Maintenance Automation Specialist

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Located in American Canyon, CA

Salary: $50.00 - $70.00

Maintenance Automation Specialist

Location: American Canyon, CA
Pay Range: $50–$70 per hour (DOE)

Position Summary

The Maintenance Automation Specialist is responsible for troubleshooting, maintaining, and continuously improving automated systems throughout the facility. This role ensures optimal operation of PLCs, controls, and automated equipment to support production uptime, food safety, and quality standards.

This position plays a critical role in continuous improvement initiatives, capital project support, and advancing the facility’s automation capabilities to improve asset reliability and operational efficiency.

Key Responsibilities

Safety & Food Compliance

• Work safely at all times in compliance with company safety policies and procedures.
• Adhere to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), HACCP, and SQF standards.
• Follow lockout/tagout (LOTO) procedures; use required PPE; comply with warning tags and safety protocols.
• Identify and immediately report unsafe conditions or behaviors.
• Ensure all automation activities meet food safety and quality requirements.

Automation & Controls

• Troubleshoot, diagnose, and repair PLCs, HMIs, and automated production systems.
• Monitor automation systems, identify root causes, and complete corrective actions.
• Perform routine diagnostics, system evaluations, and performance checks.
• Support sensors, drives, instrumentation, and electronic field devices.
• Read and interpret electrical schematics, control drawings, and system layouts.

Maintenance & Reliability

• Support preventive and predictive maintenance programs for automation systems.
• Drive improvements in equipment reliability and reduction of unplanned downtime.
• Collaborate and communicate effectively with maintenance and operations teams to optimize performance.

Continuous Improvement & Innovation

• Identify opportunities to improve machine performance, processes, and asset reliability.
• Conduct automation-focused improvement analyses and cost-benefit evaluations.
• Develop and implement process improvements, automation upgrades, and enhancements.
• Apply Lean Manufacturing principles to drive operational efficiency.

Capital Projects & System Integration

• Provide technical input and feedback on capital projects and new equipment design.
• Support automation integration of new machinery into existing systems.
• Assist with commissioning, startup, validation, and optimization of new equipment and processes.

Training & Technical Leadership

• Train and support employees on complex automation systems and machine centers.
• Provide technical guidance to maintenance and operations teams.
• Backfill maintenance supervisory or facilities responsibilities as needed.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Industrial, Mechanical, Electrical, or related field preferred).
• 3–7+ years of experience in industrial automation or manufacturing environments.

Preferred Qualifications

• Food manufacturing experience strongly preferred.

Technical Skills

• PLC programming and troubleshooting (Allen-Bradley preferred).
• Experience with automated manufacturing systems and assembly technologies.
• Knowledge of industrial controls, instrumentation, and system diagnostics.
• AutoCAD or similar technical drawing software preferred.
• Understanding of Lean Manufacturing principles.
• Basic project management experience (2+ years preferred).

Core Competencies

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to communicate complex technical concepts clearly and effectively.
• Cross-functional collaboration and relationship-building skills.
• Highly organized, dependable, and detail-oriented.
• Continuous improvement mindset.

Work Environment & Physical Requirements

• Manufacturing environment with exposure to noise, moving equipment, and temperature variations.
• Frequent standing, walking, bending, kneeling, and reaching.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.
• Visual acuity required, including near, distance, and color vision.

 

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