Automation Technician

Pelton Shepherd Industries; Streamwood (IL); On-site; USD 57,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Pelton Shepherd Industries is seeking an Automation Technician to join our production team in a fast-paced manufacturing environment where uptime, quality, and safety matter daily.

You will install, troubleshoot, and maintain automated equipment, collaborate with engineering and operations, and support continuous improvement initiatives.

A 3-year minimum in industrial maintenance or automation, a high school diploma, valid driver’s license, and willingness to travel are required.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Technical training or degree in Industrial Maintenance, Mechatronics, Automation, Electrical Technology, or related field preferred.
• Minimum 3 years of experience in industrial maintenance, automation, manufacturing, or related environments.
• Valid driver's license and ability to travel as required.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including occasional weekends and offshift support.

Responsibilities

• Install, commission, and support automated manufacturing and packaging equipment.
• Troubleshoot electrical, mechanical, pneumatic, hydraulic, and controls-related issues.
• Diagnose machine faults utilizing PLC software, HMIs, electrical schematics, and diagnostic tools.
• Support startups, machine upgrades, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Assist with equipment integration and optimization projects.
• Perform preventive, predictive, and corrective maintenance activities.
• Respond to production downtime events and implement timely corrective actions.

Skills

Troubleshooting

Reading schematics

Teamwork

Safety awareness

Communication

Multitasking

Education

High school diploma or GED

Technical training or degree in Industrial Maintenance/Mechatronics/Automation/Electrical Technology

Tools

Allen-Bradley PLC

Siemens PLC

Packaging equipment

Conveyors/Robotics

Maintenance management software

Job description

Looking for more than just a job? Build a career with a company that values its people, supports growth, and knows great teamwork gets the job done. Pelton Shepherd Industries is looking for motivated individuals to join our production team in a fast-paced manufacturing environment where your work makes a real difference every day.

Why Pelton Shepherd Industries?

For over 70 years, Pelton Shepherd Industries has been a family-operated leader in cold chain and temperature-controlled packaging solutions, serving industries from food service to pharmaceuticals. We've built our reputation on the dedication and talent of our employees, because great products start with great people.

We're committed to innovation, sustainability, and continuous improvement, but we also believe work should be rewarding. We invest in our employees' growth, recognize hard work, and foster a culture where people can thrive. After all, keeping products cool is our business, but our team culture is anything but cold.

Why This Role Matters

As an Automation Technician, you are not just fixing equipment—you are protecting uptime, ensuring product quality, and directly impacting customer satisfaction. Your expertise keeps our operations moving and our standards high.

Key Responsibilities

Automation & Equipment Support

• Install, commission, and support automated manufacturing and packaging equipment.
• Troubleshoot electrical, mechanical, pneumatic, hydraulic, and controlsrelated issues.
• Diagnose machine faults utilizing PLC software, HMIs, electrical schematics, and diagnostic tools.
• Support startups, machine upgrades, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Assist with equipment integration and optimization projects.

Maintenance & Reliability

• Perform preventive, predictive, and corrective maintenance activities.
• Respond to production downtime events and implement timely corrective actions.
• Maintain equipment documentation, maintenance records, and spare parts inventories.
• Identify root causes of equipment failures and recommend longterm solutions.

Controls & Electrical Systems

• Troubleshoot and maintain: o PLCs and HMIs
• Motors and motor controls oVariable Frequency Drives (VFDs)
• Servo systems oSensors and instrumentation
• Machine safety systems oIndustrial networks and communication systems
• Support control panel assembly, wiring, and modifications.

Production & Team Support

• Provide technical support to operations and maintenance personnel.
• Assist in training operators and technicians on equipment operation and troubleshooting.
• Collaborate with engineering, production, quality, and safety teams.
• Participate in Lean Manufacturing and Continuous Improvement initiatives.

Safety & Compliance

• Follow all company safety policies and procedures.
• Adhere to Lockout/Tagout (LOTO), machine guarding, electrical safety, and OSHA requirements.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment.
• Support GMP, HACCP, and quality system requirements where applicable.

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Technical training or degree in Industrial Maintenance, Mechatronics, Automation, Electrical Technology, or related field preferred.
• Minimum 3 years of experience in industrial maintenance, automation, manufacturing, or related environments.
• Valid driver's license and ability to travel as required.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including occasional weekends and offshift support.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with AllenBradley, Siemens, or similar PLC platforms.
• Experience with packaging equipment, conveyors, robotics, or automated material handling systems.
• OSHA, NFPA 70E, or other industrial safety certifications.
• Experience in food, healthcare, packaging, or consumer products manufacturing environments.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Strong troubleshooting and problemsolving skills.
• Ability to read electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, and mechanical drawings.
• Working knowledge of PLCs, HMIs, VFDs, sensors, pneumatics, and industrial controls.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office and maintenance management software.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining attention to detail.
• Selfmotivated with a commitment to safety, quality, and continuous improvement.

Physical Requirements

• Frequently lift and carry up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to stand, walk, climb, bend, kneel, and work in manufacturing environments for extended periods.
• Ability to work at heights using ladders, lifts, and elevated platforms.
• Ability to distinguish wire colors and perform detailed technical work.

Why Pelton Shepherd?

At Pelton Shepherd, we are committed to delivering innovative packaging and cold-chain solutions through operational excellence, teamwork, and continuous improvement. We invest in our people and provide opportunities to grow technical skills while working with advanced manufacturing technologies that support leading healthcare, food, and industrial customers.

Pelton Shepherd Industries is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive workplace for all employees.