Director Automation Jobs in Portland, OR (NOW HIRING)

Job Title: Controls & Automation Technician

Job Description

The Controls & Automation Technician builds, programs, and supports automated production equipment, with a focus on PLCs, robotics, and electrical systems under 500V AC and DC. This role combines hands-on fabrication, programming, troubleshooting, and preventive maintenance to ensure safe, efficient, and reliable operation of molding, furnace/feedstock/facilities, and secondary operations equipment.

Responsibilities

• Perform new equipment builds and assist with new controls and automation equipment designs and qualifications, including light fabrication, software installation, wiring, and programming of PLCs, ladder logic, HMIs, and robots.
• Troubleshoot and repair automated equipment to maintain production readiness by adjusting settings, replacing and configuring sensors, and diagnosing issues in hydraulic, electrical, and control systems.
• Collaborate with Process Engineering to create automation parts lists for new machinery and processes, and document all changes to new and existing equipment, including wiring diagrams, P&IDs, and electrical and instrumentation spare parts lists.
• Support the maintenance of automated systems and perform assigned maintenance activities, serving as the primary owner for assigned departments’ electrical systems under 500V AC and DC.
• Conduct predictive maintenance activities, such as thermal imaging and wire meggering, to identify potential electrical problems and reduce unplanned downtime.
• Assist with scheduling preventive maintenance based on thermal scan results and perform all assigned electrical preventive maintenance tasks.
• Work with Process Engineering to optimize the operation of automated process machinery and improve efficiency, reliability, and cycle times.
• Review and set safety requirements for existing and new automation systems, and implement changes as needed to ensure equipment and user safety for all automated machines and processes.
• Coordinate and work with outside electrical contractors on new circuit and equipment installations, as well as troubleshooting of existing electrical systems.
• Perform additional duties as required, such as ordering supplies and supporting related technical or maintenance activities.

Essential Skills

• 5+ years of professional experience or equivalent technical training in troubleshooting PLCs and automated systems.
• Strong controls and automation background with hands-on experience in PLC troubleshooting and repair.
• PLC programming and computer controls knowledge, with preferred familiarity in Allen-Bradley, Click, Siemens S7-300, and/or Direct Automation PLCs.
• Proficiency in reading and interpreting electrical schematics, blueprints, and P&IDs.
• Experience with 480V electrical systems and related industrial power distribution.
• Ability to use a digital multimeter (DMM) and other electronic, test, and inspection equipment to troubleshoot machines and facility systems.
• Demonstrated skill in troubleshooting hydraulic, electrical, and control systems on automated equipment.
• Experience with HMI interfaces and robotics in an industrial automation environment.
• Lockout/tagout/tryout (LOTOTO) and machine safety systems experience, with a strong focus on safe work practices.
• Ability to document equipment changes clearly, including wiring diagrams and spare parts lists.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience working with multiple PLC platforms such as Allen-Bradley, Click, Siemens S7-300, and Direct Automation PLCs.
• Familiarity with predictive maintenance techniques such as thermal imaging and wire meggering.
• Experience collaborating with Process Engineering, Maintenance, and external contractors on equipment installations and upgrades.
• Comfort working with automated robotics, HMIs, and integrated control systems.
• Strong organizational skills for managing documentation, parts lists, and preventive maintenance schedules.
• Excellent troubleshooting, analytical, and problem-solving abilities in a fast-paced production environment.

Why Work Here?

The organization offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical (HSA or PPO) with generous HSA contributions, prescription coverage, dental, vision, short- and long-term disability, group life, dependent life, whole life, AD&D, critical illness, accident insurance, hospital indemnity, flexible spending accounts, LegalShield, pre-tax transit passes, tuition reimbursement, and a 401(k) plan with a generous employer match. Time off benefits include 40 hours of sick time, 80 hours of PTO, and 80 hours of designated holiday pay, with PTO increasing to 120 hours after five years of service. You will work in a setting that values technical expertise, continuous improvement, and long-term employee development.

Work Environment

Work takes place in an industrial manufacturing plant that uses state-of-the-art metal injection molding technology to produce high-performing, small precision metal components with high complexity at a wide range of volumes. The environment is highly automated, with extensive use of PLCs, robotics, HMIs, and electrical systems up to 480V. The role involves hands-on work around production machinery, electrical panels, and automated equipment, following established safety procedures and machine safety systems. Candidates may work on different shifts, with initial training on a day schedule (Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.), and ongoing work potentially on swing shift (Monday–Friday, 12:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.) or graveyard shift (7:30 p.m. to 4:00 a.m., Monday–Friday, with the last shift ending Saturday morning). The facility operates under ITAR compliance requirements

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of WILSONVILLE, OR.

The pay range for this position is $30.00 - $38.00/hr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: • Medical, dental & vision • Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital • 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available • Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) • Short and long-term disability • Health Spending Account (HSA) • Transportation benefits • Employee Assistance Program • Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

This is a fully onsite position in WILSONVILLE,OR.

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 5, 2026.

Aerotek® Inc. provides staffing and services solutions in manufacturing, logistics, construction, aviation, facilities and maintenance. We provide the expertise, solutions and people required to rise to the challenges of North American industry. Headquartered in Hanover, Md., Aerotek operates a unified network of over 200 offices across North America, supporting more than 18,000 clients each year. Aerotek is an Allegis Group company, the global leader in workforce and business solutions. To learn more, visit: Aerotek.com | 1-888-AEROTEK.

Aerotek offers weekly pay, employee benefits including medical, dental & vision, life insurance, health advocacy and employee assistance programs, a 401(k) plan, and employee discounts.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regards to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance:
Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector:
It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI):
We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.

We know that finding work is hard, and finding meaningful work is harder. Aerotek connects 180,000+ light industrial and skilled trades workers with 14,000+ employers each year, helping our workers navigate an evolving labor market and find jobs that meet their goals, skills, and interests. Since 1983, we have provided a variety of career opportunities across North American industry – from short-term assignments at Fortune 500 companies where you can build your skills, to long-term opportunities where you can play a vital role in solving companies’ construction, manufacturing, and maintenance challenges. Our 1,500+ experienced recruiters across 250+ offices work relentlessly to put our workforce in a position to thrive. Let us rise to meet your challenges and put our people-are-everything spirit to the test as your career continues to grow.