Maintenance Automation Specialist

Job Title: Maintenance Automation Specialist

Pay: $50/hr - $70/hr DOE

Shifts:

1st shift (6:00 AM–2:30 PM); Monday - Friday (occasional Saturdays)

OR

2nd shift (2:00 PM–10:30 PM); Monday - Friday (occasional Saturdays)

Job Description

The Maintenance Automation Specialist supports plant operations by troubleshooting, maintaining, and improving automated systems across the facility. This role ensures reliable performance of PLCs, controls, sensors, and production equipment to maximize uptime while meeting strict food-safety and quality standards. The position also contributes to continuous improvement initiatives, capital projects, and automation upgrades to enhance overall equipment effectiveness and plant reliability.

Responsibilities

• Work safely at all times and follow all company safety procedures, including proper application of lockout/tagout (LOTO) and use of required personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Comply with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), HACCP, and SQF standards while performing all maintenance and automation tasks.
• Identify, report, and help correct unsafe conditions, ensuring all automation work aligns with food-safety and quality expectations.
• Troubleshoot and repair PLCs, HMIs, VFDs, sensors, robotics, and other automated systems to restore equipment to proper operation.
• Perform diagnostic checks, system evaluations, and corrective repairs on control systems and process equipment.
• Read and interpret electrical schematics, control drawings, system layouts, and related documentation to support troubleshooting and modifications.
• Support preventive and predictive maintenance activities for automation and controls to minimize unplanned downtime.
• Collaborate closely with maintenance teams to improve equipment reliability and reduce downtime through clear communication and technical support.
• Identify opportunities to improve machine performance, asset reliability, and process efficiency using automation solutions.
• Support and participate in automation-focused continuous improvement projects, applying Lean principles to drive efficiency and consistency.
• Implement new automation processes, enhancements, and control changes in a structured and documented manner.
• Provide technical input on the design and selection of new equipment and automation systems for capital projects.
• Assist with the integration, commissioning, and optimization of new machinery and control systems into existing operations.
• Train operators and maintenance staff on the proper use, basic troubleshooting, and care of automated systems and controls.
• Provide technical guidance and support to leadership and cross-functional teams on automation-related issues and improvements.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering strongly preferred, such as Industrial, Mechanical, Electrical, or a related discipline.
• 3–7+ years of experience in industrial automation or manufacturing environments.
• Strong troubleshooting skills with PLCs, preferably Allen-Bradley platforms.
• Hands-on experience with controls, instrumentation, and automated systems in a production setting.
• Ability to troubleshoot and support HMIs, VFDs, sensors, robotics, and process equipment.
• Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics, control drawings, and system layouts.
• Familiarity with AutoCAD or similar electrical and mechanical drawing software.
• Understanding of Lean Manufacturing concepts and basic project management practices.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving ability for complex technical issues.
• Clear and concise communication skills for explaining complex technical concepts to various audiences.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively in cross-functional teams and collaborate with operations, maintenance, and engineering.
• High level of organization, dependability, and a continuous-improvement mindset.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Food manufacturing experience, particularly in highly regulated environments, is preferred.
• Experience with servo systems, SCADA systems, and advanced control strategies is a plus.
• Experience as an Automation Engineer, Automation Technician, or Maintenance Engineer is beneficial.
• Experience with maintenance automation, controls engineering, and automation engineering in a production environment.
• Comfort working with process equipment and integrating automation solutions into existing manufacturing lines.

Why Work Here?

You will join a manufacturing organization that values safety, quality, and continuous improvement, offering the opportunity to work with modern automation technologies and influence key process enhancements. The company supports professional growth through exposure to capital projects, cross-functional collaboration, and ongoing learning in automation and controls. Multiple shifts provide options for work schedule alignment, and the environment rewards initiative, reliability, and a strong problem-solving mindset.

Work Environment

This role is based in a food manufacturing environment with exposure to moving machinery, production lines, and varying noise levels. You will work around variable temperatures, humidity, moisture, and liquids, as well as strong odors and fumes from ingredients such as hot peppers. The position requires frequent standing, walking, bending, kneeling, and reaching throughout the shift, along with the ability to lift up to 50 pounds. Visual acuity is essential for detailed electrical and automation work, including reading schematics, working inside control panels, and adjusting instrumentation. Shifts are available on 1st shift (6:00 AM–2:30 PM) and 2nd shift (2:00 PM–10:30 PM), and you will work with standard industrial tools, automation equipment, and computer-based diagnostic and design software.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of American Canyon, CA.

The pay range for this position is $50.00 - $70.00/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:
• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

This is a fully onsite position in American Canyon,CA.

This position is anticipated to close on Apr 28, 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.