Automation & Controls Technician (M-F 7am-3pm)

Are you a highly skilled and motivated technician who thrives on a challenge? Do you have a passion for robotics, automation, and a knack for troubleshooting complex systems? We're looking for an experienced Automation and Controls Technician to join our team in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

In this critical role, you won't just be fixing machines; you'll be the vital link in keeping our advanced production and facility equipment running at peak performance. You'll be the go-to expert for installation, troubleshooting, and repair, ensuring our operations stay efficient, safe, and productive. If you're ready to make a real impact with a company that values your expertise, we want to hear from you.

Why You'll Love Working With Us: Our Culture & Your Benefits

At our company, we're more than just a place to work—we're a community. Our culture is built on the foundation of ASPIRE: Attitude, Safety, Passion, Integrity, Relationship, and Evolve. We believe in empowering our team members and providing an environment where you can truly thrive.

• Safety is Our Top Priority: We are committed to providing a safe and secure working environment. You'll receive comprehensive training and be equipped with the tools you need to do your job with confidence, including support to attain your forklift and OSHA certifications.
• Innovate and Grow: We value continuous improvement. You won't just be reacting to problems; you'll be programming, troubleshooting, and optimizing PLCs and robotic systems and automated production lines to ensure reliable and efficient operation to ensure long-term efficiency. We encourage you to recommend process improvements and provide opportunities for you to grow your professional technical knowledge.
• Your Expertise is Valued: You're a problem-solver, and we need your skills! We’ll empower you to diagnose issues, identify root causes, and find practical solutions. Your expertise in electrical, mechanical, controls, and other advanced skills is what drives our success.
• A Team That Has Your Back: We're a tight-knit, professional group that works together effectively across departmental teams. You'll build strong relationships and be a crucial part of a team that relies on your expertise to keep our operations running smoothly.

A Day in the Life: What You'll Do

As a Maintenance Technician, you'll be at the heart of our operations. Your responsibilities will include:

• Advanced Troubleshooting: You'll be the first line of defense for non-functioning components, including servos, sensors, and complex control systems.
• Automation Expert: You will install, program, and maintain state-of-the-art industrial controls, automated production lines, and robotic systems to ensure efficient operation.
• Proactive Maintenance: Perform regular preventive maintenance on all machines and equipment—mechanical, electrical, pneumatic, and hydraulic—to prevent issues before they occur.
• Critical Repairs: Provide emergency repairs and make precise adjustments as needed to keep production on schedule.
• Technical Communication: Read and interpret equipment manuals and work orders, while also maintaining clear communication with your supervisors and team.
• Continuous Improvement: Identify and report faulty operations or defective materials and actively recommend improvements for greater efficiency.

Who We're Looking For

• Highly Skilled Technician: You're proficient in at least two of the following: electrical, mechanical, robotics, vision systems, controls, fabrication, or pneumatics. You have experience with 208 and 480vac 3-phase electrical systems.
• Experienced Problem-Solver: You have a minimum of 2+ years of experience in a relatable field, with a proven ability to diagnose problems and find practical solutions.
• Safety-Focused: You're comfortable operating a scissor lift and working at heights of 20-25 feet.
• Motivated and Independent: You're a self-starter who can work independently and manage your time effectively in a fast-paced environment.
• Technologically Savvy: You have intermediate computer literacy, are proficient with Microsoft Office, and can quickly learn new systems like CMMS software (Mapcon).
• Detail-Oriented: You have a strong understanding of weights and measures and pay close attention to detail in all aspects of your work.

REQUIRED SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Strong written and verbal communication skills with prevalent professional demeanor
• Support and drive the goals of the Company
• Ability to work independently
• Highly motivated
• Ability to work in a fast paced, rapidly changing, and regulated environment
• Effective time management
• Ability to identify problems when they arise, define the issue, identify the root cause, and find practical and viable solutions
• Exhibit sound and accurate judgment
• Ability to work effectively across departmental teams
• Demonstrated ability to learn and apply new approaches
• Maintain professional technical knowledge
• Intermediate level mechanical aptitude
• Intermediate level troubleshooting skills on moderate equipment issues
• Ability to operate scissor lift and work at heights of 20-25 feet
• Intermediate level computer literacy
• Mathematical aptitude
• Proficiency in 2 of the following skills: electrical, mechanical, robotics, vision systems, controls, fabrication, pneumatics
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite Products and ability to learn new systems quickly
• Strong understanding of weights and measures

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE

• Associate’s degree in a relatable field preferred
• Certifications or experience exemplifying electric, hydraulic, pneumatic, mechanical and/or industrial skills preferred
• Either currently have or the ability to attain forklift certification required
• Either currently have or the ability to attain OSHA certification preferred
• A minimum of 2+ years’ experience in a relatable field preferred
• Experience with CMMS software (Mapcon) preferred
• Controls and utilities – PLC-Allen Bradley experience preferred
• Knowledge of and experience with preventative maintenance programs required
• Knowledge of 208 and 480vac 3-phase electrical systems and mechanical processes required
• Knowledge of GMP’s, OSHA rules and regulations preferred

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS/ WORKING ENVIRONMENT

Work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Sit an average of 1-2 hours per day
• Stand an average of 5-6 hours per day
• Walk an average of 3-4 hours per day
• Required Movements:
  • Bend/Stoop – Occasionally (1-4 times per hour)
  • Squat – Occasionally (1-4 times per hour)
  • Crawl – Rarely (1-2 times per day)
  • Climb – Rarely (1-2 times per day)
  • Reach above shoulder level – Occasionally (1-4 times per hour)
  • Kneel – Occasionally (1-4 times per hour)
  • Pushing – Occasionally (1-4 times per hour)
  • Balancing – Occasionally (1-4 times per hour)
• Weight Carried:
  • Up to 10 lbs – Frequently (5-24 times per hour)
  • 11-30 lbs – Occasionally (1-4 times per hour)
  • 31-50 lbs – Rarely (1-2 times per day)
• Weight Lifted:
  • Up to 10 lbs – Frequently (5-24 times per hour)
  • 11-30 lbs – Occasionally (1-4 times per hour)
  • 31-50 lbs – Rarely (1-2 times per day)
• Repetitive Foot Movement Used (i.e. operating foot controls)
  • Right foot – Rarely (1-2 times per day)
• Hands Used for Repetitive Action:
  • Simple/light grasping (both hands) – Occasionally (1-4 times per hour)
  • Firm/strong grasping (both hands) – Occasionally (1-4 times per hour)
  • Fine dexterity (both hands) – Occasionally (1-4 times per hour)
• Job requires being around moving machinery and equipment
• Job requires driving automotive equipment, forklifts and other equipment
• Job requires personal protective equipment
• Personal Protective Equipment Required:
  • Arc flash electrical protection
  • Ear protection for noise as necessary
  • Safety glasses when in required areas
  • Slip resistant shoes when in required areas
• Potential Physical Exposures:
  • Noise