Automation Technician

Automation Technician - Direct Hire / State of the art facility / Pay ranges from $34.00-$38.00/hr DOE Advanced Manufacturing | Highly Automated Environment Why This Role We're seeking an Automation Technician to support and optimize a highly automated manufacturing operation. In this role, you'll work hands‑on with robots, conveyors, vision systems, and PLC‑controlled equipment—keeping systems running efficiently while supporting preventive maintenance, continuous improvement, and quality standards. This is a great opportunity for an automation‑focused technician who enjoys advanced troubleshooting, robotics, and working in a clean, state‑of‑the‑art facility. What You'll Do Monitor, diagnose, and troubleshoot industrial automation equipment Maintain and repair robots, conveyors, vision systems, and auxiliary automation equipment Perform PLC and electrical troubleshooting on automated production systems Develop, execute, and improve preventive maintenance plans Optimize automation processes to improve efficiency, uptime, and quality Build, repair, and calibrate robotic end‑of‑arm tooling (EOAT), fixtures, and related systems Support quality control using vision inspection systems Backup, modify, and optimize automation programs, HMIs, and SCADA systems Follow company, safety, and environmental standards at all times Document changes, procedures, and technical details as needed What We're Looking For Hands‑on experience with industrial automation systems Strong PLC and electrical troubleshooting skills Experience working with robotics (Fanuc preferred) Siemens PLC experience strongly preferred Knowledge of hydraulics, pneumatics, motors, and vacuum systems Experience with HMI and SCADA systems Ability to read and interpret electrical diagrams and technical documentation Strong technical troubleshooting and problem‑solving skills Nice to

Have:

Injection molding or plastics manufacturing experience Exposure to German‑built machinery PLC programming experience Technical degree or automation‑related training Strong technical writing and documentation skills Microsoft Office proficiency What's Offered Direct‑hire position $2/hr shift differential for off‑shift work Matching 401(k) Annual raises and performance‑based bonuses Ongoing technical training and skill‑building opportunities Clear advancement paths through internal mobility and leadership development Gift cards for birthdays, holidays, and special occasions Work Environment Clean, climate‑controlled manufacturing facility Brand‑new equipment and machinery Highly automated, state‑of‑the‑art production environment Job Type & Location This is a Permanent position based out of Hickory, NC. Pay and Benefits The pay range for this position is $32.00 - $36.00/hr. 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) Workplace Type This is a fully onsite position in Hickory,NC.

Application Deadline This position is anticipated to close on May 15, 2026.

About Aerotek:

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 meets 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 solving for 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. 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.