Automation Technician

Socket.dev; Troy (OH); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Novacel is seeking an Automation Technician to build, wire, program, test, troubleshoot, and support industrial control systems and automated equipment.

This hands-on role combines electrical panel assembly with automation programming, machine commissioning, and technical troubleshooting. The ideal candidate has experience building control panels and mid-level PLC/HMI skills, with a focus on safety and quality.

Qualifications

• Associate degree, technical certification, or equivalent experience in electrical technology, mechatronics, industrial automation, or related field.
• Two or more years in industrial automation, machine building, or controls.
• Experience building industrial electrical control panels.
• Ability to read electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, and panel layouts.
• Experience with PLC programming and troubleshooting (Allen-Bradley, Siemens, Omron).
• Experience configuring HMIs and industrial automation equipment.
• Familiarity with Ethernet/IP, Modbus TCP, Profinet.
• Knowledge of UL 508A, NFPA 70 (NEC), NFPA 79 standards.
• Strong troubleshooting and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Build and wire industrial electrical control panels from schematics, layouts, and BOMs.
• Install and wire PLCs, HMIs, VFDs, relays, contactors, motor starters, power supplies, safety devices.
• Perform low-voltage control wiring and three-phase power distribution.
• Wire field devices including sensors, motors, actuators, valves, and remote I/O.
• Route, terminate, label, verify wiring per UL 508A, NFPA 79, company standards.
• Develop, modify, and troubleshoot PLC programs and HMI applications.
• Configure and troubleshoot VFDs, safety controllers, and industrial networks.
• Panel checkout, I/O verification, power-up and functional testing.
• Support machine startup, commissioning, troubleshooting at shop and sites.
• Collaborate with Engineering to resolve issues and support improvements.
• Inspect assemblies for quality and compliance with drawings.

Skills

Electrical panels

PLC programming

HMI programming

Schematic reading

Industrial networking

Electrical testing

Troubleshooting

Safety standards

Education

Associate degree or technical cert

Tools

AutoCAD Electrical

EPLAN

Diagnostic software

Job description

Novacel is seeking an Automation Technician to build, wire, program, test, troubleshoot, and support industrial control systems and automated equipment. This hands-on role combines electrical panel assembly with automation programming, machine commissioning, and technical troubleshooting. The ideal candidate has experience building industrial control panels, understands electrical and automation systems, and possesses early- to mid-level PLC and HMI programming skills. This position is essential to delivering reliable, high-quality automation solutions while maintaining a strong commitment to safety, quality, and continuous improvement.

Key Responsibilities

• Build and wire industrial electrical control panels from schematics, layouts, and bills of materials.
• Install and wire PLCs, HMIs, VFDs, relays, contactors, motor starters, power supplies, safety devices, and other control components.
• Perform low-voltage control wiring and three-phase power distribution.
• Wire field devices including sensors, motors, actuators, valves, and remote I/O.
• Route, terminate, label, and verify wiring in accordance with UL 508A, NFPA 79, and company standards.
• Develop, modify, and troubleshoot PLC programs and HMI applications.
• Configure and troubleshoot VFDs, safety controllers, and industrial communication networks.
• Perform panel checkout, I/O verification, power-up, and functional testing.
• Support machine startup, commissioning, troubleshooting, and debugging in the shop and at customer sites as needed.
• Diagnose electrical and control system issues using standard electrical test equipment and diagnostic software.
• Collaborate with Engineering to resolve issues, implement design improvements, and support continuous improvement initiatives.
• Inspect completed assemblies to ensure quality and compliance with drawings and specifications.
• Maintain a safe, clean, and organized work environment.

Required Qualifications and Skills

• Associate degree, technical certification, or equivalent experience in electrical technology, mechatronics, industrial automation, or a related field.
• Two or more years of experience in industrial automation, machine building, or controls.
• Experience building industrial electrical control panels.
• Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, and panel layouts.
• Working knowledge of PLC programming and troubleshooting (Allen-Bradley, Siemens, Omron, or similar).
• Experience configuring HMIs and industrial automation equipment.
• Familiarity with industrial communication protocols such as EtherNet/IP, Modbus TCP, or Profinet.
• Knowledge of industrial control components, low-voltage wiring, and three-phase power systems.
• Proficiency using electrical test equipment, including multimeters and continuity testers.
• Understanding of UL 508A, NFPA 70 (NEC), and NFPA 79 standards.
• Strong troubleshooting, communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities, and meet project deadlines.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience commissioning automated equipment.
• Familiarity with servo systems, motion control, robotics, machine vision, or safety systems.
• Experience with AutoCAD Electrical, EPLAN, or similar electrical design software.
• Experience supporting equipment installation and customer startups.