Automation Technician - Industrial Machinery

Placements24; Willows (CA); Remote; USD 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement savings plan

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 seeks an experienced Automation Technician for a fully remote role supporting multiple sites, with some travel to Welkom, Free State region. You will install, troubleshoot, and upgrade automated systems, including PLCs and HMIs, while collaborating with engineers and production teams remotely.

The ideal candidate has 4+ years in industrial automation, strong PLC/HMI expertise, and a solid grasp of electrical, pneumatic, and hydraulic systems.

Qualifications

• National Diploma or Degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, Industrial Automation, or a related field.
• Minimum of 4 years of hands-on experience as an Automation Technician in an industrial manufacturing environment.
• Proficiency in PLC programming (Siemens, Allen-Bradley) and HMI development.
• Strong understanding of electrical, pneumatic, and hydraulic systems.
• Experience with robotics (FANUC, ABB) is highly desirable.

Responsibilities

• Install, configure, and commission automated control systems and machinery.
• Perform routine maintenance, diagnostics, and repairs on robotic systems, PLCs, HMI, and other automation hardware.
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex technical issues with automated equipment using remote access tools.
• Develop and implement preventative maintenance programs to maximize equipment uptime.
• Update and modify PLC programs, HMI interfaces, and other control software as needed.
• Collaborate with engineering and production teams remotely to identify and implement process improvements.
• Document all maintenance, repair, and troubleshooting activities thoroughly.
• Ensure all automation systems comply with safety standards and regulations.
• Provide remote technical support and guidance to on-site personnel.
• Stay current with advancements in automation technology and industry best practices.

Skills

PLC programming

HMI development

Electrical systems

Pneumatic systems

Hydraulic systems

Robotics

Diagnostic skills

Remote collaboration

Travel willingness

Education

National Diploma or Degree in Electrical Engineering or related field

4+ years hands-on Automation Technician experience

Tools

Siemens PLC

Allen-Bradley PLC

HMI development tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leader in specialized industrial machinery, is seeking a skilled Automation Technician for a fully remote position, supporting their operations across various sites, with a primary focus on the Welkom, Free State region. This role involves the installation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and upgrading of automated systems and machinery. The ideal candidate will have a strong understanding of electrical, mechanical, and software components of industrial automation. You will be responsible for ensuring the optimal performance and reliability of automated equipment, minimizing downtime, and supporting production efficiency. This remote role requires self-discipline, excellent problem-solving skills, and the ability to work effectively with minimal supervision, leveraging remote diagnostic tools and virtual collaboration. This is an exceptional opportunity for a motivated technician to shape their career from anywhere.

Key Responsibilities

• Install, configure, and commission automated control systems and machinery.
• Perform routine maintenance, diagnostics, and repairs on robotic systems, PLCs, HMI, and other automation hardware.
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex technical issues with automated equipment, utilizing remote access tools.
• Develop and implement preventative maintenance programs to maximize equipment uptime.
• Update and modify PLC programs, HMI interfaces, and other control software as needed.
• Collaborate with engineering and production teams remotely to identify and implement process improvements.
• Document all maintenance, repair, and troubleshooting activities thoroughly.
• Ensure all automation systems comply with safety standards and regulations.
• Provide remote technical support and guidance to on-site personnel.
• Stay current with advancements in automation technology and industry best practices.

Requirements

• National Diploma or Degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, Industrial Automation, or a related field.
• Minimum of 4 years of hands-on experience as an Automation Technician or similar role in an industrial manufacturing environment.
• Proficiency in PLC programming (e.g., Siemens, Allen-Bradley) and HMI development.
• Strong understanding of electrical, pneumatic, and hydraulic systems.
• Experience with robotics (e.g., FANUC, ABB) is highly desirable.
• Excellent diagnostic and troubleshooting skills, with a proven ability to resolve complex automation issues.
• Strong remote communication and collaboration skills.
• Ability to work independently and manage time effectively in a remote setting.
• Knowledge of safety standards related to industrial automation.
• Willingness to travel to various sites as required, with a focus on supporting the Welkom, Free State region.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary with performance-based incentives. As a fully remote employee, you benefit from flexibility and autonomy. Comprehensive health insurance and retirement savings plans are provided. Opportunities for continuous learning and professional development through online training and certifications are available. You will be part of a forward-thinking company that embraces remote work technology and values its employees' contributions. This role provides the chance to work on diverse and challenging automation projects across different industrial settings.