Automation Technician

Novacel Americas; Troy (OH); On-site; USD 55,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Novacel Americas 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 in building control panels, understands electrical and automation systems, and possesses early- to mid-level PLC and HMI programming skills.

Qualifications

• Associates degree or technical certification in electrical technology, mechatronics, or related field.
• 2+ years in industrial automation, machine building, or controls.
• Ability to read electrical schematics and panel layouts.
• Experience building control panels and wiring components.
• PLC and HMI programming experience (Allen-Bradley, Siemens, Omron or similar).
• Familiarity with EtherNet/IP, Modbus TCP, Profinet.

Responsibilities

• Build and wire industrial electrical control panels from schematics and BOMs.
• Install and wire PLCs, HMIs, VFDs, relays, and safety devices.
• Perform low-voltage wiring and three-phase power distribution.
• Wire field devices and verify wiring to standards.
• Develop, modify, and troubleshoot PLC programs and HMI apps.
• Configure VFDs, safety controllers, and industrial networks.
• Support machine startup, commissioning, and site debugging.

Skills

PLC programming

HMI programming

Schematic reading

Troubleshooting

Electrical wiring

Industrial automation

Communication protocols

Education

Associate degree or technical certification

Tools

AutoCAD Electrical

EPLAN

Multimeters

Continuity testers

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.