Automation Technician

RiseMe; Illinois; On-site; USD 72,000 - 99,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical and dental coverage from day 1

401(k) plan with company matching

Employee stock purchase plan (ESPP)

Job summary

Baxter is seeking an Automation Technician in Illinois to build, install, troubleshoot, and support automated manufacturing equipment, combining electrical and automation expertise to ensure safe, reliable operation.

You will collaborate with engineers and manufacturing teams on projects from installation to startup, driving equipment reliability, FAT/SAT processes, and continuous improvement initiatives in a fast-paced setting.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• 5+ years of experience in electrical controls wiring, automation equipment assembly, or related fields.
• Ability to read electrical schematics, pneumatic diagrams, and CAD drawings.
• Completion of an electrical apprenticeship program.
• Experience in regulated or high‑volume manufacturing environments.

Responsibilities

• Perform electrical and pneumatic assembly, installation, startup, maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair of automated manufacturing equipment.
• Build, wire, test, and troubleshoot electrical control panels, high- and low‑voltage systems, and automation components including PLCs, HMIs, VFDs, servo systems, robotics, vision systems, sensors, and pneumatic devices.
• Support mechanical assembly, equipment integration, FAT, SAT, and field installations.
• Read and interpret schematics and drawings to complete installations and modifications.
• Use testing equipment to diagnose issues, identify root causes, and implement corrective actions.
• Provide technical feedback, document field changes, and contribute to continuous improvement.
• Provide technical guidance and training to plant personnel on operation, maintenance, and best practices.
• Travel as needed to support installation, commissioning, startup, and service activities.

Skills

Electrical controls

Wiring practices

Pneumatic systems

Reading schematics

Troubleshooting

Problem-solving

Communication

Travel flexibility

Education

Electrical apprenticeship completed

Technical training in Electrical Technology

Tools

PLCs

HMIs

VFDs

Robotics

Vision systems

Job description

This is whereyour work makes a difference.

At Baxter, we believe every person—regardless of who they are or where they are from—deserves a chance to live a healthy life. It was our founding belief in 1931 and continues to be our guiding principle. We are redefining healthcare delivery to make a greater impact today, tomorrow, and beyond.

Our Baxter colleagues are united by our Mission to Save and Sustain Lives. Together, our community is driven by a culture of courage, trust, and collaboration. Every individual is empowered to take ownership and make a meaningful impact. We strive for efficient and effective operations, and we hold each other accountable for delivering exceptional results.

Here, you will find more than just a job—you will find purpose and pride.

Your role at Baxter

As an Automation Technician, you will play a key role in building, installing, troubleshooting, and supporting the automated manufacturing equipment that keeps our operations running efficiently. You'll combine your electrical and automation expertise with hands‑on problem solving to ensure equipment is operating safely, reliably, and at peak performance.

This is where your technical skills directly impact advanced manufacturing systems, helping bring innovative automation solutions to life while supporting the production of products that help save and sustain lives.

Working closely with engineers, designers, manufacturing teams, and external partners, you will support automation projects from assembly and testing through installation and startup. Success in this role is measured by equipment reliability, project execution, troubleshooting effectiveness, and contributions to continuous improvement.

Your team

You will join a team dedicated to developing and supporting automation solutions that enable safe, efficient, and reliable manufacturing operations. Together, your work helps Baxter deliver the products healthcare providers and patients depend on every day.

Our team values collaboration, innovation, continuous learning, and hands‑on problem solving. You'll work alongside experienced engineers, technicians, and manufacturing professionals in a fast‑paced environment where teamwork and technical excellence are highly valued.

At Baxter, we support our employees both professionally and personally through comprehensive benefits, paid volunteer time, matching charitable contributions, well‑being resources, and programs designed to support employees and their families throughout every stage of life.

