Autonomous Maintenance Tech

westrockcoffeeexternaljobs; Conway (AR); On-site; USD 42,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

WestRock Coffee seeks a Technical Operator to run, maintain, and optimize automated production equipment, applying autonomous maintenance to sustain world-class operations.

The role emphasizes preventive care, minor adjustments, and proactive fault detection, with collaboration across engineering and maintenance to improve equipment reliability and reduce downtime.

Qualifications

• Associates degree or technical diploma in Engineering Technology, Automation, Mechatronics, etc.

Responsibilities

• Operate, maintain, and optimize automated machinery to ensure smooth production workflows.
• Perform autonomous maintenance tasks such as cleaning, inspection, lubrication, and centerlining.
• Train newer operators on proper operation and maintenance.
• Collaborate with maintenance and engineering teams for system upgrades and calibration.

Skills

Lean manufacturing

Autonomous maintenance

Troubleshooting

Communication

Education

Associates degree or technical diploma in Automation/Engineering Technology

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