Automation Technician II

AIS Inc.; Ayer (MA); On-site; USD 44,000 - 51,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental, and vision insurance

401(k) retirement savings

Paid holiday and PTO

Tuition reimbursement

Life and disability insurance

Promotional opportunities

Training and career growth programs

Amazing co-workers

Job summary

SMC Ltd. is seeking an Automation Technician II to support advanced molding and automation systems on the manufacturing floor. This hands-on role emphasizes troubleshooting, optimization, and maintaining automated equipment to keep operations at peak performance.

We welcome level 2 automation technicians ready to tackle complex systems and drive continuous improvement. If you enjoy cutting-edge technology, details, and daily impact, join us in advancing our automation capabilities.

Qualifications

• Completion of a 2-year technical program or equivalent experience with automation exposure.
• Strong ability to read electrical, pneumatic, hydraulic, and mechanical schematics.
• Advanced PLC hardware/software knowledge and fault recovery experience.

Responsibilities

• Lead troubleshooting and optimization of complex automated systems and robotic platforms.
• Analyze and modify PLC programs to diagnose and resolve high-level issues.
• Drive continuous improvement and ensure safety and reliability.
• Plan and manage daily workloads while coordinating with engineering and maintenance.
• Mentor other technicians on advanced automation and troubleshooting.

Skills

Troubleshooting

Schematic reading

PLC knowledge

Diagnostics

Root cause analysis

Communication

PC proficiency

Robotics understanding

Education

Two-year technical program

High School diploma with 3+ years automation experience

Tools

Fanuc robots

ABB robots

KUKA robots

Yaskawa robotics

Job description

Automation Technician II

Full-time Regular Hourly

Devens, MA, US

Today

Salary Range: $32.00 To $37.00 Hourly

About Us:

SMC Ltd. is a globally recognized premium supplier to the medical market with locations throughout the world. People committed to speed, technology, and exceptional performance are the cornerstone of our organization. Comprised of dedicated people and decades of manufacturing experience, we have continued to experience strong growth and currently have outstanding career opportunities for equally dedicated people.

Job Summary:

We’re scaling fast and investing in automation—and we need skilled hands on the controls.

Due to continued growth, we’re hiring multiple Automation Technicians to work directly with advanced molding and automation systems on the manufacturing floor. This role is highly hands‑on, troubleshooting, optimizing, and improving automated equipment and processes to keep operations running at peak performance.

We’re open tolevel 2automation techniciansready to tackle complex systems and drive continuous improvement. If you enjoy working with cutting‑edge technology, getting into the details, and seeing the direct impact of your work every day, we’d love to see how you can help push our automation capabilities forward.

Essential Job Duties and Responsibilities

• Lead advanced troubleshooting, maintenance, and optimization of complex custom electromechanical systems, automated production cells, vision systems, and multi‑axis robotic platforms.
• Analyze, modify, and optimize robotic and PLC programs to diagnose and resolve high‑level system failures and performance issues.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives by identifying root causes, implementing corrective actions, and enhancing automation, throughput, reliability, and safety.
• Maintain, repair, and optimize auxiliary automation systems across the molding and production floor to ensure minimal downtime and consistent performance.
• Plan, prioritize, and manage daily technical workload independently while providing clear status updates and technical guidance to engineering, operations, and maintenance teams.
• Develop, write, and refine robotic programs and automation logic to maximize equipment efficiency and production output.
• Serve as a technical mentor by cross‑training and coaching other technicians on advanced automation systems, robotic workstations, and troubleshooting methodologies.
• Provide expert‑level technical support and escalation assistance for complex automation issues.
• Participate in equipment commissioning, upgrades, and validation activities, ensuring systems meet operational and safety standards.
• Perform additional responsibilities as business needs require.

Essential Qualifications:

• Completion of a two‑year post‑secondary technical or trade program with 3-5 years of progressive automation experience, or a high school diploma/GED with 3+ years of hands‑on industrial automation experience.
• Advanced proficiency using PCs and troubleshooting tools in a Windows‑based environment.
• Strong ability to read, interpret, and troubleshoot electrical, pneumatic, hydraulic, and mechanical schematics.
• Advanced working knowledge of PLC hardware and software, including diagnostics, program modification, and fault recovery.
• Proven ability to independently diagnose and resolve complex automation and control system issues.
• Demonstrated strong problem‑solving, analytical thinking, and root‑cause analysis skills.
• Effective interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills with the ability to influence and support cross‑functional teams.
• Extensive technical knowledge of manufacturing equipment, mechanical systems, and automated production processes.

Desirable Qualifications:

• Advanced robotic programming and integration experience (Fanuc, ABB, KUKA, Yaskawa, or similar platforms).
• Experience with metal fabrication, machining, or mechanical modification of automation equipment.
• Working knowledge of lean manufacturing, continuous improvement, and reliability‑centered maintenance concepts.
• Experience supporting equipment installations, process validation, or automation upgrades in a high‑volume manufacturing environment.
• Plastic injection molding contract manufacturing experience.

ADA Requirements:

• Stand, walk, bend, squat, twist, reach or otherwise move frequently
• Occasional repetitive motion and grasping
• Occasional climbing to reach areas on machines or racks
• Lift, move or otherwise transfer up to 50 lbs. occasionally, >20 lbs. frequently
• Typically sits, grasps items or performs keyboarding for occasional operation of a computer
• Exposure to typical machine shop physical hazards which may require respiratory protection

What SMC has to offer?

• Clean, Climate-Controlled Environment
• Stable schedule
• Paid holiday and PTO
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) retirement savings
• Life and disability insurance
• Promotional opportunities
• Training and career growth programs
• Amazing co-workers
• Tuition reimbursement
• Employee Assistance Program

We are committed to fair and equitable hiring with salaries based on relevant factors, such as work experience, education, and certifications. Toward the principle of equal pay for equal work, we post and hire within defined salary ranges. We ask all applicants to review salary ranges for each posted job opportunity, as we will not hire outside the predetermined range.

At SMC Ltd. we recognize that people come with a wealth of experience and talent beyond just the technical requirements of a job. If your experience is close to what you see listed here, please still consider applying. We know that our differences often can bring about innovation, excellence and meaningful work—therefore, people from all backgrounds are encouraged to apply to our positions. Please let us know if you require reasonable accommodation during the interview process.

All applicants must be authorized to work in the US

SMC Ltd. is an equal opportunity employer. M/F/D/V; this organization uses E-Verify.

Applicants may be subject to pre-employment screening which may include drug screening, reference checks, employment verifications, background screening and/or skills assessments.