Automation Application Engineer Jobs in Champaign, IL

At Bayer we're visionaries, driven to solve the world's toughest challenges and striving for a world where 'Health for all Hunger for none' is no longer a dream, but a real possibility. We're doing it with energy, curiosity and sheer dedication, always learning from unique perspectives of those around us, expanding our thinking, growing our capabilities and redefining 'impossible'. There are so many reasons to join us. If you're hungry to build a varied and meaningful career in a community of brilliant and diverse minds to make a real difference, there's only one choice.

Automation Technician - Farmer City, IL. 

Automation Technician - Farmer City, IL.

As an Automation Technician, you focus on setting up, operating, maintaining, and troubleshooting manufacturing production systems; You operate machines or equipment, adjusting factors such as temperature, pressure, flow, and material reactions to ensure optimal performance; You manually control units or operate them via control systems, execute product changeovers, and ensure equipment cleanliness and decontamination; You collaborate with Maintenance Engineers and the production team to maintain all maintenance processes, ensuring maximum plant availability; You are expected to engage with contractors, technicians, and Site Leadership, supporting training and continuous improvement initiatives; You handle basic activities in IT systems, such as SAP and electronic networks, and contribute to the improvement of quality, safety, and environment policies.

YOUR TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Set up, operate, maintain, and troubleshoot manufacturing production systems, adjusting operational factors to ensure optimal performance;
• Conduct routine analytics, take samples, and document work results during shift handovers;
• Coordinate equipment maintenance and repairs with the technical team to ensure maximum plant availability;
• Collaborate with contractors, technicians, and Site Leadership to support training and continuous improvement;
• Operate forklifts, fill and manage tank wagons, and maintain workplace housekeeping;
• Conduct interlock tests and ensure the availability and reliability of control systems and data transfer systems;
• Develop and participate in Failure Analyses, develop working instructions and one-point lessons, and train the Autonomous Maintenance team;
• Identify and implement improvements in processes, equipment, and procedures, using Focused Improvement techniques like 5WHYs;
• Support the adoption of 5S practices to maintain a conducive work environment and align with marking and ordering tools;
• Keep metrics and other relevant information up to date in visual management frameworks to facilitate teamwork and shift changes.

WHO YOU ARE

Bayer seeks an incumbent who possesses the following:

Required Qualifications:

• High School Diploma or equivalent with 3 years of applicable experience;
• Valid Driver's License;
• Open to working days, nights, weekends and overtime per business needs;
• Familiarity with Regulatory Standards, especially NFPA 70.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Technical Training in Electrical, Instrumentation, or Mechatronics;
• Knowledge of Instrumentation and Electrical Equipment, Logical Controls, and Programmable Industrial Automation;
• Bachelor's degree;

• Knowledge of Robotics;
• Technical college diploma and/or related technical certification;
• Experience using SAP and PLC systems.

Posting available until August 21, 2026

Employees can expect to be paid an hourly rate between $35.97 - $38.15. Additional compensation may include a bonus or commission (if relevant).  Other benefits include health care, vision, dental, retirement, PTO, sick leave, etc. If selected for this role, the offer may vary based on market data/ranges, an applicant's skills and prior relevant experience, certain degrees and certifications, and other relevant factors.

Bayer offers a wide variety of competitive compensation and benefits programs. If you meet the requirements of this unique opportunity, and want to impact our mission Health for all, Hunger for none, we encourage you to apply now. Be part of something bigger. Be you. Be Bayer. 
To all recruitment agencies: Bayer does not accept unsolicited third party resumes.
Bayer is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Disabled/Veterans
Bayer is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodations in its application process for individuals with disabilities and encourages applicants with disabilities to request any needed accommodation(s) using the contact information below.