What are the responsibilities and job description for the Automation Technician position at Paligen Technologies?
Position Title: Automation Technician
Job Family: Engineering
Company: McCormick Stevenson
Location: Onsite - Clearwater, FL
McCormick Stevenson, a subsidiary of Paligen Technologies, is adding an Automation Technician to perform a variety of tasks involved in the assembly of electrical components, mechanical components, subassemblies, products, or systems. Will often work independently or under minimal supervision. Collaborate with in-house engineering for research and development, quality control, and design feedback. Set up, check, and correct operational and experimental electro-mechanical machinery, circuitry, and equipment while adhering to pre-established guidelines and engineering specifications.
Key Responsibilities
Job Family: Engineering
Company: McCormick Stevenson
Location: Onsite - Clearwater, FL
McCormick Stevenson, a subsidiary of Paligen Technologies, is adding an Automation Technician to perform a variety of tasks involved in the assembly of electrical components, mechanical components, subassemblies, products, or systems. Will often work independently or under minimal supervision. Collaborate with in-house engineering for research and development, quality control, and design feedback. Set up, check, and correct operational and experimental electro-mechanical machinery, circuitry, and equipment while adhering to pre-established guidelines and engineering specifications.
Key Responsibilities
- Maintain organized lab and prototype space.
- Operate, test, and maintain equipment.
- Report equipment issues, material shortages, and quality concerns promptly.
- Read and interpret technical drawings, schematics, and instrumentation diagrams.
- Use specialized instruments to measure parts and ensure they meet specifications.
- Perform functional testing, calibration, and verification of automated equipment.
- Install electronics and controls components for panels and on custom equipment.
- Troubleshoot and maintain PLCs, HMIs, VFDs, robotics, sensors, and motion systems.
- Diagnose, troubleshoot, and repair wiring, instrumentation, and electrical/mechanical components.
- Support system upgrades, commissioning, and continuous‑improvement efforts.
- Maintain accurate documentation and ensure compliance with safety, quality, and regulatory standards.
- Analyze and record test results and prepare written documentation.
- Provide management with estimates on time and effort required to complete assigned or potential work.
- Travel to customer sites for setup, commissioning, or service as required (up to 25%).
- Follow all safety protocols and procedures, ensuring a safe working environment.
- Collaborate with engineers and technicians to improve equipment performance and reliability.
- Participate in training and development programs to stay current with industry standards and best practices.
- High School diploma with 5 years’ experience in industrial automation, controls, or electrical systems
- Experience using electronic test equipment and supporting automated machinery
- Experience reading technical drawings, specifications, and schematics
- Experience with PLCs (Allen‑Bradley preferred), instrumentation, and motion control
- Teamwork and interpersonal communication skills
- Written communication and documentation skills
- Proficiency with MS Office
- Excellent organization and planning skills
- Strong attention to detail
- Ability to interpret engineering drawings and schematics
- Strong troubleshooting and analytical skills for automation and controls
- Proficiency with hand/power tools, test equipment, and precision instruments
- Able to perform physically demanding tasks including moving and lifting equipment, standing for long periods
- Eligible for DoD SECRET clearance
- AS/BS in Engineering Technology
- 3D CAD familiarity (SolidWorks & Creo preferred)
- Familiarity with dimensional inspection
- Ability to interpret GD&T in accordance with ASME Y14.5
- Experience with Beckhoff, Fanuc, or vision systems
- J-STD-001 certification for electronic soldering
- Experience with welding
- Experience with manual machining
- Travel: ~10%
- Work Environment: Lab and office settings
- Background Investigation / Drug Screen / US person: Required.