Automation Technician II - Industrial

ZipRecruiter; Cedar Rapids (IA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company seeks an Automation Technician to support project managers and engineers in developing and commissioning sophisticated control systems. Your role will involve technical issue resolution, participating in project meetings, and maintaining project documentation. Ideal candidates will have a strong technical background and excellent communication skills, along with a willingness to travel.

Qualifications

• Associate’s degree or 3-5 years experience with PLC/HMI control systems.
• Experience with Rockwell Suite or similar PLC software.
• Familiar with process controls and willing to travel.

Responsibilities

• Support commissioning of PLC/HMI/SCADA systems.
• Diagnose technical issues at job sites.
• Collaborate with technicians to develop solutions.

Skills

Knowledge of PLC software

Knowledge of HMI software

Understanding of SCADA platforms

Basic knowledge of Ethernet and serial communication

Strong interpersonal and communication skills

Education

Associate’s degree in Robotics, Automation, Technology

Bachelor’s degree in Technology, Engineering, Manufacturing

Tools

Laptop computer

Job description

Job Description

Purpose

Automation Technicians will support Project Managers and System Engineers in creating, installing, and commissioning PLC/HMI/SCADA systems, as well as network and device integration work.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities

The following duties are typical but not exhaustive. Other duties may be assigned as needed.

• Complete start-up, commissioning, service, and maintenance of PLC/HMI/SCADA control systems, including fault diagnosis, hardware repairs, programming bug fixes, and alterations on customer sites.
• Diagnose and resolve technical issues at job sites, providing reports to Project Management or Operations Leaders via email, SharePoint, OneDrive, or other repositories.
• Participate in project kickoff and turnover meetings with Project Managers to understand project scope, estimate, and finalize project documentation.
• Maintain control submittal project redlines and submit to design engineers for as-built drawing packages at project completion.
• Collaborate with other technicians to develop and share technical solutions.
• Engage in ongoing technician training to stay current with new products, tools, and integration techniques through continuing education.

Minimum Education & Experience

• Associate’s degree in Robotics, Automation, Technology, or related field, or 3-5 years of experience with PLC/HMI control systems.
• Bachelor’s degree in Technology, Engineering, Manufacturing, or related field is also acceptable.

Required Competencies

• Knowledge of at least one PLC software (e.g., Rockwell Suite, Modicon Unity Pro, Control Expert, Mitsubishi).
• Knowledge of at least one HMI software (e.g., Rockwell FactoryTalk View, Wonderware InTouch).
• Understanding of SCADA platforms (e.g., Ignition, Factory Talk View SE, GE iFix).
• Familiarity with Windows Office applications and repositories (e.g., OneDrive, SharePoint, GIT).
• Basic knowledge of Ethernet and serial network communication and hardware configurations.
• Understanding of process controls such as PID loops, motor control, and device commissioning.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, both oral and written.
• Willingness to travel approximately 25% for field work.

Environmental and Physical Requirements

• Prolonged sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Occasional lifting of up to 20 pounds.
• Fieldwork involving standing, walking, and climbing stairs on construction sites.
• Exposure to varying weather conditions.

Equipment and Tools

• Laptop computer.

Baker Group is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We consider reasonable accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act and encourage discussing potential accommodations.