Automation Software & Controls Technician IV

About Vision

Fueled by innovation at the intersection of biology and technology, we're developing the next generation of smarter, less invasive, more personalized treatments. Our Vision team solves the toughest health challenges, combining cutting-edge insights, science, technology, and people to empower eye care professionals and patients to proactively protect, correct, and enhance healthy sight for life.

Role Overview

The Automation Software & Controls Technician IV is a recognized specialist within the controls and automation environment, operating in a lead capacity by providing technical direction to on-shift technicians and driving machine uptime across the manufacturing floor. This role serves as the primary technical resource for automation software, PLC-controlled equipment, robotics, vision systems, and industrial control systems, supporting equipment installations, upgrades, automation enhancements, and equipment obsolescence replacement projects across three generations of production equipment.

Key Responsibilities

• Fault-find and troubleshoot complex automation equipment, PLC-controlled systems, and industrial software applications.
• Serve as the first point of contact for automation software, controls, and PLC-related line-down issues.
• Collaborate with the team to develop strong problem-solving capabilities within the lens manufacturing environment.
• Develop an in-depth knowledge of all control systems currently used throughout the facility, including PLCs, vision systems, lasers, barcode readers, RFID readers, robots, servo control systems, HMIs, and industrial networks.
• Troubleshoot and support manufacturing software applications and automation systems to maximize equipment uptime and performance.
• Develop and publish comprehensive troubleshooting articles and technical documentation for complex automation, software, and controls-related issues.
• Play an integral role in the knowledge transfer process by helping develop the technical capabilities of on-shift personnel.
• Partner directly with Automation Engineers to identify root causes and implement sustainable solutions for equipment reliability, line runnability, and controls-related issues.
• Support new equipment installations, automation upgrades, software deployments, and controls integration projects.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives related to automation, controls, robotics, and software-enabled manufacturing systems.

Qualifications

High School Diploma or equivalent required; an associate degree, technical degree, or relevant certifications are preferred.

Skills & Experience

• Minimum of six (6) years of relevant work experience.
• Proven track record of troubleshooting and resolving complex technical issues.
• Experience supporting automated manufacturing equipment and industrial control systems.
• Experience troubleshooting PLC-controlled equipment and automation systems.
• Strong problem-solving and root cause analysis skills.
• Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics, controls documentation, and automation drawings.

Preferred

• Experience within an industrial manufacturing environment.
• Experience with PLC programming languages and troubleshooting platforms, such as Rockwell/Allen-Bradley, Siemens, or similar automation systems.
• Minimum of two (2) years of experience in a computing, software support, or industrial software environment.
• Proficient knowledge of robotics, servo control systems, machine vision systems, and automated manufacturing technologies.
• Experience with HMI, SCADA, industrial networking, and controls integration.
• Experience within a medical device manufacturing environment.
• Strong understanding of logic-based, sequential, and automated process controls.
• Experience supporting software-enabled manufacturing systems and advanced automation environments.