Maintenance & Automation Technician

Location: Spartanburg, SC Shifts: 1st, 2nd, and 3rd shift positions available Schedule: Monday–Friday, with flexibility for early arrivals, late departures, or weekend work when needed to meet operational demands.

Position Summary:

The Maintenance & Automation Technician is responsible for supporting production by maintaining and troubleshooting automated systems, including robotic welding cells and mechanical/electrical equipment. This role involves hands-on preventative maintenance, repairs, and improvements of automation systems while leading or mentoring others as needed. The ideal candidate combines mechanical expertise with electrical and robotic programming knowledge to ensure optimal equipment performance and production efficiency.

Key Responsibilities:

• Maintenance Oversight:

  • Perform scheduled and unscheduled preventative maintenance and repairs on production equipment, including mechanical, electrical, pneumatic, and robotic systems.

  • Monitor quality, safety, and efficiency standards on the floor.

  • Ensure compliance with safety protocols and plant housekeeping standards.

  • Manage incident reporting and root cause analysis for equipment-related issues.

• Automation & Robotics Support:

  • Troubleshoot, repair, and program robotic systems (ABB, Fanuc, Kawasaki, etc.).

  • Modify robot programs (teach points, offsets, move creation) and perform TCP verification.

  • Execute minor fixture adjustments and shimming.

  • Support MIG, projection, and resistance weld process adjustments under engineer direction.

• Technical Proficiency:

  • Use schematics to troubleshoot and repair control systems, drives, motors, sensors, I/O blocks, and valve stacks.

  • Troubleshoot HMI systems, PLCs (ladder logic), and other control components.

  • Conduct basic to intermediate offline robot programming (RoboCAD, Robot Studio).

  • Perform electrical wiring and installation tasks, such as circuit breaker and panel wiring.

• Leadership & Collaboration:

  • Mentor junior maintenance and automation technicians.

  • Conduct daily toolbox talks and assist in training sessions.

  • Foster a team-based problem-solving environment with a focus on continuous improvement.

  • Communicate effectively with engineering, production, and leadership to coordinate repairs and upgrades.

Qualifications:

• High school diploma or GED required; technical associate degree or certifications in mechatronics, industrial maintenance, or automation preferred.

• Minimum 5 years of combined experience in industrial maintenance, robotics, automation, or machine repair roles.

• Strong knowledge of robotics, industrial electrical systems, PLCs, and welding technologies.

• Ability to read and interpret mechanical and electrical blueprints/schematics.

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Outlook).

• Basic to intermediate PLC and HMI programming experience preferred.

• Strong mechanical aptitude, troubleshooting skills, and attention to detail.

• Ability to obtain forklift and aerial platform certifications.

• Must be able to wear required PPE including steel-toe boots and hard hats.

Preferred Experience:

• Experience with robot programming and setup (ABB, Fanuc, or similar platforms).

• Working knowledge of welding process troubleshooting (GMAW, DA, resistance).

• Understanding of poke-yoke systems and automated quality verification.

• Capable of performing weld validations and electrode studies.