Engineering Technician – Robotics & Automation
Engineering Technician
Kilgore, TX
1st shift: 7a – 3p
2nd shift: 3p - 11p
Position Summary
The Engineering Technician will be responsible for maintaining, troubleshooting, repairing, and optimizing manufacturing equipment, automated systems, robotic cells, and facility machinery to ensure safe, reliable, and efficient production operations.
This role combines strong mechanical and electromechanical maintenance expertise with hands-on knowledge of robotics, automation controls, PLCs, sensors, HMIs, servo systems, and manufacturing process improvements. The Engineering Technician will serve as a key technical resource to Production, Maintenance, and Engineering teams while supporting equipment reliability, automation initiatives, and continuous improvement projects.
Key Responsibilities
Equipment Maintenance & Troubleshooting
- Perform preventive, predictive, and corrective maintenance on manufacturing equipment and production systems.
- Troubleshoot and repair mechanical, electrical, pneumatic, hydraulic, servo, and automation-related equipment.
- Diagnose complex equipment failures and take appropriate action to minimize downtime and safely restore production.
- Read and interpret mechanical drawings, electrical schematics, machine manuals, and technical documentation.
- Use CMMS systems to document maintenance activities, repairs, and preventive maintenance work.
Robotics & Automation
- Maintain, troubleshoot, and support industrial robots, robotic end-of-arm tooling, conveyors, vision systems, sensors, and automated material-handling equipment.
- Assist with robot programming, teaching, calibration, and recovery procedures.
- Troubleshoot automation faults using PLC software, HMI interfaces, drives, and control systems.
- Support the installation, commissioning, and startup of new robotics and automation equipment.
- Collaborate with Engineering on automation upgrades, equipment improvements, and process optimization initiatives.
Engineering & Continuous Improvement
- Partner with Engineering and Maintenance teams to improve equipment reliability, safety, productivity, and performance.
- Participate in root cause analysis and corrective action activities.
- Identify and implement mechanical and automation improvements to reduce equipment downtime and maintenance costs.
- Assist with maintenance procedures, standard work instructions, and equipment documentation.
- Support capital projects, including machine modifications, equipment relocations, and automation deployments.
Safety & Compliance
- Follow all environmental, health, and safety requirements.
- Maintain compliance with Lockout/Tagout (LOTO), machine guarding, electrical safety, and other applicable regulatory requirements.
- Maintain a clean, organized, and safe manufacturing environment.
- Identify safety risks and participate in corrective actions.
Required Qualifications
Education
- Associate degree or technical diploma in Mechatronics, Robotics, Industrial Maintenance, Electrical Technology, Manufacturing Technology, Engineering Technology, or a related technical discipline preferred.
- Equivalent technical education, military training, trade certification, and relevant experience may be considered.
Experience
- 1–5+ years of experience in industrial maintenance, manufacturing maintenance, electromechanical maintenance, or automation support.
- Hands-on experience maintaining automated manufacturing equipment in a production environment.
- Experience troubleshooting PLC-controlled equipment.
- Experience supporting robotic systems in a manufacturing environment is preferred.
Technical Skills
- Strong mechanical troubleshooting and repair capabilities.
- Working knowledge of:
- Industrial robotics
- PLC systems and troubleshooting
- HMI interfaces
- Sensors and machine vision systems
- Pneumatic and hydraulic systems
- Servo motors and drives
- Electrical controls and motor circuits
- Conveyors and automated material-handling systems
- Ability to use diagnostic software, maintenance tools, and technical documentation.
- Experience with CMMS systems.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications.
Preferred Qualifications
- Robotics certification such as FANUC, ABB, Yaskawa/Motoman, KUKA, Universal Robots, or equivalent.
- Mechatronics certification.
- PLC programming experience with Allen-Bradley, Siemens, Mitsubishi, or similar platforms.
- Experience with vision inspection systems.
- Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or Continuous Improvement training.
- Welding and fabrication experience.
Key Competencies
- Strong problem-solving and analytical abilities.
- Ability to work independently with limited supervision.
- Effective communication and teamwork skills.
- Ability to prioritize multiple tasks in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
- Continuous improvement mindset and strong attention to detail.
- Commitment to safety, quality, equipment reliability, and operational excellence.
Physical Requirements
- Ability to stand, walk, bend, stoop, climb ladders, and work in a manufacturing environment for extended periods.
- Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.
- Ability to work around moving mechanical equipment and industrial machinery.
- Ability to wear required personal protective equipment (PPE).