Automation Technician

Job Title: Automation Controls Technician

Job Description

This role supports a fast-paced, climate-controlled distribution center by leading a maintenance team and ensuring the safe, reliable operation of electrical, mechanical, and automated control systems. The Automation Controls Technician applies advanced electrical and controls expertise to maintain and improve material handling equipment, PLC-controlled systems, and facility infrastructure while driving operational excellence and minimizing downtime.

Responsibilities

• Supervise, mentor, and coordinate a team of approximately 8–10 maintenance technicians to ensure high-quality work and consistent performance.
• Ensure the safe and efficient maintenance of electrical systems up to 480V, following established safety practices and procedures.
• Oversee work on 400-amp cabinets, transfer switches, and Pick system robots, ensuring reliable operation and compliance with standards.
• Maintain, troubleshoot, and repair material handling equipment, including conveyors, sortation systems, and automated warehouse equipment.
• Support PLC-controlled systems used in automated distribution or warehouse environments, focusing on reliability and uptime.
• Diagnose electrical, mechanical, and control system issues to minimize equipment downtime and support continuous operations.
• Perform electrical troubleshooting, including low-voltage wiring, testing, and repairs on circuits, sensors, and control components.
• Use multimeters and other diagnostic tools to test circuits, sensors, and components and verify proper system operation.
• Assist with controls and automation troubleshooting, including identifying and resolving faults in PLC-based systems.
• Perform facilities maintenance as needed, including work on dock doors, fire systems, HVAC, and other building equipment.
• Support preventive maintenance (PM) programs by completing scheduled tasks and documenting work in the maintenance system.
• Participate in continuous improvement initiatives to enhance equipment reliability, safety, and process efficiency.
• Utilize a Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS) to track work orders, maintenance history, and parts usage.

Essential Skills

• Strong electrical expertise with experience working on systems up to 480V.
• Hands-on experience maintaining and troubleshooting material handling equipment such as conveyors, sortation systems, and automated warehouse equipment.
• Experience supporting and troubleshooting PLC-controlled systems in an automated distribution or warehouse environment.
• Proficiency in electrical troubleshooting, including low-voltage wiring, testing, and repairs.
• Ability to use multimeters and other diagnostic tools to test circuits, sensors, and components.
• Experience with controls and automation troubleshooting, including identifying faults in PLC-based systems.
• Proficiency with CMMS (Computerized Maintenance Management Systems) for managing maintenance activities.
• Mechanical aptitude with experience in mechatronics, pneumatics, and hydraulics.
• Experience in maintenance supervision or leadership, including coordinating and mentoring technicians.
• Experience in automation, electrical systems, and maintenance management.
• Military expereinve that demonstrates discipline and structured problem-solving skills.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience with Allen-Bradley PLCs, PLC programming, and PLC troubleshooting.
• Experience working with Pick system robots or similar automated robotic systems.
• Experience performing facilities maintenance on dock doors, fire systems, HVAC, and building equipment.
• Experience in a distribution center or automated warehouse environment.
• Strong troubleshooting skills across electrical, mechanical, and control systems.
• Demonstrated ability to support preventive maintenance programs and continuous improvement initiatives.

Why Work Here?

You will join a stable organization that invests in its people through comprehensive benefits and professional development support. The benefits package includes a 401(k) with a competitive match, multiple dental and vision plan options, a health savings account, and an employee stock purchase plan. You receive eight paid holidays and access to up to $5,250 in tuition assistance per calendar year, supporting your ongoing education and career growth. The company promotes a culture of safety, reliability, and continuous improvement within a modern, climate-controlled distribution environment.

Work Environment

This position is based in a pharmaceutical distribution center environment that is climate controlled, providing a comfortable and consistent workplace. The role involves working around automated material handling equipment, conveyors, sortation systems, Pick system robots, and other warehouse automation technologies, as well as facility systems such as dock doors, fire systems, and HVAC equipment. The typical schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with overtime on Fridays as needed, or an alternative night shift of 11:00 p.m. to 7:30 a.m. for those who prefer overnight work. The environment emphasizes safety, reliability, and adherence to procedures while supporting efficient distribution operations.

This is a Permanent position based out of Whitestown, IN.

The pay range for this position is $74880.00 - $79040.00/yr.

Health BenefitsMedical, dental, and vision insurancePrescription drug coverageMental and emotional health supportWellness and preventive care programsRetirement & FinancialCompetitive 401(k) with company matchLife and disability insuranceEmployee stock purchase options (role‑dependent)Paid Time OffPTO program (typically accrued for hourly/non‑exempt roles)Paid company holidaysAdditional leave options depending on role and tenureWork‑Life & WellnessWellness programs that can help reduce healthcare costsEmployee assistance and family support resourcesCareer DevelopmentTraining and upskilling opportunitiesInternal career mobility across maintenance, controls, and leadership pathsTuition reimbursement and development programs

This is a fully onsite position in Whitestown,IN.

This position is anticipated to close on Apr 23, 2026.

We know that finding work is hard, and finding meaningful work is harder. Aerotek connects 180,000+ light industrial and skilled trades workers with 14,000+ employers each year, helping our workers navigate an evolving labor market and find jobs that meets their goals, skills and interests. Since 1983, we have provided a variety of career opportunities across North American industry – from short-term assignments at Fortune 500 companies where you can build your skills, to long-term opportunities where you can play a vital role solving for companies’ construction, manufacturing and maintenance challenges. Our 1,500+ experienced recruiters across 250+ offices work relentlessly to put our workforce in a position to thrive. Let us rise to meet your challenges and put our people-are everything spirit to the test as your career continues to grow.

Aerotek offers weekly pay, employee benefits including medical, dental & vision, life insurance, health advocacy and employee assistance programs, a 401(k) plan, and employee discounts.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regards to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.