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Location: Chicago, IL (near Chicago) | Schedule: Full-time, on-site; occasional overtime during equipment launches or upgrades | Compensation: Competitive hourly or salaried, based on experience

Overview

A leading custom plastic injection molding manufacturer serving diverse industries near Chicago, IL is seeking an experienced Automation Technician/Engineer to support the installation, troubleshooting, and optimization of automated manufacturing systems. This role is key to keeping robotics, PLCs, vision systems, and auxiliary devices running efficiently, reliably, and safely across a high-volume manufacturing environment.

What you'll do

• Install, program, and troubleshoot automation equipment including robotics, PLC-controlled systems, sensors, and pneumatic components
• Perform preventive and corrective maintenance on automation and related machinery
• Collaborate with engineering and production teams to improve process reliability, cycle time, and quality
• Diagnose and resolve issues in electrical, mechanical, pneumatic, and hydraulic systems
• Support new equipment commissioning, upgrades, and line integrations
• Assist in developing and maintaining documentation for programs, wiring schematics, and mechanical layouts
• Train operators and maintenance staff in the safe operation and basic troubleshooting of automated systems
• Identify opportunities to enhance system performance, reduce downtime, and increase production efficiency

Required qualifications

• Associate's degree or technical certification in Industrial Automation, Mechatronics, Electrical Engineering Technology, or related field (or equivalent hands-on experience)
• 3+ years of experience maintaining or programming automated equipment in a manufacturing environment
• Working knowledge of PLC programming and troubleshooting
• Experience with robotics integration (Fanuc, ABB, or similar)
• Strong understanding of electrical, pneumatic, and mechanical systems
• Proven ability to read electrical and mechanical schematics and interpret technical documentation
• Effective communication and problem-solving skills with a commitment to continuous improvement
• Injection molding background required

Preferred qualifications

• Allen-Bradley PLC experience preferred

Compensation and benefits

• Competitive hourly or salaried compensation based on experience
• Full-time position with benefits
• Occasional overtime may be required during equipment launches or upgrades

Why this role

This is an opportunity to play a central role in improving process reliability, cycle time, and quality while working hands-on with robotics, PLCs, and automated production systems in a full-time position with benefits.