Engineering Technician

Job Description

We are seeking a skilled and motivated Engineering Technician to support operations at our automated solar panel production facility. This role is critical in maintaining, troubleshooting, and optimizing automated manufacturing equipment and processes. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in automation, robotics, and industrial control systems, along with hands-on mechanical and electrical skills. 

Duties and responsibilities: 

• Support and maintain automated production equipment, including robotic arms, conveyors, vision systems, and PLC-controlled machinery. 
• Troubleshoot equipment faults in real time to minimize production downtime. 
• Perform preventative maintenance and diagnostics on mechanical, electrical, and control systems. 
• Assist engineers in the installation, testing, and commissioning of new automated equipment and process upgrades. 
• Monitor equipment performance and contribute to continuous improvement initiatives for cycle time, quality, and reliability. 
• Read and interpret technical schematics, wiring diagrams, and equipment manuals. 
• Interface with software platforms such as SCADA, MES, or HMI systems to diagnose and adjust system parameters. 
• Document work performed and communicate findings and recommendations clearly to engineering and production teams. 
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams including production, quality, and engineering to resolve technical issues. 
• Ensure compliance with safety regulations and standard operating procedures (SOPs).
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Qualifications: 

• Associate degree in Electromechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, Industrial Automation, or a related field; or equivalent experience. 
• Minimum 5 years of experience in a manufacturing environment, preferably in an automated or high-tech facility. 
• Strong knowledge of industrial automation systems, including PLCs (e.g., Allen-Bradley, Siemens), sensors, actuators, and drives. 
• Experience with robotics (Fanuc, ABB, KUKA, etc.) and automated assembly systems. 
• Ability to work with both mechanical and electrical systems. 
• Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills with a hands-on approach. 
• Familiarity with Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma principles is a plus. 
• Excellent communication skills and ability to work both independently and as part of a team.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: 

• Experience in solar panel or semiconductor manufacturing. 
• Familiarity with data acquisition systems, SCADA, or MES. 
• Basic programming experience in PLC ladder logic or structured text. 
• Ability to analyze system data and recommend improvements for automation and throughput.
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Working conditions: 

• Able to work extended hours as needed 
• Continuous exposure to extreme heat, extreme cold, and extreme noise 
• Must wear protective Automation while at the location 
• May be required to work after hours and on weekends or holidays

Physical requirements:

• Requires prolonged standing, walking, sitting, lifting, pushing, pulling, and climbing to a significant degree 
• Heavy Work-Exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 20pounds or force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects 
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk and hear, in order to communicate to employees/visitors as well as function safely around Automation 
• Must be able to perform all job functions which include, but may not be limited to, pushing, turning, and/or pulling of controls

EEO/AA Statement 

American Panel Solutions is an EEO/AA (equal opportunity/affirmative action) institution and does not discriminate on the basis of sex, age, race, color, religion, physical or mental disability, creed, national origin, veteran status, sexual orientation, genetic information, gender identity, or gender expression in the programs or activities which it operates.