Automation Technician

Aerotek; Roanoke (IN); On-site; USD 48,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

Aerotek in Roanoke, IN seeks an Automation Technician to support automated forklifts and robotic material handling in a large automotive plant. You will troubleshoot and repair mechanical, electrical, and control systems to keep operations running smoothly, including programming maps and routes for automated vehicles.

The role requires hands-on experience in industrial automation, PLC troubleshooting, and the ability to travel for a one-week training in Georgetown, KY.

Qualifications

• Experience in industrial automation and PLC troubleshooting.
• Ability to work on forklifts, conveyors, and related equipment.
• Willingness to travel to Georgetown, KY for training.

Responsibilities

• Maintain, troubleshoot, and repair automated forklifts and robotic equipment to minimize downtime.
• Diagnose mechanical and electrical issues on forklifts including hydraulics, pneumatics, and conveyors.
• Support PLC troubleshooting focusing on control systems for forklift movement and routing.
• Work with controls and automation to ensure correct routes, docking, and charging behaviors.
• Perform on-site adjustments to optimize forklift performance and reliability.
• Collaborate with automation teams to address faults, alarms, and performance issues.

Skills

Hands-on automation

PLC troubleshooting

Mechanical aptitude

Electrical troubleshooting

Hydraulics & pneumatics

Conveyor systems

Technical documentation

Travel for training

Safety compliance

Tools

Allen-Bradley PLCs

IP networking setup

Job description

Job Title: Automation Technician

Job Description

The Automation Technician works on site in a large automotive manufacturing plant, supporting a fleet of state-of-the-art automated forklifts and robotic material handling equipment. These automated vehicles operate on programmed maps to navigate the facility, pick up and deliver materials to designated cells, move to charging stations, and return to their home positions. The role focuses on keeping this automation running reliably by performing mechanical and electrical work, troubleshooting controls, and ensuring safe and efficient operation of the system.

Responsibilities

• Maintain, troubleshoot, and repair automated forklifts and associated robotic equipment to minimize downtime and ensure continuous operation.

• Diagnose and resolve mechanical and electrical issues on forklifts, including components such as hydraulics, pneumatics, and conveyor systems.

• Support PLC troubleshooting activities, focusing on control systems that govern forklift movement, mapping, and interaction with plant infrastructure.

• Work with controls and automation systems to ensure automated forklifts follow programmed routes to pick up and deliver materials, return to holding spots, and access charging stations as required.

• Perform on-site adjustments and fine-tuning of control parameters to optimize forklift performance and reliability.

• Collaborate with automation and controls teams to address system faults, alarms, and performance issues in a timely manner.

• Participate in a one-week training program in Georgetown, KY to learn how to work on specific controls and systems used in the automated forklifts.

• Assist in relocating automated forklifts within the plant during facility shutdown periods, including moving equipment to new areas and supporting the setup of additional docks.

• Contribute to the integration of additional automated forklifts as they are added to the site, ensuring proper installation, configuration, and testing.

• Create and configure IP addresses for automation devices and forklifts as part of system setup, troubleshooting, and network-related tasks.

• Perform routine inspections and preventive maintenance on automation equipment to identify potential issues before they impact operations.

• Document work performed, including troubleshooting steps, repairs, and configuration changes, to support ongoing maintenance and continuous improvement.

• Follow safety procedures and plant guidelines when working around automated robots, conveyors, and other moving equipment.

• Communicate effectively with team members and plant personnel about equipment status, ongoing issues, and required follow-up actions.

Essential Skills

• Hands-on automation experience in an industrial or manufacturing environment.

• Strong PLC troubleshooting skills, including experience diagnosing and resolving issues in automated control systems.

• Mechanical aptitude with experience working on industrial equipment such as forklifts, conveyors, or similar machinery.

• Electrical troubleshooting experience, including working with 480V and higher voltage systems in an industrial setting.

• Hydraulics and pneumatics experience, including understanding of components and how they integrate with automated equipment.

• Experience working with conveyor systems, including troubleshooting mechanical and electrical issues.

• Ability to read and interpret technical documentation related to automation, controls, and industrial equipment.

• Willingness and ability to travel to Georgetown, KY for approximately one week of technical training on specific forklift controls.

• Comfort working in a highly automated environment with mobile robots and automated forklifts.

• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to work independently to resolve equipment issues.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience working on forklifts, including mechanical and electrical repair and maintenance.

• Understanding of how to create and configure IP addresses for automation equipment and networked devices.

• Background in large-scale automated distribution or fulfillment environments, such as e-commerce or logistics facilities.

• Controls experience, including exposure to controls engineering concepts and practices.

• Experience with Allen-Bradley PLCs or similar industrial control platforms.

• Exposure to robotics and automated material handling systems.

• Ability to adapt to evolving automation systems as additional equipment is introduced at the site.

• Strong attention to detail and commitment to maintaining a clean, organized, and safe work area.

Why Work Here?

You join a highly advanced, technology-driven operation where automation and robotics are central to daily work. The environment offers the opportunity to build specialized expertise in automated forklifts and industrial controls, supported by structured training and paid travel for technical development. You work in a clean, quiet facility that values safety, organization, and efficiency, with a consistent first-shift schedule that supports work-life balance. As the site expands its automation footprint, you gain exposure to cutting‑edge equipment and long‑term growth opportunities in industrial automation.

Work Environment

The role is based on site in a modern automotive manufacturing plant characterized by an extremely clean and quiet environment. The facility relies heavily on automated robots and forklifts that move throughout the plant, following mapped routes and stopping at designated locations and stop signs. Work is performed primarily on first shift, Monday through Friday, from 6:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. , providing a consistent daytime schedule. During plant shutdown periods, you remain active in the facility, relocating forklifts to new areas and supporting the installation of additional docks and equipment. The environment is highly automated, with extensive use of industrial controls, PLCs, and networked devices, and requires adherence to standard industrial safety practices and appropriate attire for working around machinery and automated systems.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Roanoke, IN.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $35.00 - $40.00/hr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your jobclassification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may besubject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefitsavailable for this temporary role may include the following:

Medical, dental & visionCritical Illness, Accident, and Hospital401(k) Retirement Plan Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions availableLife Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)Short and long-term disabilityHealth Spending Account (HSA)Transportation benefitsEmployee Assistance ProgramTime Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Roanoke, IN.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Nov 11, 2026.

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Roanoke,IN.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance:

Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector:

It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI):

We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.