hydraulic systems.
• Diagnose issues involving industrial controls, including PLCs, servo drives, HMIs, robotics, and vision systems.
• Support failure analysis and repair activities on robotic and automated production equipment.
• Perform preventive maintenance to improve equipment reliability and minimize unplanned downtime.
• Assist with the installation, setup, and relocation of automated machinery.
• Provide backup technical support for Manufacturing Assembly Technicians.
• Respond to production equipment issues and work toward timely resolution to maintain production targets.

Troubleshooting & Technical Support

• Read and interpret electrical and pneumatic schematics to diagnose equipment problems.
• Identify equipment malfunctions and abnormalities and document findings according to established procedures.
• Compile technical information regarding equipment issues for senior Automation, Maintenance, Engineering, and Quality personnel.
• Provide Engineering with feedback and recommendations regarding equipment reliability and improvement opportunities.
• Analyze equipment and production data to identify potential problems and support troubleshooting activities.
• Adapt quickly to changing production priorities and equipment needs.

Preventive Maintenance & Equipment Reliability

• Maintain automated equipment in accordance with established cGMP and 5S standards.
• Complete required preventive maintenance activities on robotic and automated systems.
• Maintain accurate equipment maintenance and repair records.
• Monitor equipment condition and identify potential failures before they impact production.
• Maintain appropriate spare parts inventory to support equipment repairs and minimize downtime.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives focused on equipment performance, reliability, and productivity.

Production & Documentation

• Report daily assembly and equipment issues to the appropriate Supervisor.
• Communicate automation issues and outstanding concerns during shift hand-offs.
• Participate in production reviews and shift transitions using operational dashboards.
• Enter production data into the ERP system and maintain required logs.
• Ensure equipment issues, repairs, maintenance activities, and abnormalities are accurately documented.
• Maintain documentation practices in accordance with cGMP requirements.
• Support accurate and timely communication between shifts to ensure continuity of production.

Safety & Compliance

• Follow all established safety procedures when operating, troubleshooting, or maintaining automated equipment.
• Follow PPE requirements and help reinforce proper PPE practices within the production environment.
• Maintain equipment and work areas according to 5S standards.
• Ensure maintenance and production activities comply with applicable cGMP requirements and company procedures.
• Promote safe equipment operation and identify potential safety concerns during troubleshooting and repair activities.
• Strong mechanical and electrical equipment troubleshooting skills.
• Ability to troubleshoot industrial automation and controls, including:
• PLCs
• HMIs
• Robotics
• Vision systems
• Pneumatic systems
• Ability to read and interpret electrical and pneumatic schematics.
• Hands‑on ability to diagnose mechanical, electrical, pneumatic, and hydraulic equipment problems.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills.
• Ability to interpret technical and production data to troubleshoot equipment issues.
• Ability to achieve productivity expectations with minimal supervision.
• Strong adaptability when production needs and priorities change.
• Strong teamwork and cross‑functional collaboration skills.
• Ability to build and maintain cooperative working relationships with Manufacturing, Engineering, Maintenance, Quality, and other teams.
• Strong attention to documentation and compliance requirements.

Physical & Work Requirements

• Must be physically present on-site during scheduled working hours.
• Ability to work flexible hours or shifts when production requirements dictate.
• Ability to remain in a stationary position for extended periods.
• Ability to operate computers and standard office equipment.
• Ability to work within an active manufacturing and automated production environment.

Key Skills

• Servo drives and HMIs
• Robotics and vision systems
• Electrical troubleshooting
• Mechanical troubleshooting
• Pneumatic and hydraulic systems
• Electrical and pneumatic schematics
• Preventive maintenance
• Automated assembly equipment
• Failure analysis
• Equipment installation and relocation
• ERP documentation
• cGMP compliance
• 5SEquipment reliability and continuous improvement

Ideal Candidate Profile

The strongest candidate will be a hands‑on Automation Technician with a strong electrical and mechanical troubleshooting background who is comfortable diagnosing problems directly on automated production equipment. They should have practical experience working with PLC‑controlled machinery, servo drives, HMIs, robotics, pneumatics, and vision systems rather than purely theoretical automation knowledge.

This person should also be comfortable working in a structured, compliance‑driven manufacturing environment where documentation, cGMP practices, preventive maintenance, shift hand‑offs, and equipment reliability are critical. The right candidate will be self‑directed enough to troubleshoot with limited guidance while knowing when to Escalate complex technical issues to senior Automation, Engineering, Maintenance, or Quality personnel.

If you're ready to take the next step in your career and want to make an impact, partner with trak group to explore this opportunity.