PLC and Robotics Technician

Sterling St James LLC; Brown Deer (WI); On-site; USD 43,000 - 62,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Benefits package

Performance bonuses

Job summary

Sterling St James LLC in Greater Milwaukee, WI, is seeking an Automation Maintenance Technician with 3+ years in industrial maintenance. The role focuses on PLC fault-tracing, robotics integration, and high-voltage electrical work up to 480V.

The position offers Up to $38/hour with shift differentials and a full benefits package. Work on multiple shifts at a high-autonomy, tech-forward facility with strong employee tenure and profit-sharing opportunities.

Qualifications

• 3+ years hands-on maintenance of high-speed production equipment.
• Automation & PLC diagnostic skills in real environments.
• Ability to read electrical schematics and mechanical drawings.

Responsibilities

• Diagnose automated production lines and perform real-time mechanical, electrical, and pneumatic diagnostics.
• Trace PLC logic and control faults on Allen-Bradley or Siemens systems to minimize stoppages.
• Perform preventative maintenance sequences and emergency breakdown repairs using schematics and drawings.
• Maintain and service heavy-duty pneumatic valves, cylinders, and power distribution components.

Skills

Industrial maintenance

PLC fault-tracing

Robotics

AC/DC electrical 480V

VFDs

Pneumatics

Electrical schematics

Tools

Allen-Bradley PLCs

Siemens PLCs

Robotics tooling

Job description

Automation Maintenance Technician – PLCs & Robotics

Up to $38.00/Hour + Shift Differentials • Greater Milwaukee, WI • All Shifts Available

• COMPENSATION: Up to $38.00/hour (scaling with technical depth) + shift differentials + multiple corporate performance bonuses throughout the year + full benefits package.
• WORK SCHEDULE: Choice of traditional shifts (Monday – Friday): 1st Shift (7:00 AM – 3:00 PM), 2nd Shift (3:00 PM – 11:00 PM), or 3rd Shift (11:00 PM – 7:00 AM).
• WORK ENVIRONMENT: High-tech, collaborative manufacturing facility in Greater Milwaukee; high autonomy, non-micromanaged shop floor culture built on technical respect.
• EXPERIENCE & TECH STACK: 3+ years of hands-on industrial equipment maintenance; Allen-Bradley or Siemens PLC fault-tracing; robotics; AC/DC electrical up to 480V; VFDs; pneumatics; electrical/mechanical schematic tracing.
• COMPANY STABILITY & CULTURE: Established market leader known for long-tenured employees, heavy reinvestment, exceptional employee appreciation, and shared financial performance.
• REQUIREMENTS / COMPLIANCE: US Citizen or Green Card holder; reside within a 45-minute daily commute of Greater Milwaukee, WI.

If you are an industrial maintenance professional looking for a stable, high-autonomy career home where your trade skills are respected and micromanagement is left at the door, this is your ideal destination. Operating out of a premier manufacturing facility in the Greater Milwaukee area, this market leader has built a reputation for being genuinely employee-friendly, collaborative, and financially rock-solid.

This role provides a rare opportunity to secure the exact work schedule that fits your life, with openings actively available across all three traditional Monday-through-Friday shifts. You won’t just be swapping parts; you will take true technical ownership of complex automation lines, advanced robotic cells, and high-speed processing machinery. Backed by regular profit sharing, performance bonuses, and a history of zero-layoffs, this is an environment where technicians regularly plant roots and stay for decades.

What You Will Be Doing (Daily Responsibilities)

• Diagnose Automated Production Lines: Execute real-time mechanical, electrical, and pneumatic diagnostics to keep automated machinery, processing lines, and robotic cells running at peak efficiency.
• Navigate PLC Logic & Controls: Interface directly with Allen-Bradley or Siemens PLCs to trace input/output faults, isolate software/hardware errors, and clear production line stoppages.
• Trace Schematics & Drawings: Utilize complex electrical blueprints, ladder logic, and mechanical drawings to perform emergency breakdown repairs and structured preventative maintenance sequences.
• Maintain Fluid Power Systems: Service, rebuild, and optimize heavy-duty pneumatic valves, cylinders, regulators, and distribution lines.
• Service AC/DC Drives & Power Distribution: Work safely with industrial power systems, electric motors, variable frequency drives (VFDs), sensors, and low-voltage control circuits.
• Execute Machinery Fabrication: Perform light structural welding, torching, and metal fabrication to adapt, modify, or repair production equipment components.

What We Are Looking For (Requirements & Qualifications)

• 3+ Years Industrial Maintenance Depth: Verifiable hands-on track record servicing and repairing high-speed production machinery, custom automation, or heavy industrial equipment.
• Automation & PLC Diagnostic Skills: Demonstrated familiarity working around automated equipment, including basic navigation, I/O monitoring, and error tracing in PLC environments.
• Schematic & Electrical Literacy: Proficiency reading electrical schematics, mechanical blueprints, and hydraulic/pneumatic fluid power diagrams without hand-holding.
• Proven Tenure & Reliability: Solid, stable work history showing strong daily attendance, safety dedication, and long-term commitment with previous employers.
• Local Commute: Residence within a comfortable 45-minute daily drive of the Greater Milwaukee, WI area.
• Compliance & Legal Authorization: Must be a United States Citizen or Permanent Resident (Green Card holder).

Preferred Technical Assets (Bonus Skills)

• Industrial Robotics: Hands-on experience with FANUC, ABB, or Yaskawa robotic arms, teach pendants, or end-of-arm tooling (EOAT).
• Fabrication & Welding: Welding certifications or strong proficiency in MIG/TIG welding for shop equipment modifications.
• Predictive Maintenance: Exposure to thermal imaging, vibration analysis, or computerized maintenance management systems (CMMS).