Challenge Manufacturing · 1 month ago
Automation Technician- 2nd Shift
3200 Fruit Ridge Ave, Walker, MI 49544
Full-time
Onsite
Mid, Senior Level
3+ years expChallenge Manufacturing is a leading tier 1 supplier of complex metal assemblies for the global automotive industry, committed to operational excellence and employee empowerment. The Automation Technician will provide production support through setup, troubleshooting, and operations of automated welding cells, while mentoring junior team members and ensuring adherence to safety protocols.
AutomotiveIndustrialManufacturing
Responsibilities
Provide production support by performing setup, troubleshooting and operations of automated welding cells within a production facility, as well as implementing best practices and proactively assess welding/robotic applications, as well as mentor Automation Technician I and II team members
Mentor Automation Technician level I & II members as well as Weld Technicians
Ability to execute with proficiency all duties and responsibilities requirements of Automation technician II
Follow all safety procedures and protocols while servicing or maintaining equipment
Demonstrate advanced level proficiency in troubleshooting using electrical / mechanical prints
Use electrical system knowledge and electrical schematics / prints to troubleshoot electrical components and circuits (Connecting circuit breakers, transformers, or other components in a junction box or panel)
Ability to perform intermediate level tasks (with electrician supervision):
Wiring harnesses
Drive systems
Relays
Boards
Motors
Modify and perform intermediate programming tasks of robots in all robotic applications
Basic Offline Programming using RoboCAD/Robot Studio
TCP Verification
I/O Simulation
Move Creation/Modification
Zone Setups
Intermediate weld troubleshooting for all welding applications (drawn arc, GMAW, resistance welding, projection welding, Pneumatic systems, etc.)
Fixture adjustments – minor shim moves on processes based off of manufacture details (with guidance from a Weld Maintenance Mechanic III or Manufacturing Engineer)
Understanding of shimming processes
Setup and troubleshoot Poke Yoke systems and applications
Automation Technician III must demonstrate competency in (1) of the below specialties:
PLC Programming
Intermediate PLC programming (add sensor & change sequence)
Strong understanding of ladder logic and intermediate level ability to troubleshoot issues through a PLC
Program Panel View (HMI)
Troubleshoot/ Setup I/O blocks
Search, cross reference, and edit a program
Troubleshoot HMI system
Load program
Replace components (i.e., logical module, screen, etc.)
Replace system, set IP address, set system name
Troubleshoot Valve Stacks
Intermediate robot programming methods
Load ID
Gun Tuning
Adding system components (i.e., add valves/ I/O blocks)
Program robot offline (write routines)
Setup / troubleshoot issues with tool changers
Setup / troubleshoot issues with external axes
TCP creation and verification (experience with ABB Bullseye system is a plus)
Creating offset positions
Replace motors, resolvers, serial pulse coders
Intermediate Weld Troubleshooting
If needed, rebuild or reload schedules. Make changes as directed by Weld Engineers using RAFT
Emhart DA schedule changes as directed by Weld Engineers
Conduct preventive maintenance activities on specialty equipment
MIG weld schedule changes as directed by Weld Engineers
Cap / Electrode studies and weld validation
Calibrate squeeze force on spot weld guns
Troubleshoot Drawn Arc Stud Welding issues as well as basic programming
Troubleshoot/ setup projection welds
Working knowledge of Miyachi Weld Tester
Qualification
Required
High School Diploma or equivalent
Ability to obtain industrial truck and aerial platform licenses
Excellent verbal communication skills
Experience with Microsoft applications (i.e., word, excel, outlook, etc.)
Successful completion of Automation Technician II written and performance tests (internal candidates)
Successful completion of Automation Technician II written and performance tests (internal and external candidates)
Knowledge of PLC systems and Intermediate programming methods
Industrial Maintenance / Machine Repair / Electrician Journeyman certification, or 2-year technical degree, or equivalent work experience
Minimum 3 years of Weld Technician, Automation Technician, or equivalent experience
Preferred
Mechatronics certificate or journeyperson card
Associates degree in mechatronics, controls, maintenance technician
Minimum 6 years combined experience and education as an Automation Technician or equivalent experience and education
Strong electrical and mechanical background in industrial and automated systems
Benefits
Medical, dental, and vision insurance
Health Savings Account with annual employer contributions
Flexible Spending Accounts
Company-paid Short-Term Disability and Basic Life Insurance
Voluntary Life and Long-Term Disability options
Employer 401k Match
ESOP shares
Tuition reimbursement
Referral Bonus Program
Challenge Incentive Program
Paid time off
Company
Challenge Manufacturing
Challenge Manufacturing is an automotive company offering stamped and welded automotive assemblies.
1001-5000 employees
H1B Sponsorship
Challenge Manufacturing has a track record of offering H1B sponsorships. Please note that this does not
guarantee sponsorship for this specific role. Below presents additional info for your
reference. (Data Powered by US Department of Labor)
Distribution of Different Job Fields Receiving Sponsorship
Represents job field similar to this job
Trends of Total Sponsorships
2025 (9)
2024 (11)
2023 (11)
2022 (13)
2021 (6)
2020 (7)
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageTotal Funding
$100M2021-02-02Debt Financing· $100M
Leadership Team
Doug Bradley
President & CEO
Recent News
2025-08-05
Business Wire
2023-10-16
Company data provided by crunchbase