Entry Level Automation Programmer Jobs in Illinois

Entry-Level Automation / AGV Technician

Location: Rivian Automotive Manufacturing Facility – Normal, IL
Pay: $27.00+/hour, based on experience
Schedule: Monday–Friday | 40 hours per week
Assignment: Long-term, 2-year assignment with additional opportunities expected
Experience Level: Entry Level / Recent College Graduates Encouraged to Apply

Start Your Career in Industrial Automation

We are hiring Entry-Level Automation / AGV Technicians to support operations at the Rivian Automotive manufacturing facility in Normal, Illinois.

This is an excellent opportunity for recent college graduates with a technical or engineering background who want to gain hands-on experience with advanced manufacturing, robotics, automated equipment, and Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs).

Previous AGV experience is NOT required. Candidates will receive hands-on training and learn how to operate, troubleshoot, maintain, and repair the automated systems used throughout a modern automotive manufacturing facility.

This is a long-term, 2-year assignment, with additional opportunities anticipated as the program continues to grow.

What You'll Learn & Do

As an AGV / Automation Technician, you will work alongside experienced technicians and engineers while learning to:

• Operate and monitor Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs) and related automation equipment
• Perform preventative maintenance and routine equipment inspections
• Troubleshoot electrical, mechanical, and automation-related problems
• Diagnose equipment faults and assist with repairs
• Replace and adjust sensors, motors, wiring, mechanical components, and other equipment
• Identify causes of AGV faults, alarms, and equipment downtime
• Learn industrial electrical and mechanical systems
• Assist with equipment testing, calibration, and startup
• Read and interpret technical drawings, schematics, manuals, and equipment documentation
• Document maintenance and repair activities
• Follow established safety and manufacturing procedures
• Work with technicians, engineers, and production personnel to minimize equipment downtime

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor's degree required
• Degree preferably in:
• • Electrical Engineering
  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Electrical Engineering Technology
  • Mechanical Engineering Technology
  • Mechatronics
  • Robotics
  • Automation Engineering
  • Industrial Engineering
  • Manufacturing Engineering
  • Electromechanical Engineering
  • Similar technical or engineering discipline
• Strong mechanical and/or electrical aptitude
• Comfortable working with tools and learning hands-on equipment repair
• Ability to troubleshoot problems logically
• Willingness to learn automation, robotics, and AGV technology
• Ability to work safely in an active manufacturing environment
• Reliable and able to maintain a Monday–Friday work schedule

Ideal Candidate

We are especially interested in recent graduates or early-career candidates who may not yet have extensive industrial experience but have a strong technical foundation and want an opportunity to build a career in:

• Robotics
• Industrial Automation
• Automotive Manufacturing
• Controls
• Mechatronics
• Electrical/Mechanical Maintenance
• Advanced Manufacturing

Coursework, labs, internships, senior projects, robotics teams, Formula SAE, PLC exposure, electronics projects, automotive experience, mechanical projects, or other hands-on technical experience are all valuable.

Compensation & Assignment

Pay: Starting at $27.00+ per hour, depending on experience and technical background

Schedule:
Monday through Friday
40 hours per week

Duration:
Approximately 2 years, with additional opportunities expected following completion of the initial assignment.

Why Apply?

This isn't a short-term maintenance job. It is an opportunity to get your foot in the door of the rapidly growing automation, robotics, and advanced manufacturing industry while gaining real-world experience inside a major electric vehicle manufacturing facility.

If you have the degree and technical aptitude, we can teach you the equipment.

Qualified candidates are encouraged to apply immediately. We are actively interviewing and looking to get technicians started as quickly as possible.