What you’ll be doing

• Perform electrical and pneumatic assembly, installation, startup, maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair of automated manufacturing equipment.
• Build, wire, test, and troubleshoot electrical control panels, high- and low‑voltage systems, and automation components including PLCs, HMIs, VFDs, servo systems, robotics, vision systems, sensors, and pneumatic devices.
• Support mechanical assembly, equipment integration, equipment debugging, factory acceptance testing (FAT), site acceptance testing (SAT), and field installations.
• Read and interpret electrical schematics, pneumatic diagrams, and engineering drawings to complete installations and modifications.
• Use electrical testing equipment to diagnose issues, investigate equipment failures, identify root causes, and implement corrective actions.
• Partner with engineering and manufacturing teams by providing technical feedback, documenting field changes, and contributing to continuous improvement initiatives.
• Provide technical guidance and training to plant personnel on equipment operation, maintenance, and best practices.
• Travel as needed to support equipment installation, commissioning, startup, and service activities.

What you’ll bring

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in electrical controls wiring, automation equipment assembly, industrial automation support, or a combination of related education and experience.
• Strong knowledge of electrical controls, industrial wiring practices, and pneumatic systems.
• Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics, pneumatic diagrams, and 2D/3D CAD drawings.
• Experience wiring systems from power distribution through control logic and I/O devices.
• Proficiency using electrical test equipment and troubleshooting automated manufacturing systems.
• Strong problem-solving, communication, and decision-making skills.
• Ability to work flexible schedules and travel as needed.
• Technical training in Electrical Technology, Industrial Maintenance, Mechatronics, Automation Technology, or a related field.
• Completion of a recognized electrical apprenticeship program.
• Experience supporting automated manufacturing equipment in a regulated or high‑volume manufacturing environment.
• Experience working with PLCs, HMIs, VFDs, servo systems, robotics, vision systems, and other automation technologies.
• Experience supporting equipment installation, commissioning, FAT/SAT activities, and field service projects.

We understand compensation is an important factor as you consider the next step in your career. At Baxter, we are committed to equitable pay for all employees, and we strive to be more transparent with our pay practices. The estimated base salary for this position is $72,000 - $99,000 annually. The estimated range is meant to reflect an anticipated salary range for the position. We may pay more or less than of the anticipated range based upon market data and other factors, all of which are subject to change. Individual pay is based on upon location, skills and expertise, experience, and other relevant factors. This position may also be eligible for discretionary bonuses. For questions about this, our pay philosophy, and available benefits, please speak to the recruiter if you decide to apply and are selected for an interview.

Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa at this time.

US Benefits at Baxter (except for Puerto Rico)

This is where your well‑being matters. Baxter offers comprehensive compensation and benefits packages for eligible roles. Our health and well‑being benefits include medical and dental coverage that start on day one, as well as insurance coverage for basic life, accident, short‑term and long‑term disability, and business travel accident insurance. Financial and retirement benefits include the Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP), with the ability to purchase company stock at a discount, and the 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan (RSP), with options for employee contributions and company matching. We also offer Flexible Spending Accounts, educational assistance programs, and time‑off benefits such as paid holidays, paid time off ranging from 20 to 35 days based on length of service, family and medical leaves of absence, and paid parental leave. Additional benefits include commuting benefits, the Employee Discount Program, the Employee Assistance Program (EAP), and childcare benefits. Join us and enjoy the competitive compensation and benefits we offer to our employees.For additional information regarding Baxter US Benefits, please speak with your recruiter or visit our Benefits site: Benefits | Baxter

Equal Employment Opportunity

Baxter is an equal opportunity employer. Baxter evaluates qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, protected veteran status, disability/handicap status or any other legally protected characteristic.

Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal

Reasonable Accommodations
Baxter is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities globally. If, because of a medical condition or disability, you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or interview process, please click on the link here and let us know the nature of your request along with your contact information.

Recruitment Fraud Notice
Baxter has discovered incidents of employment scams, where fraudulent parties pose as Baxter employees, recruiters, or other agents, and engage with online job seekers in an attempt to steal personal and/or financial information. To learn how you can protect yourself, review our Recruitment Fraud Notice.