Specialist Technician - Automation (Remote)

Loram Maintenance of Way, Inc.; Hamel (MN); Hybrid; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Loram Maintenance of Way, Inc. is seeking a Specialist Technician - Automation to provide critical field support for Lease Operations and OEM Customers. This role involves leading a team of technicians in carrying out upgrade and repair projects while ensuring operational excellence across various platforms.

The ideal candidate will have advanced knowledge in PLC Programming, strong problem-solving abilities, and experience with automation software, all while maintaining high levels of safety and productivity.

Qualifications

• Advanced knowledge of PLC Programming and control systems.
• Experience in diagnosing and repairing machine control systems.
• Ability to design and deliver training programs.

Responsibilities

• Provide field support to various departments and customers.
• Lead technicians in completing upgrade and overhaul projects.
• Utilize Rockwell Automation software for troubleshooting.

Skills

PLC Programming

Technical Repair

Rockwell Automation Software

Team Leadership

Troubleshooting

Electrical Schematics

Fluid Power Systems

Education

Electrical Engineering Degree or Equivalent

Tools

Ethernet Networks

Modbus Protocols

HMI Software

Job description

Job Title: Specialist Technician - Automation

FLSA Status: Exempt

Department: Fleet Operations

Reports to: Assistant Manager, Automation Systems

General Description / Purpose:

Provide field support to Lease Operations, R&D, and OEM Customers around the world. Serve to focus efforts toward coordination and fulfillment of successful field operations tests while maintaining customer needs and minimizing interference with daily operations.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

Communication

• Demonstrate individual discretion in decision‑making when advising customers on warranty claim matters and defining criteria for the safe operation of equipment.
• Contribute to building excellent company/customer working relationships.

Leadership

• Lead up to 12 people to safely complete upgrade and overhaul projects involving programming, electrical, and fluid power tasks. Provide work direction to operators in conducting technical repairs.
• Assist, train, and observe Field Technician performance for use in evaluations as related to job performance.
• Schedule machine Technician visits using EAM work order system or by using a generated Technician list from machine Managers.

Operational Excellence

• Apply advanced knowledge to utilize Rockwell Automation software to read PLC (Programmable Logic Controllers) and HMI (Human Machine Interface) software as well as electrical, hydraulic, and pneumatic schematics to troubleshoot equipment problems to ensure maximum productivity and safe operation of specialized railroad equipment.
• Troubleshoot, diagnose, and repair problems with machine control systems that include device‑level networks such as Ethernet TCP/IP, Modbus RTU/TCP‑IP, J1939, CAN Bus, RS Networx for ControlNet, and RS Networx for DeviceNet to assist in reducing equipment downtime.
• Responsible for diagnosing problems, estimating repair costs, ordering parts, minimizing re‑work, proper use and care of tools and equipment, on‑the‑job safety practices, and proper job documentation, including technical report writing.
• Design, develop, and deliver both classroom and on‑the‑job training for internal and external customers that incorporate electronic media presentations and hands‑on simulations.
• Complete projects accurately to specifications within performance standard guidelines as set by Loram: repair time, quantity of repairs/labor efficiency, and other measures.
• Analyze key performance indicators and interpret historical data system performance to identify, recommend, and implement design changes and modifications that reduce life‑cycle costs, improve machine productivity, and/or enhance the safety of personnel or the environment.
• Have the ability and desire to approach technical education as a lifelong process to stay current in the field, including PLC Programming, Power and Controls Systems, Laser Measurement Technology, Industrial Computing, and Data Analysis, while maintaining related certifications and credentials and exhibiting a high level of job performance.