Automation Technician III

Caos; Carlsbad, Northern (NM, KY); Hybrid; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Caos is seeking an Automation Technician III to install, maintain, troubleshoot, and commission industrial automation and control systems, including PLCs and instrumentation. This senior role works with minimal supervision and provides guidance to junior technicians to ensure system safety and efficiency.

Responsibilities include advanced PLC troubleshooting, wiring, calibration, loop checks, and documentation.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Minimum 3+ years in automation/instrumentation.
• Strong PLC hardware knowledge.
• Experience reading electrical drawings, loop diagrams, P&IDs.
• Skilled in troubleshooting automation systems and instrumentation.
• Proficient with diagnostic tools such as multimeters and loop calibrators.

Responsibilities

• Install, maintain, troubleshoot, and repair industrial automation and control systems.
• Perform advanced PLC troubleshooting of control systems and instrumentation.
• Install and terminate control wiring for PLC panels and field devices.
• Commission and start up automation systems and instrumentation devices.
• Read electrical drawings and P&IDs to support installations and maintenance.
• Provide mentorship to junior technicians and assist with project planning.

Skills

High school diploma / GED

3+ years automation experience

PLC hardware knowledge

Electrical drawings reading

Instrumentation troubleshooting

Diagnostic tools

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Multimeters

Loop calibrators

Signal testers

Job description

Position Summary

The Automation Technician III is a senior-level craft position responsible for the installation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and commissioning of industrial automation and control systems. This role performs complex technical work involving PLC systems, instrumentation, and electrical control equipment. The Automation Technician III works with minimal supervision and provides guidance to lower-level technicians while ensuring automation systems operate safely, efficiently, and in compliance with applicable standards and company procedures.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Install, maintain, troubleshoot, and repair industrial automation and control systems.
• Perform advanced troubleshooting of PLC-based control systems, instrumentation, and control panels.
• Install and terminate control wiring for PLC panels, motor control systems, and field instrumentation.
• Commission and start up automation systems and instrumentation devices.
• Install, calibrate, and maintain instrumentation including pressure, temperature, flow, and level transmitters.
• Perform loop checks, system testing, and functional verification of control systems.
• Read and interpret electrical drawings, loop diagrams, P&IDs, control schematics, and technical specifications.
• Assist with PLC troubleshooting and support minor programming adjustments when required.
• Diagnose system faults and implement corrective actions to restore proper system operation.
• Coordinate work with electricians, technicians, supervisors, engineers, and other trades.
• Provide mentorship and technical guidance to Automation Technician I and II personnel.
• Assist supervisors with project planning, system commissioning, and troubleshooting strategies.
• Maintain accurate documentation for equipment installation, calibration, maintenance, and repairs.
• Ensure tools, equipment, and work areas are maintained in a safe and organized condition.

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED.
• Minimum of 3+ years of experience working with industrial automation, instrumentation, or control systems.
• Strong working knowledge of PLC hardware and industrial control systems.
• Proficiency in reading and interpreting electrical drawings, loop diagrams, P&IDs, and control schematics.
• Experience troubleshooting automation systems and instrumentation.
• Proficiency using electrical and instrumentation diagnostic tools such as multimeters, loop calibrators, and signal testers.

Preferred Qualifications

• Technical certification or associate degree in electrical technology, instrumentation, automation, or related field.
• Experience with PLC platforms such as Allen-Bradley, Siemens, or other industrial control systems.
• Experience in industrial, manufacturing, or oil and gas environments.
• Experience assisting with control system commissioning and system startup.
• OSHA 10 or OSHA 30 certification.
• H2S Awareness certification.
• First Aid / CPR certification.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift and carry up to 60 pounds.
• Ability to stand, walk, climb ladders, kneel, and work in confined spaces.
• Ability to perform overhead work and operate hand and power tools.
• Ability to work outdoors in varying environmental conditions including heat, cold, wind, and dust.

Work Environment

This position may require work in industrial facilities, construction sites, and oil and gas field environments. Employees may be exposed to loud noise, heavy equipment, energized electrical systems, elevated work areas, and varying environmental conditions. Appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) must be worn at all times in accordance with company and regulatory requirements.

Safety Responsibilities

• Follow all company Health, Safety, and Environmental (HSE) policies and procedures.
• Participate in job safety meetings, hazard assessments, and required safety training.
• Follow proper Lockout/Tagout procedures when working on electrical or automation equipment.
• Identify and report hazards, near misses, and unsafe conditions immediately.
• Wear required PPE including flame-resistant clothing and other protective equipment as required.