Automation Program Manager Jobs in Champaign, IL

Job Title: Industrial Maintenance Technician - Automation & Robotics

Starting Pay Rate: $36.00/HR
Schedule: Monday–Friday, 5:00am-1:30pm
Reports To: Maintenance Manager

Job Summary:

We are seeking an experienced Industrial Maintenance Technician – Automation & Robotics to join our manufacturing team. This position is responsible for maintaining, troubleshooting, repairing, and improving automated production equipment to ensure maximum equipment reliability, uptime, and production efficiency.

The ideal candidate is a highly motivated technician with strong mechanical and electrical troubleshooting skills who thrives in a fast-paced manufacturing environment. This role requires experience with industrial automation, PLC-controlled equipment, hydraulic and pneumatic systems, electrical troubleshooting, and preventative maintenance.

Experience with robotic welding cells is preferred but not required. Candidates with experience using FANUC or Yaskawa Motoman robotic systems and teach pendants are highly encouraged to apply.

Responsibilities:

• Diagnose and troubleshoot electrical, mechanical, pneumatic, hydraulic, and control system failures to minimize equipment downtime.
• Troubleshoot, repair, and maintain PLC-controlled equipment, automated manufacturing systems, and production machinery.
• Perform repairs and preventative maintenance on motors, motor starters, variable frequency drives (VFDs), electrical control panels, relays, solenoids, switches, and other industrial electrical components.
• Read and interpret electrical schematics, mechanical drawings, hydraulic and pneumatic diagrams, and equipment manuals to diagnose and resolve equipment issues.
• Maintain and repair machine presses, robotic welding equipment, pumps, compressors, valves, hydraulic systems, pneumatic systems, and related production equipment.
• Utilize Human Machine Interfaces (HMIs) to perform machine diagnostics, troubleshoot alarms, and support production operations.
• Demonstrate working knowledge of industrial electrical systems, including PLC troubleshooting, motor drives, motor starters, control wiring, and circuit tracing.
• Experience with robotic welding cells is preferred but not required. Experience with FANUC or Yaskawa Motoman robotic systems and teach pendant operation is a plus.
• Follow all OSHA and company safety procedures, including proper Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) practices and verification of zero-energy state before performing maintenance.
• Safely operate and maintain equipment using standard hand tools, cordless drills, grinders, calipers, micrometers, torque wrenches, and other precision measuring instruments.
• Maintain accurate maintenance records, complete work orders, and support continuous improvement initiatives to enhance equipment reliability and efficiency.

Qualifications:

• Must be able to communicate in English
• Strong mechanical aptitude and problem-solving skills
• Ability to work within a team setting
• Must be able to demonstrate understanding of health and safety compliance training programs and departmental work instructions written in English
• High school diploma or equivalent required
• Previous maintenance experience in a manufacturing environment preferred

Physical Demands:

• Lift a minimum of 50 lbs
• Work in awkward positions including lying on back and working overhead, inside presses
• Must be able to climb ladders up to 20 feet and on top of equipment safely when needed
• Regularly required to stand, walk, use hands, and reach above head and below shoulder level
• Ability to work in a non-climate-controlled environment

Work Environment:

• The work environment is representative of conditions typical for a manufacturing facility and is not climate-controlled
• Exposure to moving mechanical parts, wet/humid conditions, fumes, airborne particles, and loud environments
• Occasional exposure to toxic or caustic chemicals and vibration
• Safety precautions must always be followed to reduce exposure to hazards

Why Join Us?
We offer a competitive pay rate, opportunities for skill development, and a dynamic work environment where your expertise as an mechanic will directly contribute to the success of the team.