Automation Technician II

Challenge Manufacturing; Cusseta (AL); On-site; USD 52,000 - 72,000; Full time

Job summary

Challenge Manufacturing in Cusseta, AL is seeking a skilled Automation Technician to support and improve automated welding cells. You will mentor technicians, troubleshoot electrical and mechanical systems, and perform preventive maintenance.

The role requires PLC knowledge, reading schematics, strong safety practices, and the ability to follow work instructions. A high school diploma and relevant certifications are expected, with preferred mechatronics credentials.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent required.
• Experience with PLC systems and basic programming methods.
• Automation technician II tests completed successfully.
• 3 years of Weld Technician or Automation Technician experience.
• Mechatronics certification or journeyperson preferred.

Responsibilities

• Mentor Automation Technician I and Weld Technicians.
• Set up, troubleshoot, and operate automated welding cells.
• Follow safety procedures while servicing equipment.
• Troubleshoot using electrical/mechanical schematics.
• Perform preventive maintenance and minor programming tasks.
• Work with drives, relays, boards, motors, and I/O simulations.

Skills

Verbal communication

English proficiency

Troubleshooting

PLC programming

Automation knowledge

Safety compliance

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Associate degree in mechatronics/controls/maintenance

Mechatronics certificate

Journeyperson card

2-year technical degree

Tools

PLC programming

Robotics control

Electrical schematics

Microsoft Office

Job description

Who We Are: Challenge Manufacturing’s mission is to manufacture with operational excellence by empowering our employee-owners. As a leading tier 1 supplier of complex metal assemblies for the global automotive industry, we drive innovative solutions for future mobility. We believe the best ideas come from individual unique perspectives. These ideas combined with the teamwork of industry leaders allow us to accomplish any challenge. Our team members take pride in the work we do and embody our core values of safety, ownership, and teamwork every day; they are the true driving force in our operations.Challenge is proud to be one of the largest employee-owned automotive companies in North America. One of the many benefits of joining the Challenge team is the ESOP program. This program allows Challenge to give shares of the Company to all employee-owners annually. These shares are an additional retirement benefit that will continue to grow during your time at Challenge. Being part of an ESOP means our employee-owners share in Challenge’s success!Challenge is #QualityDriven and #PeoplePowered!Who We Want:Provide production support by performing setup, troubleshooting and operations of automated welding cells within a production facility, as well as implementing best practices and proactively assess welding/robotic applications, as well as mentor Auto Technician I and Auto Technician trainees.What You’ll Do:• Mentor Automation Technician level I members as well as Weld Technicians• Ability to execute with proficiency all duties and responsibilities requirements of Automation technician I• Follow all safety procedures and protocols while servicing or maintaining equipment• Demonstrate intermediate level proficiency in troubleshooting using electrical / mechanical prints• Perform, train, and critique equipment preventative maintenance• Use electrical system knowledge and electrical schematics / prints to troubleshoot electrical components and circuits (Connecting circuit breakers, transformers, or other components in a junction box or panel): Basic Level w/Electrician Assistance• Wiring harnesses• Drive systems• Relays• Boards• Motors• Modify and perform basic programming tasks of robots in all robotic applications• Basic Teach Pendant Programming• TCP Verification• I/O Simulation• Move Creation/Modification• Intermediate weld troubleshooting for all welding applications (drawn arc, GMAW, resistance welding, projection welding, Pneumatic systems, etc.)When and Where:This will be a 1 Shift /6:00 AM - 4:30 PM M-F position located at our Plant in Cusseta, AL.What You Need to Have:• High School Diploma or equivalent (required).• Ability to read, write, speak, and understand English at a level sufficient to safely and effectively perform job duties, including following work instructions, safety procedures, and company communications.• Industrial truck and aerial platform licenses (required).• Excellent verbal communication skills (required).• Experience with Microsoft applications (i.e., word, excel, outlook, etc.).• Knowledge of PLC systems and Basic programming methods (required).• Industrial Maintenance / Machine Repair / Electrician Journeyman certification, or 2-year technical degree, or equivalent work experience (required).• Successful completion of Automation technician II written and performance tests (required).• 3 years of Weld Technician, Automation Technician, or equivalent experience (required).• Mechatronics certificate or journeyperson card (preferred).• Associates degree in mechatronics, controls, maintenance technician (preferred).• Minimum 6 years combined experience and education as an Automation Technician (preferred).• Strong electrical background in industrial and automated systems (preferred).