Industrial Automation Technician

Job Summary

Elite is hiring experienced Automation Technicians / PLC Programmers to join our high-performance team supporting advanced manufacturing operations. This role requires a strong blend of automation troubleshooting, PLC knowledge, electrical skills, and heavy mechanical capability. We are looking for technicians who can not only troubleshoot logic and controls issues, but also perform hands-on mechanical preventive maintenance and break/fix repairs on automated equipment.

If you thrive in fast-paced manufacturing environments, understand automated systems from both the controls side and the mechanical side, and can help keep critical equipment running, this is a strong opportunity to work with state-of-the-art automation systems.

Job Description

Troubleshoot, repair, and optimize automated manufacturing equipment, robotic systems, , AGVs, conveyors, and related material handling equipment.

Analyze, troubleshoot, and edit PLC logic, including Allen-Bradley ControlLogix and CompactLogix systems, using RSLogix 5000 / Studio 5000.

Interface with HMI systems, including FactoryTalk View, and support networked controls infrastructure.

Support and maintain PowerFlex VFDs, Cognex vision systems, barcode readers, RFID readers, laser sensors, area scanners, and other automation devices.

Perform preventive maintenance on automated equipment, including mechanical, electrical, and controls-based PM activities.

Perform mechanical repairs and break/fix work on automated systems, including conveyors, ASRS cranes, AGVs, robotic equipment, bearings, belts, rollers, motors, gearboxes, chains, sprockets, sensors, guards, and other related components.

Keep ASRS cranes, conveyors, AGVs, and other automated material handling systems running safely and efficiently.

Diagnose equipment failures and determine whether the issue is mechanical, electrical, controls-related, or operational.

Collaborate with engineering, operations, maintenance, and customer teams to improve uptime, reduce downtime, and support system performance.

Assist with equipment upgrades, new equipment commissioning, troubleshooting support, and continuous improvement activities.

Document work performed, parts used, issues found, and follow-up actions needed.

Tech You’ll Work With

PLC Systems: Allen-Bradley required, Siemens preferred
HMIs: FactoryTalk View
Drives: PowerFlex VFDs
Vision & Sensors: Cognex, RFID, laser sensors, barcode readers, area scanners
Robotics & Automation: FANUC robots, ASRS systems, AGVs, conveyors
ASRS Cranes: Crane systems, conveyors, shuttles, and automated material handling equipment
Mechanical Systems: Bearings, belts, chains, rollers, motors, gearboxes, shafts, guarding, sensors, and related mechanical components

What You’ll Bring

4+ years of hands-on experience in industrial automation, controls, maintenance, or automated equipment support.

Advanced knowledge of troubleshooting and programming Allen-Bradley PLCs.

Strong mechanical skills with proven experience performing PMs and break/fix repairs on automated manufacturing or material handling equipment.

Ability to troubleshoot automated systems from the full equipment perspective, including mechanical, electrical, controls, and operational issues.

Ability to read, trace, and modify electrical schematics and ladder logic.

Strong understanding of low and high voltage systems, up to 480V.

Solid experience with distributed I/O and industrial networks, including EtherNet/IP.

Mechanical aptitude and the ability to safely work on electromechanical equipment.

Experience with conveyors, ASRS cranes, AGVs, robotics, motors, sensors, VFDs, and automated production equipment is strongly preferred.

Positive attitude, strong work ethic, and ability to work independently or as part of a team.

Skills Required for the Position

• PLC troubleshooting and programming, Allen-Bradley experience required.
• Proven electrical and automation troubleshooting skills.
• Strong mechanical troubleshooting skills for automated equipment.
• Experience performing preventive maintenance on automated systems.
• Experience performing mechanical break/fix repairs on conveyors, ASRS systems, AGVs, robotics, and related automated equipment.
• Mechanical knowledge to understand safe equipment operation and proper repair methods.
• Ability to identify root causes of downtime and support corrective actions.
• Strong customer service skills for interacting with internal teams and customer personnel.
• Strong computer and networking skills.
• HMI programming experience is a plus.

Job Type

Full-time

Pay

$85,000.00 to $140,000.00 per year, depending on experience

At Elite, we value our team members and want to support their success and growth. Join us and gain access to competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits, and opportunities to grow both professionally and personally.

Benefits We Offer

Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance, starts the 1st of the month after hire
HSA
PTO, including vacation, sick time, and paid holidays
Life Insurance
Career growth and training opportunities
Professional, team-oriented culture with strong work/life balance

Required Work Schedule

Night Shift: 6:00 PM to 6:00 AM

2-2-3 biweekly schedule, 2 days on, 2 off, 3 on, 2 off, 2 on, 3 off.

Every other weekend is required.

Work Location In person.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $85,000.00 - $140,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Relocation assistance
• Vision insurance

Experience:

• PLC programing: 5 years (Required)
• Maintaining Automated equipment: 5 years (Required)

Ability to Commute:

• Durham, NC 27713 (Required)

Work Location: In person