Principal Automation and Reliability Technician

100Hires, Inc.; Bellwood (IL); On-site; USD 128,943,000 - 149,001,000; Full time

Job summary

ATS seeks an experienced maintenance professional to perform expert-level corrective and preventive maintenance across mechanical, electrical, and multi-system equipment. You will design reliability improvements, troubleshoot PLC/automation platforms, and apply infrared thermography and vibration analysis to prevent failures.

You will lead CI initiatives, source parts, and mentor junior technicians while documenting cost-saving opportunities.

Qualifications

• High School diploma or GED required or equivalent
• Associate degree with technical focus plus 7+ years in related industry or 10+ years experience
• Strong background in predictive technologies and precision alignment
• Six Sigma experience preferred

Responsibilities

• Execute corrective and preventive maintenance across mechanical, electrical, and multi-system equipment
• Design and implement reliability improvements
• Program and troubleshoot advanced control systems (PLC/automation)
• Apply predictive diagnostics (infrared thermography, vibration analysis, power quality) to drive proactive maintenance
• Lead CI initiatives and document cost-saving proposals
• Source parts, propose substitutions, and recommend design changes for uptime
• Train and mentor technicians; potential project management responsibilities
• Champion safety and maintain 5S and housekeeping

Skills

PLC Troubleshooting

Preventive Maintenance

Electrical Schematics

Mechanical Troubleshooting

VFDs/Voltage Systems

Electrical Repair

PLC Programming

High Voltage Systems

Laser Interferometry

Education

Associate degree with technical focus

High School diploma or GED

Tools

Allen Bradley PLC

Siemens PLC

CMMS

Job description

What a day looks like in this roleYou start your shift reviewing CMMS histories, analyzing trends, and prioritizing proactive work. Before lunch, you diagnose a complex PLC issue, reconfigure hardware, and restore a production line. In the afternoon, you conduct vibration analysis, power quality checks, and infrared thermography to predict failures, then lead a rapid CI event to eliminate repeat faults. You wrap up by coaching a newer tech on precision alignment and recording updates that feed future cost-savings proposals.What you will doExecute expert-level corrective and preventive maintenance across mechanical, electrical, and multi-system equipment; design and implement reliability improvements.Program, troubleshoot, and optimize advanced control systems; resolve software, hardware, and configuration challenges on PLC and automation platforms.Apply predictive diagnostics—including infrared thermography, ultrasonic testing, power quality analysis, laser interferometry, ball bar checks, and vibration analysis—to assess asset condition and drive proactive maintenance.Lead, facilitate, and participate in Continuous Improvement initiatives, applying CI methodology to deliver measurable results and cost savings.Source parts and supplies, propose engineered substitutions, and recommend design changes to enhance uptime and reliability.Independently perform maintenance to industry standards while upholding 5S and exemplary housekeeping.Set up and operate machine tools (lathe, drill press, grinder, and other metalworking equipment) and perform welding as needed to fabricate or repair components.Research new methods, tools, and technologies; standardize best practices across sites and maintain accurate documentation.Provide input for cost analyses, including new equipment justifications, repair/rebuild proposals, and innovation-driven savings.Update records, review CMMS history, analyze data trends, and support data-driven decisions.Contribute technical content for sales quotations and perform T&M duties when required.Train and mentor less experienced technicians; step into project management responsibilities as assigned.Champion safety—follow all policies, maintain situational awareness, and proactively identify and address unsafe conditions or behaviors.What you bringHigh School diploma or GED.Associate degree with a technical focus and 7+ years in a relevant industry; or 10+ years of industry experience.Strength in predictive technologies (e.g., vibration analysis or laser interferometer operation), precision alignment, and maintenance of process equipment.Working mastery of electrical, mechanical, fluid power, and control systems—able to diagnose, evaluate alternatives, and execute repairs.Comfort with hand and specialized tools; willingness to travel as needed.Six Sigma experience preferred.Core proficienciesPLC Troubleshooting SkillsCreating Preventive Maintenance PlansElectrical SchematicsMechanical Troubleshooting Skills120/208/240/480 Voltage SystemsHydraulics ExperienceElectrical RepairPLC Programming ExperienceHigh Voltage SystemsTools and technologies you'll useVariable Frequency Drives (VFD)Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) (Allen Bradley, Siemens)Conveyor SystemsServo MotorsPhysical demands and work environmentExpect regular standing and walking; frequent use of hands; reaching; climbing ladders or lifts to heights; and balancing. You will stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl in tight spaces and communicate clearly. Sitting occurs occasionally. You may occasionally lift or move more than 50 pounds. Close and color vision are regularly needed. Work may include exposure to outdoor weather and risk of electrical shock. The factory setting is typically very loud and may include hazardous materials and greasy or slippery floors.Compensation and benefitsATS believes in fair and equitable pay. Please note that actual salaries may vary within the range, or be above or below the range, based on factors including, but not limited to, education, training, experience, professional achievement, business need, and location. We also offer market leading benefit programs including Medical, Dental and Vision plans, PTO, a 401k retirement plans with employer matching, tuition reimbursement, and more.Pay Range: $45.00- $52.00 USDEEO and privacyATS is committed to providing equal employment opportunities in all aspects of employment toall applicants and employees without regard to age, color, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), national origin, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or other legally protected status. Review the privacy policy here.ATS se compromete a brindar igualdad de oportunidades de empleo en todos los aspectos del empleo a todos los solicitantes y empleados, independientemente de su edad, color, raza, religión, sexo (incluido el embarazo, identidad de género y orientación sexual), origen nacional, discapacidad, estatus de veterano, información genética u otro estatus legalmente protegido. Revisión de la política de privacidad aquí