Automation Technician (1st, 2nd, or 3rd Shift) – Kansas City

Our client is a leading plastics manufacturer serving the automotive industry for over 40 years, offering advanced solutions in injection molding, TPO/TPE materials, extrusion, and engineered composites.

Position Summary

The Automation Technician is responsible for installing, troubleshooting, repairing, and improving automated systems in a plastic injection molding environment. This role ensures maximum production uptime by supporting robotics, PLC-controlled equipment, and auxiliary automation while meeting safety, quality, and IATF 16949 standards.

Key Responsibilities

• Troubleshoot and repair:
• Robotics (Fanuc, Wittman, Sepro, Viper)
• End-of-arm tooling (EOAT)
• Conveyors and part handling systems
• Diagnose PLCs, HMIs, sensors, and drives
• Perform preventative and predictive maintenance
• Assist with PLC programming (Allen-Bradley, Siemens)
• Support robot programming and cycle time improvements
• Read electrical schematics and ladder logic
• Drive continuous improvement (scrap reduction, uptime)
• Conduct root cause analysis (RCA) and corrective actions
• Respond quickly to downtime events
• Support mold changes and automation setups
• Collaborate with production, quality, and engineering teams
• Ensure OSHA and plant safety compliance
• Support IATF 16949 quality systems

Basic Qualifications

• Associate's degree or technical certification (preferred)
• 2–5+ years automation experience (automotive preferred)
• Injection molding experience strongly preferred
• Knowledge of:
• PLC systems (Allen-Bradley, Siemens)
• Robotics systems
• Electrical systems (24V, 120V, 480V)
• Sensors, vision systems, servo drives
• Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills
• Effective communication skills

Physical Requirements

• Stand, walk, bend, kneel, climb ladders
• Lift up to 50 lbs
• Work in industrial manufacturing environment

Working Conditions

• Industrial environment with temperature variation
• Exposure to noise, heat, and moving equipment
• Injection molding and automation cells
• Overtime and weekend work as needed

Compensation & Benefits

• Medical, Dental, Vision
• 401(k) with match
• Paid holidays & vacation
• Advancement opportunities

Key Differences Between Shifts

The ONLY real difference across all three descriptions is the shift designation :

• 1st Shift → Day shift (typically ~6am–2pm or similar)
• 2nd Shift → Afternoon/evening (~2pm–10pm)
• 3rd Shift → Overnight (~10pm–6am)

The job duties, qualifications, and responsibilities are identical across all three roles.

Operational Expectations by Shift (Implied, Not Explicitly Stated)

• 1st Shift (Days)
• More interaction with:
• Engineering
• Management
• Continuous improvement teams
• More involvement in:
• Projects
• Process improvements
• Meetings
• 2nd Shift (Afternoons)
• Transition shift between day and night
• Balanced mix of:
• Troubleshooting
• Some project carryover
• Less management presence than 1st shift
• 3rd Shift (Nights)
• Heavy focus on:
• Troubleshooting
• Keeping production running
• Typically:
• Minimal engineering support onsite
• More independent work
• Higher urgency response to downtime

Work Environment Reality

Even though all descriptions state the same:

"Work off-shift, weekends, and overtime as needed"

In reality:

• 2nd & 3rd shifts are more likely to:
• Handle emergency breakdowns
• Work with reduced support staff
• Operate more autonomously