Reliability and Automation Technician

About the job As a Reliability and Automation Technician, you’ll be responsible for maximizing the uptime, efficiency, and longevity of automated systems, robotics, and industrial machinery. This role combines preventive maintenance with advanced troubleshooting of PLCs, sensors, and control systems to minimize downtime and enhance process reliability. The technician acts as a subject matter expert, analyzing failure modes and implementing improvements to prevent recurrence. This is a fully onsite role at our facility located at 600 N. County Line Road, Elmhurst, IL. Who We Are McMaster-Carr is a leading e-commerce company that industrial customers have trusted for over 125 years. Our products help them get manufacturing lines back up quickly, keep operations running smoothly, and prototype the next generation of innovative solutions. Behind it all are our people: exceptional and resourceful problem-solvers who take pride in getting every detail right for our customers. What You’ll Do Troubleshooting & Repair: Diagnose and repair complex faults in automated equipment (conveyors, robotics, PLC control panels, VFDs) through electrical, mechanical, and pneumatic pathways. Preventive & Predictive Maintenance: Perform routine inspections and predictive maintenance (thermography, vibration analysis) to proactively identify potential component failures. Root Cause Analysis (RCA): Lead or assist in RCA investigations for chronic equipment failures and implement corrective actions. Documentation & CMMS: Maintain detailed logs of repairs, maintenance activities, and parts usage in a Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS). Safety Compliance: Uphold all safety policies, including Lockout/Tagout (LOTO), robot safety standards, and machine guarding. Who You Are Education: Bachelor’s degree in Mechatronics, Automation, Electrical Engineering Technology, or related field is strongly preferred. Experience: 3–5+ years of hands-on experience maintaining industrial automation, PLC controls, or robotics. Technical Skills: Proficiency with PLC troubleshooting (Siemens, Allen-Bradley, or similar). Strong knowledge of industrial sensors, motor controls, and actuators. Physical Ability: Able to work in an industrial environment, lift heavy components, and work at heights. Flexibility: This position supports a 24/7 distribution operation. Opportunities may be available across day, evening, overnight, and weekend shifts. Final shift assignments will be determined during the selection process. Preferred Skills Experience in high-volume, automated logistics, distribution and/or manufacturing. Key Competencies for Success Problem-Solving: Methodical approach to isolating faults under pressure. Collaboration: Working shoulder-to-shoulder with engineering, maintenance, and production teams. Proactive Mindset: Focus on reliability rather than just "break-fix" repair. Cash Compensation Total cash compensation ranges from $119,500 - $137,500 annually, which includes annual cash profit sharing based on company profitability. Benefits We offer comprehensive benefits to support employees and their dependents, such as: 100% tuition reimbursement Medical, dental, pharmacy, and vision plans with no monthly premiums Industry-leading company-funded retirement accounts Inclusive, all-gender benefits First-time home buyer assistance Paid parental leave for all new parents Adoption and surrogacy assistance Paid time off for vacation and personal time Equal Opportunity Employer We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and dedicated to providing employees a workplace with reasonable accommodations and free of discrimination, harassment, and retaliation. At McMaster-Carr, we do not make employment decisions based on age, ethnicity, citizenship status, military status, gender identity and expression, race, religion, disability status, marital status, sexual orientation, or any other legally protected group. This position is not eligible for work authorizat…