Automation Technician (1st, 2nd or 3rd shift)
lfp associatesKansas City, MO
Automation Technician (1st, 2nd or 3rd shift)
lfp associatesKansas City, MOMid L4
Electro-Mechanical and Mechatronics Technologists and TechniciansRobotics TechniciansIndustrial Machinery Mechanics
Commercial and Industrial Machinery and Equipment Repair and MaintenanceAll Other Industrial Machinery ManufacturingMachine Shops
APPLY NOW (opens in a new tab)Job Description:
This job is posted on behalf of LFP Associates by Top Echelon. Automation Technician (1st, 2nd, or 3rd Shift) – Kansas City
Company Overview:
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 Shifts1⃣ Primary Difference: Work Schedule
- 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.2⃣ Operational Expectations by Shift (Implied, Not Explicitly Stated)1st Shift (Days)
- More interaction with:
Engineering
ManagementContinuous improvement teams
More involvement in:
Projects
Process improvements
Meetings2nd Shift (Afternoons)
Transition shift between day and night
Balanced mix of:
Troubleshooting
Some project carryover
Less management presence than 1st shift3rd Shift (Nights)
Heavy focus on:
Troubleshooting
Keeping production running
Typically:
Minimal engineering support onsite
More independent work
Higher urgency response to downtime3⃣ 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
Matching similar jobs
Level
Mid L4
Location
Kansas City, MO
Occupation
Electro-Mechanical and Mechatronics Technologists and Technicians
Industry
Commercial and Industrial Machinery and Equipment Repair and Maintenance
Posted
today