Autonomous Maintenance Tech

westrockcoffeeexternaljobs; Concord (NC); On-site; USD 45,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

WestRock seeks a Technical Operator to operate, maintain, and optimize automated production equipment through autonomous maintenance practices. The role emphasizes proactive care—cleaning, lubrication, inspection, and minor adjustments—to ensure equipment reliability and minimize downtime.

You will adhere to safety protocols, train operators, participate in root cause analysis, and assist in new equipment installation.

Qualifications

• Associates degree or technical diploma in Engineering Technology, Automation, Mechatronics, etc.
• 2–5 years operating and maintaining automated equipment in manufacturing or production.
• 2–5 years in automotive repair/tech or other electrical/mechanical trade.
• Knowledge of lean manufacturing and autonomous maintenance pillar.
• Strong understanding of electrical systems, sensors, and actuators.
• Reading and interpreting electrical/mechanical schematics.
• Strong troubleshooting and diagnostic skills.
• Good communication and documentation; familiarity with lean/Six Sigma.
• OSHA, NFPA 70E or equivalent electrical safety certification.
• Experience with robotic systems and Technical Operator Certification.

Responsibilities

• Operate, maintain, and optimize automated machinery for smooth workflows.
• Perform autonomous maintenance: cleaning, inspection, lubrication, centerlining.
• Follow safety protocols and lockout/tagout as needed.
• Train newer operators on proper operation and maintenance.
• Monitor performance, log downtime and maintenance actions.
• Collaborate with maintenance/engineering for root cause analysis and improvements.
• Assist in new equipment installation, testing, and commissioning.

Skills

Automation

Mechatronics

Troubleshooting

Diagnostics

Electrical systems

Reading schematics

Communication

Documentation

Autonomous maintenance

Lean manufacturing

Education

Associate degree in Engineering Technology

Technical diploma in Automation

Tools

Siemens PLC

Allen-Bradley PLC

HMI systems

Job description

We are seeking a Technical Operator dedicated to operating, maintaining, and optimizing automated production equipment through autonomous maintenance practices. This role emphasizes proactive care--cleaning, lubrication, inspection, and minor adjustments--to ensure equipment reliability and minimize downtime. While basic troubleshooting is required, the primary focus is to use continuous improvement to maintain the production equipment to sustain a world-class operational standard.

Job Duties:

• Adhere to safety protocols and safety maps to perform minor interventions and/or lockout/tagout.
• Assign tasks as needed for operators and support staff for retail lines
• Ensure products comply with quality expectations and specifications
• Operate, maintain, and optimize automated machinery to ensure smooth production workflows.
• Perform autonomous maintenance tasks such as cleaning, inspection, lubrication, and centerlining.
• Perform visual inspections to detect abnormalities and prevent failures/downtime.
• Conduct routine operational checks and ensure machines are ready for start-up and shut-down.
• Monitor equipment performance and identify early signs of wear or abnormal conditions.
• Train newer or less technical operators how to properly operate and maintain the equipment.
• Participate in root cause analysis for recurring issues and collaborate with maintenance teams for corrective actions.
• Assist in new equipment installation, testing, and commissioning to ensure proper autonomous maintenance standards are established.
• Maintain accurate logs of machine performance, downtime, and maintenance interventions.
• Participate in continuous improvement projects to enhance equipment reliability and reduce unplanned downtime.
• Collaborate with engineering and maintenance teams for system upgrades, calibration, and modifications.

Qualifications:

• Associates degree or technical diploma in Engineering Technology, Automation, Mechatronics, etc.
• 2--5 years of experience operating and maintaining complex, automated equipment in a manufacturing, industrial, or production environment.
• 2-5 years of experience working in automotive repair/technology or other electrical/mechanical trade.
• Knowledge of lean manufacturing principles and autonomous maintenance pillar.
• Strong understanding of electrical systems, sensors, and actuators.
• Basic understanding of PLCs (e.g., Siemens, Allen-Bradley) and HMI systems.
• Ability to read and interpret electrical and mechanical schematics.
• Strong troubleshooting and diagnostic skills.
• Good communication and documentation skills.Familiarity with lean manufacturing or Six Sigma principles.
• OSHA, NFPA 70E, or equivalent electrical safety certification.
• Experience with robotic
• Technical Operator Certification

Equal Opportunity Employer / Vets / Disabled