Automation Technician

Socket.dev; Spokane Valley (WA); On-site; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

401(k) plan

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Job summary

ASC Machine Tools in Spokane Valley, WA is seeking an Automation Technician to bring industrial equipment to life. You will commission and start up machinery, troubleshoot PLC programs, and audit existing systems.

You'll work with engineers and production staff to ensure designs meet specs and high performance standards. Travel up to 50% to customer sites across the U.S. and Canada is expected.

Qualifications

• Associate degree in Automated Systems or related field.
• Proven experience troubleshooting electrical controls and automation.
• Ability to read schematics and ladder logic.

Responsibilities

• Commission and start up new industrial equipment in shop and at customer facilities.
• Write, modify, and troubleshoot PLC and HMI code to ensure proper operation.
• Audit and inspect equipment to identify performance issues and faults.
• Diagnose complex electrical and controls problems during build, startup, and field integration.
• Collaborate with engineers and assembly teams to test functionality.
• Maintain up-to-date software and publish known issues based on feedback.
• Travel to customer facilities for startups and site audits.

Skills

PLC programming

Electrical troubleshooting

Schematic reading

Team collaboration

Travel readiness

Ladder logic

Education

Associate degree in Automated Systems

Tools

Studio 5000

TIA Portal

CODESYS

FactoryTalk

Ignition

Job description

Job Details: Job Location: SPOKANE - Spokane Valley, WA, Position Type: Full Time, Salary Range: $80000.00 - $100000.00Salary/year, Travel Percentage: Up to 50% , Job Shift: Day, Job Category: Manufacturing, Job Title: Automation Technician Job type: Full-time Salary: $80,000-$100,000, depending on experience

About ASC Machine Tools ASC Machine Tools, Inc. has built industrial equipment in Spokane for more than 75 years. Our technicians and engineers work closely with production and service teams to build reliable machinery for customers in a variety of industries.

Position Summary We are looking for an Automation Technician who enjoys bringing industrial equipment to life and keeping it running smoothly. You will be actively involved in commissioning and starting up machinery, troubleshooting and coding PLC programs, and auditing existing equipment in the shop and field. This is a hands‑on role with a balanced focus on control systems support, functional testing, and system diagnostics. You will work directly with engineers, production staff, and customers to ensure automated equipment meets design specifications and high performance standards. This position is expected to travel regularly to customers to help with startups and/or diagnose and fix issues.

Key Responsibilities

• Commission and start up new industrial equipment both in the shop and at customer facilities.
• Write, modify, and troubleshoot PLC and HMI program code to ensure proper machine operation.
• Audit and inspect existing industrial equipment to identify performance issues, hardware faults, and areas for upgrade.
• Diagnose complex electrical and controls problems during build, startup, and field integration.
• Collaborate with mechanical engineers and assembly teams to test and validate machine functionality.
• Keep project teams informed on technical progress, system status, and potential fixes.
• Assist in updating wiring schematics, technical documentation, and equipment audit reports.
• Managing up-to-date and functioning software for all components.
• Publishing known issues with components and programs based on historical problems and customer feedback.
• Automation‑related support calls.
• Regular travel to customer facilities throughout United States, Canada, and occasionally around the world.

Scope by Experience Responsibilities will be aligned with experience. Junior technicians will work alongside senior team members as they learn our equipment and processes. Experienced technicians will take the lead on complex commissioning assignments, perform technical audits, and mentor junior staff.

What You'll Bring to The Team:

• Associate degree in Automated Systems, Electrical Technology, Robotics and Mechatronics Technology, Electrical Maintenance and Automation or equivalent hands‑on industry experience.
• Proven experience troubleshooting electrical controls, automation systems, and PLC programs.
• Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics and ladder logic.
• Ability to read and interpret DMM and Oscilloscope readings.
• Strong hands‑on problem‑solving skills and the ability to work independently or with a team.

Preferred Qualifications

• Direct experience commissioning, starting up, and auditing complex industrial machinery.
• Proficiency with major PLC programming platforms (e.g., Studio 5000, TIA Portal, or CODESYS).
• Experience with HMI platforms (e.g., FactoryTalk, Ignition, Red Lion).
• Hands‑on knowledge of servo drives, motion control systems, hydraulics, and pneumatic actuators.
• Familiarity with industrial safety standards and electrical codes (e.g., NFPA 79, UL508A).
• Willingness to travel up to 50% for field commissioning and site audits.

Why Join ASC Machine Tools?

Competitive salary of $75,000-$125,000, depending on experience. Health, dental, and vision insurance, plus a 401(k) plan. Dynamic, hands‑on technical work with custom industrial machinery. A collaborative environment where technicians work directly with engineering and manufacturing teams. Live and work in Spokane, WA, with quick access to outdoor recreation.