Automation Maintenance Technician

About the Role

As an Automation Maintenance Technician (Equipment Service Technician), you will serve as the on-site expert responsible for maintaining and supporting the automated conveyance and sortation systems that power our fulfillment operations. You’ll ensure systems run safely, efficiently, and at peak performance through preventive maintenance, troubleshooting, and high-level diagnostics.

In this role, you will bridge the gap between mechanical equipment and system controls, diagnosing issues and maintaining system health while partnering with third-party vendors for advanced PLC support. You’ll work closely with operations to coordinate maintenance, support equipment readiness, and minimize downtime in a fast-paced environment that requires strong ownership and autonomy.

Responsibilities

• Conduct start-of-shift walk-throughs while systems are running to identify abnormal noise, vibration, or heat in motors, sorters, and scanners, ensuring equipment is operating safely and efficiently.
• Execute scheduled floor rounds to check air pressure (pneumatics), belt tension, and the cleanliness of photo-eyes and scanners, proactively identifying issues before they impact operations.
• Verify that Print-and-Apply (SLAP) and Weighing systems are calibrated and communicating with the WES, ensuring accurate and uninterrupted system performance.
• Perform scheduled preventive maintenance (PMs) on conveyors, sortation equipment, and high-speed rollers to extend equipment lifecycle and minimize unplanned downtime.
• Maintain automated systems according to OEM specifications, including lubrication, adjustments, and component replacement, to ensure consistent performance.
• Log all maintenance activities, findings, and corrective actions in CMMS to support tracking of equipment performance and MTBF (Mean Time Between Failures).
• Act as the primary responder for complex automation faults, using PLC ladder logic to determine whether issues stem from mechanical failure, sensor blockage, or control system errors.
• Diagnose and resolve issues across mechanical, electrical, and automation systems, including sensors, scanners, and communication failures, to restore functionality quickly.
• Partner with third-party controls vendors by providing real-time diagnostics and serving as the on-site technical lead during troubleshooting and system updates.
• Document troubleshooting steps, root causes, and resolutions to support knowledge sharing and continuous improvement.
• Continuously evaluate maintenance practices and system performance to improve reliability, uptime, and overall efficiency.

Requirements

• You have 5+ years of experience maintaining and repairing packaging or material handling equipment, along with a 2-year technical degree
• You have 2+ years of experience working with PLCs, VFDs, and vision systems (Cognex preferred)
• You can independently plan, prioritize, and execute work with minimal supervision in a fast-paced environment
• You bring a strong sense of ownership and initiative, proactively identifying and resolving equipment issues
• You are capable of serving as a technical resource on-site, supporting and guiding less experienced team members when needed
• You’re able to work a flexible schedule, including occasional evenings and weekends. Standard shifts are Monday–Friday, 7:00 AM–3:30 PM (with rotating Saturdays) or Tuesday–Saturday, 7:00 AM–3:30 PM (with rotating Mondays). Hours are subject to change based on business needs.
• You’re proficient with tools such as Google Workspace or Microsoft Office
• You are reliable, accountable, and follow through on commitments
• You operate with integrity and contribute to a positive, team-oriented environment