Automation Technician (PLC)

Mykelly; Salem (MA); On-site; USD 62,000 - 83,000; Full time

Job summary

Kelly is seeking an Automation Technician (PLC) to join a leading manufacturing facility in Salem, MA. The role focuses on troubleshooting, programming, and maintaining PLCs and related automation equipment to support production lines.

The ideal candidate has 2–3 years of experience in industrial automation, PLC programming, or automation maintenance, with hands-on robotics exposure (Yaskawa preferred). Overnight shift and direct-hire opportunities are available.

Qualifications

• 2–3 years of experience in industrial automation, PLC programming, or automation maintenance.
• Experience troubleshooting PLC systems, industrial networks, and automated production equipment.
• Proficiency reading ladder logic and integrating PLCs with production lines.

Responsibilities

• Troubleshoot, program, and maintain PLCs and operator interfaces for production equipment.
• Diagnose PLC network issues and design networks for new equipment.
• Maintain PLC programming software and ensure proper communication with machinery.
• Troubleshoot electrical, automation, and mechanical failures to minimize downtime.
• Support robotic systems and palletizing operations, including Yaskawa robotics.

Skills

PLC programming

Industrial automation

Robotics

Preventive maintenance

Education

Associate degree in Automation Technology

Tools

Yaskawa robotics

PLC programming software

Job description

Automation Technician (PLC) | Salem, MA | $53/hr | Direct Hire

At Kelly®, we’re passionate about helping you find a job that works for you! We’re seeking an experienced Automation Technician (PLC) to join a leading manufacturing facility in Salem, MA. If you have strong PLC troubleshooting, programming, and mechanical maintenance experience, this could be a great opportunity to put your technical skills to work!

Location: Salem, MA
Pay: $53.00 per hour
Shift: 3rd Shift | Overnight
Employment Type: Direct Hire | Full-Time

Work Schedule:

• Sunday night/Monday morning: 1:00 AM – 6:00 AM

• Monday: 9:30 PM – 6:00 AM

• Tuesday: 9:30 PM – 6:00 AM

• Wednesday: 9:30 PM – 6:00 AM

• Thursday: 9:30 PM – 9:00 AM

Overtime is minimal but may be required based on operational needs. Flexibility for occasional weekend coverage is required.

Why you should apply:

• Earn $53.00 per hour in a direct-hire position.

• Work with advanced automation systems, PLCs, and robotics.

• Apply your troubleshooting and programming expertise in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

• Expand your technical skills working with Yaskawa robotics and industrial control systems.

• Collaborate with maintenance and engineering teams to improve equipment reliability and production efficiency.

What’s a typical day as an Automation Technician? You’ll be:

• Troubleshooting, programming, and maintaining PLCs and operator interfaces to support production equipment.

• Diagnosing PLC network and communication issues, including designing network layouts for new equipment.

• Maintaining and updating PLC programming software to ensure proper communication with manufacturing equipment.

• Troubleshooting electrical, automation, and mechanical equipment failures to minimize production downtime.

• Supporting robotic palletizing operations, including troubleshooting and maintaining Yaskawa robotic systems.

• Training maintenance personnel on PLC troubleshooting techniques and interpreting ladder logic.

• Assisting with mechanical breakdowns, equipment repairs, and assigned preventive maintenance activities.

• Installing, modifying, and maintaining manufacturing equipment in accordance with engineering specifications and safety standards.

• Supporting equipment reliability and maintaining accurate maintenance documentation.

This job might be an outstanding fit if you:

• Have 2–3 years of experience in industrial automation, PLC programming, or automation maintenance, preferably in food manufacturing.

• Have hands‑on experience troubleshooting PLC systems, industrial networks, and automated production equipment.

• Can read, interpret, and troubleshoot PLC ladder logic.

• Have mechanical troubleshooting experience and are comfortable assisting with equipment repairs and preventive maintenance.

• Have experience with industrial robotics; Yaskawa robotics experience is a plus.

• Are proficient with Microsoft Excel, Word, and computerized preventive maintenance systems.

• Have an associate degree in Automation Technology, Electrical Technology, or a related technical field, or an equivalent combination of education and hands‑on experience.

• Can work the required overnight schedule with flexibility for occasional weekends and overtime as needed.