Automation Technician

TPD® Workforce Solutions; Portland (OR); On-site; USD 44,000 - 72,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental coverage

Disability programs

401k matching up to 5%

Job summary

TPD® Workforce Solutions is seeking a hands-on Process Automation Technician for a 24/7 steel production facility in Portland, Oregon. You will troubleshoot and maintain PLC, SCADA, HMI, and instrumentation systems, collaborating with production, maintenance, and engineering teams to minimize downtime and improve reliability.

The role requires an Associate degree in Electronics, Automation, Mechatronics, or related field and 1–3+ years of industrial automation experience, with strong electrical

Qualifications

• Associate degree in Electronics, Automation, Mechatronics, or related field or equivalent hands-on experience.
• 1–3+ years of experience in industrial automation, manufacturing, process control, or related environment.
• Experience with PLC systems (Allen-Bradley/Rockwell or Siemens).
• Familiarity with SCADA and HMI systems.
• Strong electrical, controls, and troubleshooting skills.
• Ability to read electrical, mechanical, and hydraulic schematics.

Responsibilities

• Troubleshoot and support PLC, SCADA, HMI, instrumentation, and automated control systems throughout the steel mill.
• Minimize downtime by responding to equipment and system issues and keeping production safe and efficient.
• Perform routine inspections, calibration, and maintenance of automation and gauging systems.
• Collaborate with production, maintenance, and engineering teams to identify problems and develop solutions.
• Assist with installation, commissioning, modification, and upgrading of automation equipment and systems.
• Read and interpret schematics and document repairs and changes.
• Update technical documentation and participate in continuous improvement initiatives.

Skills

PLC

SCADA

HMI

Instrumentation

Control systems

Electrical troubleshooting

Schematics reading

Team collaboration

Education

Associate degree in Electronics/Automation/Mechatronics

Tools

Allen-Bradley/Rockwell

Siemens PLC

SCADA software

HMI platforms

Job description

Portland, Oregon | Steel Manufacturing Environment

An established steel manufacturing organization is seeking a hands-on Process Automation Technician to support the reliability, troubleshooting, and continuous improvement of automated systems across its 24/7 production facility.

This is a highly technical role for someone who enjoys being close to the equipment, solving complex automation problems, and working with PLCs, SCADA, HMIs, instrumentation, and control systems. The ideal candidate is a strong critical thinker who can troubleshoot independently, collaborate with production and engineering teams, and thrive in a fast-paced industrial environment.

What's In It For You?

• $32–$52/hour
• 4 days on / 4 days off rotating schedule, including days and nights.
• Family medical, dental, and prescription coverage at minimal employee cost.
• Short- and long-term disability programs.
• 401k plan (Employer 100% match up to the 1st 5%)
• Employer-provided and voluntary life insurance.
• Paid vacation and 10 recognized holidays.
• Wellness program.

What You'll Be Doing

• Troubleshoot and support PLC, SCADA, HMI, instrumentation, and automated control systems throughout the steel mill.
• Respond to equipment and system issues to minimize downtime and keep production running safely and efficiently.
• Perform routine inspections, operational checks, calibration, and maintenance of automation and gauging systems.
• Work closely with production, maintenance, and engineering teams to identify problems and develop effective solutions.
• Assist with the installation, commissioning, modification, and upgrading of automation equipment and systems.
• Troubleshoot issues across electrical, mechanical, instrumentation, and control systems.
• Read and interpret electrical, mechanical, and hydraulic schematics.
• Document repairs, system changes, and troubleshooting activities while communicating effectively across shifts.
• Update technical documentation, drawings, procedures, and system information.
• Participate in continuous improvement initiatives focused on equipment reliability, efficiency, safety, and product quality.

What We're Looking For

• Associate degree in Electronics, Automation, Mechatronics, or a related field, or equivalent hands‑on industrial experience.
• 1–3+ years of experience in industrial automation, manufacturing, process control, or a related environment.
• Experience working with PLC systems, particularly Allen-Bradley/Rockwell or Siemens.
• Familiarity with SCADA and HMI systems.
• Strong electrical, controls, and troubleshooting skills.
• Ability to read and interpret electrical, mechanical, and hydraulic schematics.
• Strong critical thinking and problem‑solving abilities.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with production, maintenance, and engineering teams.
• Comfortable working in a 24/7 steel manufacturing environment and willing to work a rotating day/night schedule.

Preferred Experience

• Ignition HMI/SCADA experience.
• Experience with iba DAQ and visualization software.
• Programming experience with C#, VB/.NET, C, or Python.
• Experience in steel, metals, manufacturing, or another heavy industrial environment

This is an immediate opening, and cover letters are not required.

We are an Equal Employment Opportunity employer that values the strength diversity brings to the workplace. All qualified applicants, regardless of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, gender identity or expression, national origin, genetics, age, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law, are strongly encouraged to apply. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the recruitment process.