Maintenance Automation Technician - 1st Shift

RH Sheppard Co Inc; Hanover (York County); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

RH Sheppard Co Inc is seeking a Maintenance Automation Technician to design, program, install, troubleshoot, and maintain automated manufacturing equipment and control systems.

The ideal candidate thrives on solving complex equipment challenges and collaborates with maintenance, engineering and production teams to improve reliability and performance while ensuring safety and adherence to standards.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Technical degree, trade school certification, or related training preferred.
• Minimum of 2 years automation technician experience in manufacturing; 5 years preferred.
• Experience with PLCs, robotics, machine controls, hydraulics & pneumatics.
• CAD software for components, circuits, layouts; ability to read drawings.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, modify machine controls, robotics, and automated systems.
• Design electrical, hydraulic, pneumatic, and communication circuits using CAD.
• Program, troubleshoot, and update machine controls, PLCs, and automation systems.
• Coordinate procurement with supervisor; verify materials on receipt.

Skills

Automation

PLC

Robotics

CAD

Troubleshooting

Electrical

Mechanical

Hydraulic

Pneumatic

Diagnostics

Communication

Education

High school diploma

Technical degree/Certification

Tools

CAD software

Automation software

PLC hardware

Job description

Description

We are seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Maintenance Automation Technician to join our team. The Maintenance Automation Technician designs, programs, installs, troubleshoots, and maintains automated manufacturing equipment and control systems to support safe, reliable, and efficient operations. The ideal candidate is a hands-on technical professional with strong expertise in automation, PLCs, robotics, electrical and mechanical systems, who thrives on solving complex equipment challenges, driving continuous improvement, and collaborating effectively with maintenance, engineering, and production teams.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

• Design, develop, and modify machine controls, robotics, and automated systems to support manufacturing operations.
• Design electrical, hydraulic, pneumatic, and communication circuits using computer-aided design (CAD) software.
• Program, troubleshoot, and update machine controls, robotics, PLCs, and related automation systems.
• Recommend, configure, and develop software applications for automation devices, including relay ladder logic, stepper motor controls, analog scaling, and other control functions.
• Build, install, repair, and maintain automated systems and equipment, including electrical, pneumatic, hydraulic, mechanical, and gaging systems.
• Fabricate simple parts, fixtures, and prototypes as needed, or develop designs for fabrication by the tool room.
• Assemble, interconnect, and install components, sensors, actuators, motors, wiring, tubing, and related equipment on machinery and automated systems.
• Test, commission, troubleshoot, and debug machinery and automated systems to ensure proper operation and functionality.
• Analyze equipment and system failures, identify root causes, and implement corrective actions to improve reliability and performance.
• Coordinate equipment and component procurement with supervisory approval; verify materials upon receipt to ensure project requirements and timelines are met.
• Maintain accurate documentation for automated systems, including electrical, hydraulic, pneumatic, control, and communication schematics.
• Provide documentation and technical information to support maintenance, troubleshooting, and future system modifications.
• Provide technical guidance and instruction on the operation, setup, maintenance, and repair of automated equipment and systems.
• Collaborate with maintenance, engineering, and production personnel to support continuous improvement initiatives and resolve equipment issues.
• Adhere to all company safety procedures, 5S standards, and safe material handling practices.
• Comply with all health, safety, and environmental requirements, including ISO 14001 standards, and take appropriate action to address identified concerns.
• Support compliance with quality management systems and IATF 16949 requirements, including identifying and escalating product quality issues as necessary.
• Other duties as assigned.

PERFORMANCE COMPETENCIES:

• Role Fulfillment – Routine completion of all essential functions of the role.
• Technical Proficiency – Job-specific skill level, attention to detail, and overall quality of work produced.
• Safety – Dedication to our safety-first culture through incident prevention, adherence to protocols, initiative in reporting and resolving concerns, training participation, and contributions to a safe working environment.
• Dependability – Determination to show up, stay on task, and get things accomplished.
• Compliance – Consistent adherence to company policies and procedures.
• Interpersonal Skills – Ability to work and communicate well with others.
• Productivity – Volume of work completed and skill level related to time-management, efficiency, prioritization, and initiative.
• Integrity – Commitment to ethical decision-making, including admitting to mistakes, leading by example and a general tendency to do the right thing.

WORKING ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS:

• Predominantly operates in a shop floor or warehouse environment. Position requires walking frequently through shift on concrete in production areas. May be exposed to moderate heat, light dust, fumes, cold temperatures, and noise. Adequate hearing, eye, and footwear protection is required in production areas.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY:

• This position has no supervisory responsibilities.

SCHEDULE:

• 8-hour Evening Shift Monday through Friday

The demands described here represent those that an employee must meet to perform the essential functions of this job successfully. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these functions.

About this Job Description: The information provided above is intended to demonstrate the general nature and level of work performed by any incumbent(s) placed in this position. It is not intended to be a complete account of every task an employee may be assigned to perform. Management retains the right to add or revise this job description at any time to accommodate evolving needs of the business.

Requirements

QUALIFICATIONS:

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Technical degree, trade school certification, or related technical training preferred.
• Minimum of 2 years of automation technician experience in a manufacturing environment required; 5 years of experience involving moderate to complex repairs of manufacturing equipment preferred.
• Equivalent combinations of education, training, and experience will be considered.
• Working knowledge of electrical, electronic, mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, and automated control systems.
• Experience with PLCs, robotics, machine controls, hydraulic and pneumatic valves, cylinders, and related equipment.
• Knowledge of machine repair techniques and technologies used in light and heavy manufacturing environments.
• Knowledge of applicable industry standards and codes, including JIC, NEC, and NFPA.
• Ability to utilize computer-aided drafting (CAD) software to create machine components, circuits, and system layouts.
• Ability to produce sketches, technical drawings, and basic design documentation.
• Ability to understand and apply electrical, electronic, and mechanical logic, as well as interpret complex drawings, specifications, schematics, and formulas.
• Knowledge of shop mathematics and measurement principles.
• Ability to use a wide variety of precision measuring instruments, hand tools, and diagnostic equipment.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to read, understand, and follow technical instructions and documentation.
• Strong troubleshooting, analytical, and problem-solving abilities.
• Demonstrated attention to detail and ability to work independently or as part of a team.
• Strong manual dexterity and mechanical aptitude.
• Valid driver's license required.
• Ability to operate forklifts, pickup trucks, and other company vehicles safely and in accordance with company policies.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Must be able to pass a physical examination to confirm ability to perform the job. This position includes extensive walking, regularly stooping, bending, or kneeling, and lifting, carrying, or manipulating objects up to 50 pounds. This position requires repetitive movements of the wrists, hands, and/or fingers to perform daily responsibilities. Individuals are required to wear personal protective equipment while working. Must have the ability to drive a vehicle.