Job Overview We are seeking a highly skilled Automation Technician with proven experience in solar manufacturing to join our dynamic team. In this role, you will be responsible for maintaining, troubleshooting, and optimizing complex automated systems integral to solar module production. Your expertise in industrial controls, robotics, and electrical systems will drive efficiency and quality across manufacturing processes. This position offers an exciting opportunity to work with cutting-edge automation technology in a fast-paced, innovative environment dedicated to advancing renewable energy solutions. The Automation Technician installs, maintains, troubleshoots, and improves automation and control systems used in solar module manufacturing. This position supports PLCs, HMIs, drives, motors, sensors, industrial networks, and related automated equipment to improve uptime, reliability, safety, quality, and production efficiency. Duties Install, maintain, troubleshoot, and repair PLCs, HMIs, VFDs, servo systems, motors, sensors, encoders, control panels, safety controls, and automated production equipment. Perform preventive and corrective maintenance to minimize equipment downtime and recurring failures. Diagnose PLC logic, alarms, interlocks, I/O, machine sequences, communication issues, and control system faults. Make authorized PLC, HMI, drive, and equipment-parameter changes following established change-control procedures. Troubleshoot and replace sensors, switches, encoders, motors, drives, and other control components. Diagnose industrial network and equipment-connectivity issues in coordination with Engineering and IT. Conduct root-cause analysis and recommend improvements to equipment reliability, cycle time, safety, quality, and production output. Support automation upgrades, equipment installation, testing, commissioning, qualification, and production ramp-up. Verify alarms, interlocks, emergency stops, and machine safety controls before equipment is released for production. Maintain current PLC, HMI, and drive program backups and accurately document repairs, changes, settings, and modifications. Collaborate with Production, Engineering, Mechanical Maintenance, Quality, IT, HSE, and equipment suppliers. Follow Lockout/Tagout, electrical safety, machine safety, PPE, and all company safety requirements.

Required Skills:

Technical training or practical experience in automation, electrical technology, electronics, mechatronics, industrial controls, or a related field. 5+ years of experience supporting industrial automation, controls, electrical systems, or automated manufacturing equipment. Hands-on experience troubleshooting PLC-controlled equipment, sensors, motors, drives, alarms, and interlocks. Ability to read electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, control drawings, and technical manuals. Ability to safely use electrical meters, programming devices, diagnostic software, and hand tools. Strong troubleshooting, problem-solving, communication, and documentation skills.

Preferred Skills:

Technical diploma, certificate, or Engineering degree is a plus. Experience with Siemens, Allen-Bradley/Rockwell, or similar PLC platforms. Experience with HMIs, VFDs, servo systems, industrial sensors, machine vision, and safety controls. Familiarity with Profinet, Profibus, Ethernet/IP, Modbus, SCADA, MES, or similar industrial systems. Experience in solar, semiconductors, electronics, automotive, automated assembly, or other advanced manufacturing environments. Experience with equipment commissioning, production ramp-up, or automation upgrades. NFPA 70E, OSHA, Lockout/Tagout, Siemens, Rockwell, CAP, or related certification preferred Ability to use computers, electrical test equipment, programming devices, and hand tools. Ability to lift, carry, push, pull, or position tools and equipment components in accordance with company procedures. Ability to work safely around machinery, electrical equipment, compressed air, noise, and other industrial conditions. Ability to wear required PPE and comply with electrical and machine safety requirements. Flexibility to work alternative shifts, overtime, weekends, holidays, scheduled shutdowns, or on-call support when required. Translucent Solar Manufacturing is an equal opportunity employer and considers qualified applicants without regard to any characteristic protected by applicable law. Join us to be part of a forward-thinking company committed to innovation in solar technology! Your expertise will help shape sustainable energy solutions while advancing your career in a vibrant industry that values technical excellence and continuous improvement.

Pay:

$30.19 - $36.36 per hour

Benefits:

401(k) 401(k) matching Dental insurance Disability insurance Employee assistance program Health insurance Life insurance Paid time off Relocation assistance Vision insurance Application Question(s): Do you have solar manufacturing experience?

Experience:

solar manufacturing: 5 years (Required) Ability to

Commute:

Summerville, SC 29483 (Required)

Work Location:

In person