Automation Technician

Sterling Engineering; Coopersville (MI); On-site; USD 39,000 - 47,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

PTO & paid holidays

Medical plans

Dental & Vision

401(k) and ESOP

Full benefits package

Job summary

Sterling Engineering in Michigan is hiring experienced Automation Technicians to support highly automated manufacturing operations producing automotive components. This role requires strong electrical and mechanical troubleshooting skills and involves maintaining automated production equipment, performing preventive maintenance, and supporting continuous improvement to maximize uptime.

The position offers contract-to-hire, long-term gig with 1st and 2nd shifts available.

Qualifications

• Associate degree or technical certification in Industrial Maintenance or related field.
• 2+ years of industrial automation or maintenance experience.
• Experience with automated manufacturing or assembly lines.
• Strong electrical and mechanical troubleshooting skills.
• Ability to read electrical schematics and mechanical drawings.

Responsibilities

• Troubleshoot and repair automated assembly equipment and robots.
• Perform preventative and predictive maintenance on production equipment.
• Diagnose electrical, mechanical, pneumatic, and hydraulic systems.
• Troubleshoot PLC-controlled equipment and automated machinery.
• Read and interpret electrical schematics and mechanical drawings.
• Document maintenance activities and train operators.
• Support equipment startups and process improvements.
• Maintain a clean, safe work environment.

Skills

Electrical troubleshooting

Mechanical troubleshooting

PLC troubleshooting

Read schematics & drawings

Preventative maintenance

Robotics troubleshooting

Education

Associate degree or technical certification

Military training

Tools

Hand tools

Power tools

Precision measuring equipment

Job description

Hire Type: Contract-to-Hire (long term, full time)

Shift : 1st Shift and 2nd Shift available

Compensation: $28-$34/hr (based on experience)

Benefits: As a contract employee of Sterling, you are eligible to receive a Full Employee Benefits Package that includes paid time off, paid holidays, 3 medical plans to choose from, dental & vision plans, 401(k), and an Employee Stock Ownership (ESOP) plan.

Overview:

We are seeking experienced Automation Technicians to support highly automated manufacturing operations producing automotive components for leading vehicle platforms. This role is ideal for candidates with strong electrical and mechanical troubleshooting skills who enjoy working with automated assembly equipment in a fast-paced manufacturing environment. The Automation Technician will be responsible for maintaining automated production equipment, performing preventative maintenance, troubleshooting equipment failures, and supporting continuous improvement initiatives to maximize equipment uptime and production efficiency.

Job Duties:

• Troubleshoot and repair automated assembly equipment, robotics, and manufacturing systems.
• Perform preventative and predictive maintenance on production equipment.
• Diagnose and repair electrical, mechanical, pneumatic, and hydraulic systems.
• Troubleshoot PLC-controlled equipment and automated machinery.
• Read and interpret electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, and mechanical drawings.
• Repair and replace motors, sensors, drives, conveyors, cylinders, valves, and other automation components.
• Support equipment startups, changeovers, and process improvements.
• Assist Automation Engineers with equipment qualifications, testing, and system improvements.
• Document maintenance activities, repairs, and equipment performance.
• Train operators and technicians on equipment operation and basic troubleshooting.
• Follow all safety procedures and maintain a clean, organized work environment.

Qualifications:

• Associate degree, technical certification, military training, or equivalent hands-on experience in Industrial Maintenance, Mechatronics, Automation, or a related field.
• At least 2+ years of industrial automation or maintenance experience
• Experience supporting automated manufacturing or assembly lines.
• Strong electrical and mechanical troubleshooting skills.
• Experience troubleshooting pneumatic and hydraulic systems.
• Working knowledge of PLC-controlled equipment.
• Ability to read electrical schematics and mechanical drawings.
• Experience using hand tools, power tools, and precision measuring equipment.
• Strong problem-solving skills and commitment to safety.

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or genetic information.