Automation Technician

Job Summary:

An Automation Technician must fulfil all the requirements which are of an Electrician II with advanced proficiency and technical skill.  Must be able to troubleshoot, service and repair industrial process control systems, instrumentation, robotic assembly devices, and computer-controlled equipment designed to reduce human interaction.  Work involves a wide range of diversified and complex duties including: installation, modification, and programming of complex closed loop and digital electronic equipment. Candidate will be a subject matter expert in the area of Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) programming, automation, robotics, high-voltage and/or instrumentation. 

Primary Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Must perform and meet all requirements and responsibilities of the Electrician II.
2. Performs advanced PLC programming, networking, and troubleshooting; setup and install hardware; and as necessary evaluate equipment making recommendation for design changes and improvements.
3. Has expert knowledge and understanding, as well as the ability to modify, ancillary systems or equipment used in conjunction with PLCs such as: operating systems, software packages, drives and/or data acquisition systems, taking care to identify the root causes of equipment failure. 
4. May check and calibrate plant instrumentation. Will document testing of emergency systems for compliance purposes. Will work with analytic software, calculators, meters, and electronic probes in order to diagnose faults in circuitry.
5. Interprets schematics/blueprints at an expert level.
6. Research, specify, and help source equipment, parts, and digital solutions.
7. Robotics

Additional Responsibilities:

1. May perform motor circuit analysis including resistance and phase balance.
2. Works with related diagnostic equipment including digital voltmeter, multi-volt meter, oscilloscope, and other electronic tools and equipment.
3. Troubleshoot and repair motors, cranes, and pneumatic systems as needed.
4. Plans and assists engineers and plant leadership with projects that involve installation or modification of equipment.
5. Assist with scheduling and prioritizing maintenance activities.
6. Coordinates the activities of lower level maintenance employees and contractors on assigned projects.
7. Follow all PPE requirements and safety rules and guidelines for all tasks being performed.
8. Responsible for training other personnel on electrical systems, PLC’s, robotics, networks, process changes, etc.
9. Perform all other duties as assigned.

Education/Experience:

• High school diploma or GED.
• Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Industrial Maintenance is preferred.
• 10 years of heavy industrial electrical maintenance experience preferred.
• Must pass the Gerdau Electrical Maintenance test at an Electrician II threshold.
• Experience working in an industrial environment in a position containing a routine maintenance component.
• Maintain a thorough and working knowledge/understanding of mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, distribution control, fluidic, and electrical systems/components and how they operate.
• Predictive maintenance (PdM) training:
  • Level 1 certification for Motor Circuit Analysis (MCE) testing, and
  • Level 1 certification for thermography

Instrumentation Tech: Must have verifiable advanced instrumentation training including calibration and testing procedures.

PLC Programmer:

Advanced knowledge and verifiable training in:

• • AC/DC motor theory
  • PLC Programing/network configuration
  • Expert drive knowledge
  • Electrical controls
  • Data acquisition systems, process cameras, HMI Interfaces
  • Robotics

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to climb stairs, climb ladders, reach, squat, tolerate prolonged standing or walking, balance, bend, operate mobile equipment, crawl, kneel, and push and pull objects.
• Ability to reach, squat, and tolerate prolonged sitting.
• Ability to lift up to 70 lbs.
• Ability to operate hand controls with both hands and foot pedals with both feet.
• Ability to perform sustained overhead reaching.
• Ability to work in extreme ambient temperatures up to 160°F.
• Ability to work in cramped quarters and at heights.
• Ability to work a rotating shift schedule, including days, nights and weekends.
• Ability to tolerate working in areas where noise levels can reach 120 decibels.

What Gerdau Offers You: 

• Comprehensive Medical, Prescription, Dental, Vision Plans
• Health & Dependent Care (Flexible Spending Account)
• 100% Matching DC Pension up to 6%
• Life/Accidental Life Insurance
• Health Advocate Services
• Employee Assistance Program
• Tuition Reimbursement Program
• Career Path System and Training
• Opportunity to grow and create