Automation Technician

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Provide emergency/unscheduled repairs of all automation equipment during production as well as performing scheduled preventative maintenance of the same.
• Assist with installation, set up and validation of incoming automation equipment.
• Diagnose problems, replace or repair parts, test, and adjust.
• Interface with PLC of all equipment utilizing PLC controls for troubleshooting and optimization of process.
• Work with Control Engineers on special projects, process improvements and updates
• Assist maintenance technicians on repairs outside of automation scope as needed.
• Responsible for maintaining spare parts inventory with a proper cataloging of parts.
• Provide a timely notification to shift lead of maintenance issues and downtime.
• Reviews line history and documentation to enhance line efficiencies.
• Follows escalation plan to minimize downtime.
• Actively participate and comply with all West HSE programs and regulations.
• Maintain a neat and orderly work environment in accordance with West 5S program.
• Assist with the training and development of personnel at all levels of West on new processes or systems introduced to the company.
• Other duties as assigned.

Education

High School Diploma or GED Required; Trade or Vocational School preferred. One (1) year certificate from a technical school or college in a trade relating to automation, electrical, pneumatic or mechanical; or a minimum of 3-5 years’ experience OJT (related to plant automation); or a combination of education and experience in a trade relating to this position. PLC troubleshooting experience required.

Work Experience

Minimum of 2 years’ experience OJT (related to plant automation); or a combination of education and experience in a trade relating to this position. PLC troubleshooting experience required.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Able to be aware of all relevant standard operating procedures as per Company policy as they are related to the position covered by this Job Description
• Support and contribute to Lean Sigma programs and activities towards delivery of the set target
• Able to comply with the company’s safety policy at all times
• Able to comply with the company’s quality policy at all times.

Travel Requirements

10%: Up to 26 business days per year

Physical Requirements

Medium-Exerting up to 50lb/22kg of force occasionally and/or up to 20lbs/9kg of force frequently, and/or up to 10lbs/4kgs of force constantly to move objects.

Additional Requirements

Frequently required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly works near moving mechanical parts. The employee occasionally works in high, precarious places and is occasionally exposed to fumes or airborne particles, risk of electrical shock, and vibration. The employee will be required to work one of the following shifts schedules 8 hour shifts schedule with overtime when needed (including weekends) or call-in work 12 hour shift schedule which includes every other weekend and overtime when needed or call-in work. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate to loud. Hearing protection required on the manufacturing floor. Exposure to heat and cold. While performing the duties of the job, the employee will be required to work in a fast-paced environment and be a self-starter able to work successfully and efficiently with minimal direction or supervision. Job requires mental skill or ability such as communication, decision making (sometimes quick), interpreting data, reading or writing, organization, problem solving, understand direction, etc.