Automation Maintenance Technician

Position Summary:

The Automation Maintenance Technician is responsible for maintaining, troubleshooting, repairing, and improving automated production and material handling equipment within a fast-paced contract packaging and warehouse environment. This position supports production operations by ensuring equipment reliability, minimizing downtime, and performing preventative maintenance on conveyors, packaging equipment, automated machinery, and related systems. The Automation Maintenance Technician works closely with operations and production teams to ensure safe, efficient, and continuous facility operations.

Essential Functions:

• Perform preventative, predictive, and corrective maintenance on conveyors, packaging equipment, automated machinery, and warehouse systems.
• Troubleshoot mechanical, electrical, pneumatic, and automated equipment issues to minimize downtime and maintain production schedules.
• Diagnose and repair motors, gearboxes, sensors, photo eyes, pneumatic systems, drives, and other production equipment components.
• Monitor equipment performance and identify opportunities for process improvements and increased reliability.
• Respond to equipment breakdowns and production support requests in a timely manner.
• Perform equipment inspections and document maintenance activities, repairs, and parts usage.
• Assist with equipment installations, modifications, upgrades, and production line changeovers.
• Support troubleshooting of automated control systems, including PLC-controlled equipment and HMI interfaces.
• Maintain an organized inventory of maintenance tools, spare parts, and supplies.
• Ensure compliance with all company safety policies, lockout/tagout procedures, Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), and housekeeping standards.
• Collaborate with production leadership to prioritize maintenance activities and support operational goals.
• Train operators on basic equipment operation and maintenance best practices as needed.

Requirements:

• Strong mechanical aptitude with the ability to troubleshoot and repair automated production equipment.
• Working knowledge of conveyors, packaging equipment, automated machinery, and warehouse material handling systems.
• Experience with motors, bearings, chains, sprockets, gearboxes, pneumatics, sensors, and electrical systems.
• Ability to read and interpret equipment manuals, schematics, wiring diagrams, and technical documentation.
• Familiarity with PLC-controlled equipment and basic troubleshooting of automation systems.
• Understanding of preventative maintenance programs and maintenance best practices.
• Ability to safely use hand tools, power tools, testing equipment, and maintenance machinery.
• Strong problem-solving, organizational, and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision and effectively prioritize workload.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds and perform physical maintenance activities throughout the shift.

Work Environment:

• Work is performed in a warehouse and contract packaging production environment.
• Regular exposure to moving mechanical equipment, forklifts, conveyors, and production machinery.
• Requires standing, walking, bending, climbing, kneeling, reaching, and lifting throughout the workday.
• May require work at elevated heights using ladders or lifts.
• Exposure to varying temperatures, noise levels, dust, and other warehouse conditions.
• Must be available to work overtime, weekends, or alternate shifts as operational needs require.
• Personal protective equipment (PPE) must be worn as required.

Education and Experience:

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Technical school certification, vocational training, or associate degree in Industrial Maintenance, Mechatronics, Electrical Technology, Automation, or a related field preferred.
• Minimum of 3 years of maintenance experience in a manufacturing, packaging, distribution, or automated warehouse environment preferred.
• Experience maintaining conveyor systems, automated packaging equipment, and PLC-controlled machinery strongly preferred.
• Equivalent combination of education, training, and experience may be considered.

EEO Statement:

Gilmer does not discriminate based on race, sex, color, religion, age, national origin, marital status, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or any other category protected by law in provision of employment opportunities and benefits.

Other Duties:

Please note, this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.