Automation Technician

Socket.dev; Roanoke (VA); On-site; USD 52,000 - 76,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

401(k) plan

Paid time off

Holidays

Disability insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Life insurance

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

Würth Industry North America is seeking an Automation Technician to install, maintain, troubleshoot, and optimize automated systems and equipment across our manufacturing operations in Roanoke, VA. You will ensure reliability, safety, and alignment with production goals.

Key activities include preventive maintenance on PLCs, HMIs, sensors, drives and robotics; programming and debugging PLCs; supporting system integration; reading schematics; and documenting changes.

Qualifications

• Associate degree or technical certification in Automation, Electrical Engineering Technology, Mechatronics, or related field preferred.
• 2+ years in industrial automation, maintenance, or controls systems preferred.
• Experience with CMMS systems preferred.
• Knowledge of networked industrial systems (Ethernet/IP, Modbus) preferred.
• Certifications in automation or maintenance (ISA, Siemens, Rockwell) preferred.
• Strong troubleshooting, safety awareness, and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Maintain automated equipment, PLCs, HMIs, sensors, drives, and robotics.
• Troubleshoot electrical, mechanical, and control issues to minimize downtime.
• Assist in programming and debugging PLC/control systems.
• Support integration of new automation equipment into existing systems.
• Document system changes and maintain logs.
• Follow safety procedures and LOTO protocols.

Skills

Troubleshooting

Safety awareness

Teamwork

Communication

Reading schematics

PLC programming

Education

Associate degree or technical certification in Automation, Electrical Engineering Technology, Mechatronics, or related field

Tools

CMMS

SCADA

Ethernet/IP

Job description

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Automation Technician is responsible for the installation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and optimization ofautomated systems and equipment. This role supports operational efficiency by ensuring automation systemsoperate reliably, safely, and in alignment with production goals.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

System Maintenance & Reliability

• Perform preventive and corrective maintenance on automated equipment, including PLCs, HMIs, sensors,drives, and robotics.
• Troubleshoot electrical, mechanical, and control system issues to minimize downtime.
• Monitor system performance and proactively identify potential failures.

Automation & Controls Support

• Assist in programming, modifying, and debugging PLC and control systems.
• Support integration of new automation equipment into existing systems.
• Maintain and interpret electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, and technical documentation.

Process Improvement

• Identify opportunities to improve system efficiency, uptime, and safety.
• Collaborate with engineering and operations teams on continuous improvement initiatives.
• Assist with root cause analysis and implement corrective actions.

Installation & Commissioning

• Support the installation, startup, and commissioning of new automated systems and equipment.
• Validate system functionality and ensure proper calibration and configuration.

Safety & Compliance

• Follow all safety procedures, lockout/tagout (LOTO) protocols, and regulatory requirements.
• Ensure all automation systems meet safety standards and compliance guidelines.
• Participate in safety audits and risk assessments.

Documentation & Reporting

• Maintain accurate maintenance records and work logs.
• Document system changes, repairs, and upgrades.
• Provide clear communication on system status and issues.
• All other duties as assigned

EDUCATION, QUALIFICATIONS, SKILLS & ABILITIES

• Associate degree or technical certification in Automation, Electrical Engineering Technology,Mechatronics, or related field (preferred).
• 2+ years of experience in industrial automation, maintenance, or controls systems (preferred).
• Experience with CMMS systems (preferred)
• Knowledge of networked industrial systems (Ethernet/IP, Modbus, etc.) (preferred)
• Certification in automation, controls, or maintenance (e.g., ISA, Siemens, Rockwell) (preferred)
• Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills
• Attention to detail and safety awareness
• Ability to work independently and in a team environment
• Effective communication skills
• Adaptability in a fast-paced operational setting
• Working knowledge of:
  • PLCs (Allen-Bradley, Siemens, )
  • HMIs and SCADA systems
  • Sensors, actuators, and industrial controls
  • Electrical systems (low and medium voltage
• Ability to read and interpret electrical and mechanical schematics.
• Familiarity with robotics and vision systems is a plus.
• May require shift work, weekends, or on-call support
• Ability to stand, walk, and work on foot for extended periods
• Lift and carry up to 50 lbs.
• Ability to climb ladders and work in confined spaces if needed

The Würth Difference:

• Proactive supply chain solutions customized to your business, your industry
• Industrial products and services delivered with prompt, personal attention
• Inventory management solutions that keep your production line moving smoothly
• Complete program support from initial design, to implementation, training, to ongoing analysis

Why Würth:

• Maternity/Paternal leave after 1 year of service
• Tuition Reimbursement eligible after 1 year of service
• Health benefits and programs - medical, vision, dental, life insurance and more
• Additional benefits 401(k), short term disability, long term disability
• Paid Time Off, accrued per pay period, additional day earned per year of service
• 10 paid holidays

EEOC STATEMENT:

The Wurth Industry North America group of companies are Equal Opportunity Employers and do not discriminate on the basis of an individual's sex, age, race, color, creed, national origin, alienage, religion, marital status, pregnancy, sexual orientation or affectional preference, genetic trait or predisposition, carrier status, citizenship, veteran or military status, and other personal characteristics protected by law. All applications will receive consideration for employment without regard to legally protected characteristics. Wurth will consider qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable federal, state and local laws.