Automation Technician: PLCs, Robotics & Troubleshooting

Baxter International Inc.; Round Lake (IL); On-site; USD 72,000 - 99,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

401(k) plan with company match

Paid time off

Job summary

Baxter International Inc. is seeking an Automation Technician to build, install, troubleshoot, and support automated manufacturing equipment integral to our operations.

You will combine electrical and automation expertise to ensure safe, reliable, high-performance systems across production lines. You will collaborate with engineers and manufacturing teams, contributing to continuous improvement and delivering hands‑on problem solving in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• 5+ years experience in electrical controls wiring and automation equipment.
• Strong knowledge of electrical controls, industrial wiring practices, and pneumatic systems.
• Ability to read electrical schematics, pneumatic diagrams, and 2D/3D CAD drawings.
• Experience wiring systems from power distribution through control logic and I/O devices.
• Proficiency using electrical test equipment and troubleshooting automated manufacturing systems.
• Strong problem‑solving, communication, and decision‑making skills.
• Ability to work flexible schedules and travel as needed.
• Technical training in Electrical Technology, Industrial Maintenance, Mechatronics, Automation Technology, or a related field.
• Completion of a recognized electrical apprenticeship program.
• Experience supporting automated manufacturing equipment in a regulated or high‑volume manufacturing environment.
• Experience working with PLCs, HMIs, VFDs, servo systems, robotics, vision systems, and other automation technologies.

Responsibilities

• Perform electrical and pneumatic assembly, installation, startup, maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair of automated manufacturing equipment.
• Build, wire, test, and troubleshoot electrical control panels, high- and low-voltage systems, and automation components including PLCs, HMIs, VFDs, servo systems, robotics, vision systems, sensors, and pneumatic devices.
• Support mechanical assembly, equipment integration, equipment debugging, FAT, SAT, and field installations.
• Read and interpret electrical schematics, pneumatic diagrams, and engineering drawings to complete installations and modifications.
• Use electrical testing equipment to diagnose issues, investigate equipment failures, identify root causes, and implement corrective actions.
• Partner with engineering and manufacturing teams by providing technical feedback, documenting field changes, and contributing to continuous improvement initiatives.
• Provide technical guidance and training to plant personnel on equipment operation, maintenance, and best practices.
• Travel as needed to support equipment installation, commissioning, startup, and service activities.

Skills

Electrical controls

Industrial wiring

Automation equipment

Schematic reading

PLCs/HMI/VFDs

Troubleshooting

Team collaboration

Willing to travel

Education

Electrical apprenticeship

Electrical Technology training

Tools

CAD drawings

Electrical test equipment

Job description

Baxter International Inc. is seeking an Automation Technician to build, install, troubleshoot, and support automated manufacturing equipment integral to our operations.

You will combine electrical and automation expertise to ensure safe, reliable, high-performance systems across production lines. You will collaborate with engineers and manufacturing teams, contributing to continuous improvement and delivering hands‑on problem solving in a fast-paced environment.