Automation & Robotics Technician Jobs

You install, maintain, and repair automated manufacturing systems. Industrial robots, conveyor systems, packaging equipment, assembly line automation. Day-to-day work involves preventive maintenance like lubrication, calibration, and replacing wear parts.

When production goes down, you troubleshoot by reading PLC code, testing sensors, and swapping components. You'll also assist with system upgrades and new installations. Expect a mix of mechanical work, electrical work, and programming tasks.

Most positions require shift work since production runs 24/7 and downtime response is time-critical.

Jobs heavily favor maintenance and reliability knowledge, PLC programming ability, and electrical design skills. You need to read and modify ladder logic, understand electrical schematics, and know how sensors, servos, and VFDs work in automated systems.

Most employers want an associate degree in mechatronics, industrial maintenance, or electrical technology. Some will hire candidates with strong trade school credentials or military technical training. Hands-on experience matters more than credentials.

Certifications from FANUC, ABB, Rockwell, or Siemens strengthen your position and often unlock higher pay.

Automotive manufacturing, logistics and warehousing, food and beverage processing, and pharmaceutical packaging dominate. Amazon has 72 open positions, reflecting massive fulfillment center expansion.

Beyond the big names, hiring comes from Tier 1 automotive suppliers, contract packaging facilities, beverage bottling plants, and semiconductor fabs. The strongest markets are in the Midwest, the Southeast automotive corridor, and emerging logistics hubs where Amazon, Walmart, and major third-party logistics providers are building facilities.

Based on 809 job postings, median salaries hit $70,281 annually. Entry-level positions start around $60,310 with 1-2 years of experience or fresh from a technical program. Experienced technicians with multi-platform expertise earn $82,500 or more.

Top earners work in automotive plants, cleanroom environments, or high-speed packaging facilities where specialized knowledge commands premium pay. Shift differentials add 10-20% for nights and weekends. Overtime during installations or major maintenance outages can significantly boost total compensation.

Yes. Facilities can't operate without qualified maintenance personnel, and the skill set isn't easily automated or outsourced. 926 active positions and accelerating manufacturing reshoring show consistently high demand.

Career progression is clear: lead technician roles within 3-5 years, then advancement into controls engineering, maintenance management, or applications engineering for automation vendors. The skills transfer across industries, giving you geographic and sector mobility.

Technology shifts like collaborative robots, vision systems, and industrial IoT create learning curves that favor experienced technicians willing to stay current.