Manufacturing Automation Specialist

Hr Journals; Mebane (NC); On-site; USD 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

A manufacturing company in North Carolina is seeking a Manufacturing Automation Specialist responsible for maintenance on high-speed automated equipment. The role involves troubleshooting, process improvement, and equipment installations, particularly with mechanical and electrical systems. Candidates should have extensive experience in automation and strong problem-solving skills to support engineering teams effectively. This position will also involve guiding technicians and ensuring compliance with safety standards.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of experience maintaining high-speed automated equipment.
• Hands-on experience with PLCs for troubleshooting.
• Ability to lift, push, pull, or move up to 60 lbs.

Responsibilities

• Troubleshoot equipment breakdowns and perform maintenance.
• Complete preventive maintenance activities at defined intervals.
• Support capital equipment projects as a subject matter expert.

Skills

Mechanical maintenance

Pneumatic systems

Electrical troubleshooting

Problem-solving

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Education

High School Diploma/GED

Associates degree in Electrical or related field

Tools

Allen-Bradley PLCs

SAP ATR

Visual inspection systems (Keyence, Cognex)

Job description

About the job Manufacturing Automation Specialist

Job Summary

The Manufacturing Automation Specialist is responsible for performing both routine and emergency maintenance on manufacturing equipment. The role involves troubleshooting, process improvement, and new equipment installation, with a focus on mechanical, pneumatic, and electrical systems, as well as controls circuitry and logic controller functions.

This position requires strong problem-solving skills, the ability to work independently with minimal supervision, and the capability to support engineering teams with equipment upgrades and installations. The specialist may also provide guidance to less experienced technicians while actively supporting production teams.

Key Responsibilities

Troubleshoot equipment breakdowns and perform mechanical, pneumatic, and electrical maintenance.

Repair, rebuild, adjust, and monitor production-related equipment and systems.

Provide support to manufacturing operations during assigned shifts and be available on-call for alternate or extended shifts.

Complete preventive maintenance activities at defined intervals and recommend improvements when necessary.

Work with engineering and quality teams to document equipment changes and repairs.

Maintain spare parts inventory and establish preventive maintenance requirements for new equipment.

Support capital equipment projects as a subject matter expert for maintenance.

Track maintenance activities using SAP ATR or similar systems.

Procure replacement parts to support maintenance and predictive repair efforts.

Participate in Kaizen, Lean, and continuous improvement initiatives.

Mentor and guide technicians to strengthen troubleshooting and maintenance ownership.

Ensure compliance with safety standards, including Lock-Out/Tag-Out and Zero-Energy protocols.

Handle hazardous waste and comply with training requirements across manufacturing areas.

Perform other related duties to support departmental and operational needs.

Qualifications

Required:

High School Diploma/GED with 8+ years of experience maintaining high-speed automated equipment in a manufacturing environment, OR

Associates degree in Electrical, Instrumentation, Mechanical, Mechatronics, or related technical field with 23 years of relevant experience.

Ability to lift, push, pull, or move up to 60 lbs.

Proficiency with Microsoft Word and Excel.

Hands-on experience with Allen-Bradley PLCs (RSLogix 500 & 5000) and programming tools for troubleshooting and minor modifications.

Strong knowledge of servo motors and drives (preferably Allen-Bradley).

Experience with high-speed visual inspection systems (e.g., Keyence, Cognex).

Electrical troubleshooting experience from low-level signals up to 480 VAC.

Preferred:

Experience in FDA-regulated manufacturing environments.

Familiarity with Lean methodologies or TPM.

Background with basic machining equipment (lathes, mills, etc.).

Experience with servo drive systems and vision systems.

Knowledge of pumping and piping systems.