Automation Technician

VARSITY SPIRIT, A VARSITY BRANDS COMPANY - THE DRIVING FORCE IN SPIRIT ACROSS CHEER, DANCE, BAND AND YEARBOOK

For over 50 years, Varsity Spirit has been the leading global source for all things spirit, including cheerleading, dance team, performing arts and yearbook. Focused on safety, entertainment and traditional school leadership, Varsity Spirit’s 5,000+ employees are dedicated to celebrating school spirit. A leader in apparel innovation, educational camps, clinics, competitions, and yearbook, Varsity Spirit impacts more than a million athletes each year.

OUR COMMITMENT TO SAFETY

At Varsity Spirit, the safety and wellbeing of the young people we serve is of the utmost importance. Since our inception 50 years ago, we have been – and remain – steadfastly committed to doing our part to create a safe and positive environment for our participants’ physical, emotional, and social development, and promoting an environment free from abuse and misconduct. Varsity has a zero tolerance for abuse in its programs, events, and associated business activities. Varsity is committed to reporting all suspicions, allegations, and incidents of abuse in full accordance with local laws and reporting requirements. Learn more at Our Commitment to Safety - Varsity.com.

WORK TYPE:   Onsite 

LOCATION DETAILS:  2525 Midpoint Dr, Edwardsville, KS 66111

Please note: This position does not offer relocation assistance. Candidates must be able to work from the designated location without company-sponsored relocation

VIRTUAL PLANT TOUR:CLICK HERE FOR TOUR

WORK HOURS: Monday – Friday 6am to 2pm. Between February 1 to June 6 work hours will be 2pm to 10pm.

HOW YOU WILL MAKE AN IMPACT

This is a skilled position across multiple trades with a dual emphasis on advanced electrical/PLC troubleshooting and general industrial mechanics. The employee will perform highly technical, skilled, and semi-skilled tasks to repair, maintain, and optimize printing presses, high-speed bindery machinery, building infrastructure, and plant equipment. The role requires high technical independence to execute work orders from sketches, electrical schematics, or diagrams.

WHAT YOU WILL DO

Electrical & PLC Troubleshooting (Primary Specialization)

• PLC Maintenance: Diagnose, fault-find, and troubleshoot logic issues on plant PLCs (e.g., Allen-Bradley, Siemens) to minimize print line downtime.
• Electrical Infrastructure: Install, test, and maintain electrical conduit, wiring, switching devices, controls, outlets, fixtures, and motors.
• Component Testing: Evaluate performance using voltmeters, megohmmeters, temperature sensors, and pressure gauges.
• Drive Systems: Troubleshoot and replace AC/DC electronic drives, servo motors, relays, and proximity sensors.

Technical Leadership, Automation Systems & Continuous Improvement

• Serves as the subject matter expert for plant automation, controls, PLCs, drives, and related systems.
• Provides technical guidance, mentoring, and training to Maintenance Technicians and maintenance personnel.
• Leads troubleshooting efforts and root cause analysis for complex automation, controls, and equipment reliability issues.
• Identifies, recommends, and implements improvements to automation systems, maintenance processes, and equipment performance.
• Coordinates automation-related projects, system upgrades, equipment modifications, and controls enhancements.
• Partners with production and maintenance leadership to improve operational efficiency, equipment reliability, and system performance.

Mechanical & Bindery Generalist Maintenance

• Equipment Diagnostics: Troubleshoot mechanical malfunctions on high-speed bindery machinery (folders, cutters, stitchers, binders) and large print presses.
• Fluid Power & Vacuums: Check, repair, and maintain pneumatic lines, hydraulic cylinders, valves, fans, and vacuum pumps critical for paper handling.
• Facility Infrastructure: Test and calibrate HVAC controls, plumbing networks, and facility systems.
• Fabrication & Shop Skills: Perform plant construction, modification, and repair via welding, brazing, and soldering.
• PM Execution: Perform strict preventive maintenance schedules to maximize machine lifecycle and prevent peak-season failures.
• Housekeeping: Maintain a clean, organized, and safe shop and plant floor environment.

QUALIFICATIONS

KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES

• Language Skills: Ability to read and analyze safety rules, complex electrical schematics, operating/maintenance manuals, and governmental regulations. Ability to write routine status reports and communicate effectively under pressure.
• Mathematical Skills: Ability to compute rates, ratios, percentages, and measurements in fractions and decimals to interpret mechanical tolerances and bar graphs.
• Reasoning Ability: Strong practical problem-solving skills to handle concrete variables in non-standardized, fast-paced production environments.
• Autonomy: Proven ability to perform heavy technical duties with a minimum amount of direct supervision.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE

Credentials: One-year certificate from a college or technical school (Mechatronics or Industrial Electronics); or 5+ years of related industrial maintenance experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Physical Requirements

• Movement: Regularly required to stand, walk, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, and use hands to handle or feel components.
• Lifting: Regularly lift/move up to 25 pounds, frequently lift/move up to 50 pounds, and occasionally lift/move up to 100 pounds with assistance.
• Vision: Precise close vision, distance vision, color vision (for wiring), peripheral vision, depth perception, and focus adjustment.

Work Environment

• Hazards: Regular exposure to fast-moving mechanical parts, high risk of electrical shock during live testing, and machinery vibration.
• Conditions: Occasional exposure to high places, chemical fumes, and airborne paper particles.
• Noise Level: Moderate to loud industrial environment requiring hearing protection.

#LI-KG1

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities required of the employee for this job.

OUR VALUES

Service - We lead with heart. We champion community.

Passion - We love what we do. It fuels our purpose.

Integrity - We do what we promise. We own our actions and decisions.

Respect - We earn it by giving it. Because everyone deserves it.

Innovation - We never stop striving to be better. For ourselves and our community.

Transparency - We are committed to openness and honesty in everything we do.

OUR BENEFITS

We are committed to putting you and your families first. For benefits eligible roles, we offer a variety of choices and costs as well as program enhancements that align with our responsibility to elevate the employee experience. Some of our offerings include:

• Comprehensive Health Care Benefits
• HSA Employer Contribution/ FSA Opportunities
• Wellbeing Program
• 401(k) plan with company matching
• Company paid Life, AD&D, and Short-Term Disability
• Generous My Time Off & Paid Holidays
• Varsity Brands Ownership Program
• Employee Resource Groups
• Access to Financial Coaching and member-owned Credit Union
• St. Jude Partnership & Volunteer Opportunities
• Employee Perks including discounts on personal apparel and equipment!

Eligibility for company-sponsored benefits is determined by scheduled work hours, and the terms of the applicable benefit plans. Benefit offerings and eligibility requirements may vary by position and are subject to change in accordance with plan documents and applicable law.

Varsity Brands companies are equal opportunity employers. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, citizenship, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran’s status, age or disability.