Automation Technician

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS

• Employees must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Verification of employment eligibility will be required at the time of hire.  Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.
• This position entails access to export-controlled items and employment offers are conditioned upon an applicant’s ability to lawfully obtain access to such items
• Technical degree, vocational training, or equivalent hands-on experience in robotics, automation, electrical, mechanical, mechatronics, or a related field.
• Experience with industrial robots and automated manufacturing equipment, including programming, teaching, setup, or troubleshooting; Yaskawa experience preferred.
• Knowledge of robot I/O, digital signals, basic binary logic, and automated equipment controls.
• Ability to read mechanical drawings, electrical schematics, pneumatic diagrams, equipment manuals, and related technical documentation.
• Strong mechanical, electrical, pneumatic, controls, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to document technical information accurately and work effectively with Engineering, Maintenance, Production, Quality, and vendors.
• Ability and willingness to work hands-on in a manufacturing environment.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Yaskawa and MotoSim experience.
• Experience with robotic finishing, assembly, tooling, fixtures, grippers, sensors, vision systems, or PLC interfaces.
• Experience with pneumatic and servo-driven systems, equipment commissioning, and production launch.
• Experience in investment casting, aerospace, precision manufacturing, or other highly engineered manufacturing environments.
• Experience as a technical subject matter expert for robotic or automated manufacturing processes.

Disclaimer

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. All personnel may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time, as needed.

Howmet Engines is a world-class producer of aero engine and industrial gas turbine components, including airfoils, rings, disks and forgings. We excel in vacuum melted superalloys, machining, performance coatings and hot isostatic pressing for high performance parts that enable the next generation of quieter, more fuel-efficient aero engines and cleaner power generation. Howmet Dover Casting is a world-class supplier of complex, investment-cast turbine airfoils and other components for the aircraft engine and industrial gas turbine industries. Howmet Dover Alloy is a world-class supplier of vacuum and air-melted nickel- and cobalt-based superalloys to aerospace, gas turbine, medical and other high-technology industrial markets.

Howmet Aerospace is currently looking for 3 Automation Techs to join our Dover Casting group in Dover, New Jersey. 

Regular Shift: These positions are on 2nd and 3rd shift. The hours for 2nd shift are Monday - Friday 2:00pm to 10:30pm. The hours for 3rd shift are Monday - Friday 10:30pm to 7:00am.

Training: Will occur on Day Shift (Monday - Friday 6:30am - 3:00pm) for several months.

This position will receive an hourly "shift premium" while assigned to an off-shift. 

Anticipated Pay Range: $28 .00- $31.00 per hour.  *Pay rates within this range are determined based on various factors including experience, education, certifications, etc.

• Please Note: Do not let the salary range deter you from applying. Please apply and enter an amount in the "Minimum Pay" field, so we can take into consideration all factors, including years and type of experience. 

Along with your pay, our company provides you with a comprehensive package of benefits that is competitive with other leading companies. Some of our benefits include: Paid vacation each year, based on length of service; 13 paid holidays per year; 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan, company may match a percentage of your pre-tax contributions; Employer contribution to your Retirement Savings Plan account each pay period; Medical/Prescription Drug/Dental/Vision benefits offered upon hire; Employee Life Insurance, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Tuition Assistance Program; Free fitness center membership.

JOB SUMMARY

The Automation Technician provides hands-on support for Yaskawa robotic systems and automated manufacturing equipment, including robotic finishing, assembly, and related processes. The role works with Engineering, Maintenance, Production, Quality, and vendors to troubleshoot, maintain, optimize, and improve equipment reliability, uptime, productivity, quality, safety, and OEE. The technician programs, teaches, sets up, calibrates, and troubleshoots robotic systems and serves as the Subject Matter Authority (SPA) for assigned equipment and processes throughout their life cycle.

ENVIRNMENTAL HEALTH & SAFETY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Expected to assist in the implementation of Howmet Aerospace’s EHS value and policy statement and its accompanying principles;
• Comply with all department, facility, Corporate and Regulatory EH&S regulations.
• Wear all required personal protective equipment;
• Report all job-related illness and injuries. (Per employee handbook);
• Report all Safety, Health & Environmental concerns to your supervisor in a timely manner;
• Attend all EH&S training.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Program, set up, teach, calibrate, troubleshoot, and optimize Yaskawa robots and related automation, including robot programs, positions, tool frames, work coordinates, I/O, sensors, tooling, fixtures, and operating parameters.
• Diagnose and resolve mechanical, electrical, pneumatic, controls, and programming issues using schematics, drawings, manuals, and technical documentation, including troubleshooting digital I/O and basic binary logic.
• Support automation projects and continuous improvement through equipment installation, commissioning, production launch, modifications, root-cause analysis, and improvements to reliability, productivity, quality, safety, process capability, and OEE.
• Collaborate with Engineering and cross-functional teams to develop and improve robotic tooling, fixtures, programs, and automated processes, and coordinate technical support with equipment vendors.
• Serve as the technical resource for assigned robotic processes, providing training and guidance to operators, maintenance personnel, and technicians.
• Maintain equipment and process documentation, including robot programs, configurations, parameters, troubleshooting procedures, standard work, and automation changes; support quality audits as required.

EQUIPMENT AND TECHNOLOGY USED

• Yaskawa industrial robots, controllers, and teach pendants
• MotoSim simulation and offline programming software
• Robotic tooling, grippers, fixtures, and automated material-handling equipment
• PLCs, robot I/O, sensors, actuators, vision systems, and servo equipment
• Automated equipment for wax mold assembly, core processing, brazing, dipping, engraving, pinning, and dot peening
• Electrical test equipment, hand tools, power tools, and mechanical fabrication equipment
• Computers, HMIs, diagnostic software, and technical documentation
• Required PPE and lockout/tagout equipment

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Work regularly in a manufacturing environment around robotic, automated, and industrial equipment.
• Frequently stand, walk, bend, kneel, reach, and work in various positions while troubleshooting, installing, and modifying equipment.
• Use hands and fingers regularly to operate tools, controls, computers, and robot programming equipment.
• Lift, carry, push, and pull tools, components, and fixtures as required, within company safety guidelines.
• Work safely around moving machinery, electrical systems, pneumatic equipment, heat, noise, dust, fumes, and other manufacturing conditions.
• May occasionally work in elevated or confined areas when accessing equipment.
• Wear required PPE, including safety glasses, hearing protection, safety footwear, gloves, and task-specific protection.
• May work extended hours, weekends, or scheduled shutdowns to support equipment installation, commissioning, and troubleshooting