Smart Factory Technician

ZF Group; Gray Court (SC); On-site; USD 55,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

ZF Group in Gray Court, SC is seeking an IT Team Lead / Supervisor within the Smart Factory/Industry 4.0 program to implement software solutions and drive digitalization across the plant. You will mentor a team of technicians, coordinate automation projects, and ensure secure production IT practices while collaborating with engineering and operations.

This role emphasizes hands-on PLC connectivity, data visualization, and continuous improvement of shop floor systems to optimize manufacturing

Qualifications

• 4-6+ years of related experience in product development/testing and/or automotive service / Basic knowledge of suspension technology
• Ability to read and understand component and blue print drawings
• Strong mechanical experience with solid problem-solving/analytical skills

Responsibilities

• Lead and support Smart Factory/Industry 4.0 initiatives across the plant
• Assist with PLC connectivity, controller configuration, and data exchange between shop floor systems
• Develop and maintain low-code/no-code data solutions for manufacturing data visualization
• Support deployment, commissioning, upgrades, and maintenance of shop floor automation
• Ensure Production IT security by following established standards and procedures
• Collaborate with engineering to implement validated data connections between equipment and digital factory solutions
• Provide first-level technical support for automation systems and shop floor technologies
• Contribute to continuous improvement through data analysis and corrective actions

Skills

Reading drawings

Analytical thinking

Problem solving

Attention to detail

Team collaboration

Learning mindset

Education

Associate's Degree in Engineering or related field

Automotive Servicing Trade school completion

Tools

Calipers

Micrometers

Dial indicators

Roehrig Shock dynamometers

Sachs SP testers

Job description

The IT Team Lead/Supervisor is a key member of the plant's Smart Factory / Industry 4.0 team, responsible for implementing software solutions and coordinating all digitalization and Industry 4.0 activities throughout the plant. This role acts as a lead, providing experience, guidance, and best practices to support and develop the broader smart factory team while driving effective and scalable solutions. Is responsible for leading and developing direct reports.

What you can look forward to as Smart Factory Technician:

• PLC integration and connectivity: Support the setup and configuration of PLC connectivity under the guidance of senior team members, assisting with controller configuration, signal mapping, and data exchange between shop floor systems.
• Industrial automation programming: Assist in the implementation, testing, and modification of PLC and PC-based control systems while learning industrial automation standards and best practices from experienced engineers.
• Smart manufacturing and data solutions: Support the development and maintenance of low-code/no-code applications for data collection, visualization, and monitoring, gaining hands-on experience with digital manufacturing technologies.
• Shop floor systems deployment and maintenance: Assist with the installation, commissioning, upgrades, and ongoing support of manufacturing technologies and devices under the supervision of technical specialists.
• Production IT and cybersecurity: Support compliance with Production IT Security requirements by following established standards and procedures to help maintain secure manufacturing environments.
• Manufacturing equipment connectivity: Collaborate with engineering and cross-functional teams to support the implementation and validation of data connections between equipment, PLCs, and digital factory solutions.
• Technical troubleshooting and support: Provide first-level technical support by helping diagnose, document, elevate, and resolve issues related to automation systems and shop floor technologies with guidance from subject matter experts.
• Continuous improvement and technical solution support: Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives by analyzing operational data, assisting with corrective actions, and supporting automation and process optimization projects while developing technical expertise.

Your Profile as Smart Factory Technician:

• Preferred a completion of Automotive Servicing Trade school or Associate's Degree in Engineering or related field.
• 4-6+ years of related experience in product development/testing and/or automotive service / Basic knowledge of suspension technology
• Ability to read and understand component and blue print drawings
• Ability to use precision measuring devices including calipers, micrometers & dial indicators.
• Ability to learn how to operate Roehrig Shock dynamometers and Sachs SP testers.
• Ability to troubleshoot computer, and equipment problems when working in remote customer locations.
• Basic knowledge of electrical circuits and schematics / Basic math and reading skills
• Strong mechanical experience and solid problem-solving/analytical skills with a high attention to detail