Automation Technician

Socket.dev; Circle Pines (MN); On-site; USD 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

Socket.dev in Minnesota seeks an Automation Technician to support robotic and automation cells in an injection molding environment. You will perform preventive maintenance, adjust simple robot programs, troubleshoot basic issues, and grow into more advanced responsibilities through on-the-job training and company-sponsored development.

Responsibilities include PMs on robots and EOAT, inspections, minor program adjustments, assisting with startups and production setups, documenting activities,

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED equivalent.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and hands-on critical thinking.
• Basic understanding of tools, measurements, and safety practices.
• Ability to read and follow technical instructions, diagrams, and checklists.
• Willingness and enthusiasm to learn robotics, automation, and injection molding processes.
• Reliable, detail-oriented, and able to work independently or in a team after training.
• Physically capable of lifting up to 50 lbs., standing for extended periods, and working in a manufacturing environment.

Responsibilities

• Perform routine preventive maintenance on robots, automation cells, EOAT, and related equipment.
• Conduct visual inspections, lubrication, cleaning, and basic adjustments on robotic systems and conveyors.
• Make minor adjustments to existing robot programs to optimize cycle times and part handling.
• Assist in troubleshooting mechanical, electrical, pneumatic, or programming issues and escalate as needed.
• Support mold end of arm tooling changeovers, machine startups, and production setups.
• Document maintenance and automation activities in the maintenance management system.
• Adhere to all safety protocols, including LOTO and robotic safety standards.
• Participate in training programs and cross-training with team members.
• Contribute to a collaborative environment by supporting production goals.

Skills

Mechanical aptitude

Reading technical instructions

Safety practices

Attention to detail

Teamwork

Manual dexterity

Education

High school diploma or GED

Vocational certificate or associate degree in related field

Tools

Measuring tools

Basic hand tools

Electrical/pneumatic understanding

Job description

Summary: This role focuses on supporting our robotic and automation cells in an injection molding environment. The ideal candidate will perform preventive maintenance (PMs), make minor adjustments to established robot programs, troubleshoot basic issues, and grow into more advanced responsibilities through structured on-the-job training and company-sponsored development opportunities.

Schedule: The standard work schedule for this position is during daytime hours; however, the Automation Technician must be able to work outside of these hours when business needs require, including off-shifts and weekends. Schedule adjustments may occur based on equipment needs, production demands, or emergency situations.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform routine preventive maintenance (PMs) on robots, automation cells, end-of-arm tooling (EOAT), and related equipment, following established checklists and schedules to ensure optimal performance and minimize downtime.
• Conduct visual inspections, lubrication, cleaning, and basic adjustments on robotic systems (e.g., Fanuc, Epson, Yushin, Wittmann, or similar), conveyors, pick-and-place systems, and auxiliary automation cells.
• Make minor adjustments to existing robot programs to optimize cycle times, part handling, or positioning—without the need to create new programs from scratch till skills are developed.
• Assist in troubleshooting mechanical, electrical, pneumatic, or programming issues in automation cells, escalating complex problems to senior technicians or engineers.
• Support mold end of arm tooling change overs, machine startups, and production setups by ensuring automation integration is smooth and functional.
• Document all maintenance and automation activities, PM completions, adjustments, and issues in our maintenance management system.
• Adhere to all safety protocols, including lockout/tagout (LOTO), robotic safety standards, and company policies.
• Participate actively in training programs, cross-training with experienced team members, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Contribute to a collaborative environment by communicating effectively and supporting production goals.

Qualifications Required:

• High school diploma or GED equivalent.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and hands-on critical thinking skills.
• Basic understanding of tools, measurements, and safety practices.
• Ability to read and follow technical instructions, diagrams, and checklists.
• Willingness and enthusiasm to learn robotics, automation, and injection molding processes.
• Reliable, detail-oriented, and able to work independently or in a team after training.
• Physically capable of lifting up to 50 lbs., standing for extended periods, and working in a manufacturing environment (may include noise, varying temperatures).

Preferred Qualifications:

• Previous experience in manufacturing, maintenance, or a technical role (e.g., machine operator, assembly, or basic repair).
• Familiarity with robotics, PLCs, pneumatics, or electrical systems.
• Vocational certificate or associate degree in mechatronics, robotics, industrial maintenance, automation technology, or related field.
• Basic computer skills (e.g., Microsoft Office, email, or simple data entry).

Monday - Friday, standard daytime hours.