Automation Technician III

Location : 10501 NW Transcon Dr, Kansas City, MO 64153

Who We Are:

Challenge is a leading employee-owned tier 1 supplier of complex metal assemblies for the global automotive industry. Challenge fosters a culture of collaboration, diversity, and innovation. We believe the best ideas come from individual unique perspectives. These ideas combined with the teamwork of industry experts allow us to accomplish any challenge. Our team members take pride in the work we do every day and they are the true driving force in our operations.

Challenge is proud to be one of the largest employee-owned atumotive companies in North America. One of the many benefits of joining the Challenge team is the ESOP program. This program allows Challenge to give shares of the Company to all employee-owners annually. These shares are an additional retirement benefit that will continue to grow during your time at Challenge. Being part of an ESOP means our employee-owners share in Challenge’s success!

Challenge is #PeoplePowered and #EmployeeOwned !

POSITION PURPOSE

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 Auto Technician I and II team members

 

RESPONSIBILITIES AND RESULTS

 

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

 

  • 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): Intermediate level w/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.)
  • Use the following equipment safely: Advanced level
    • Hand measuring tools
    • Multi meters
    • Amp meters
    • Welding current meter
    • Digital force gauge
    • Micro-Ohm meter
  • 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;

 

  • Controls:
    • 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

 

  • Robotics:
    • 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

 

  • Welding
    • 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

 

SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE

  • Ability to read and interpret job element sheets
  • Ability to interpret and troubleshoot using mechanical and electrical prints
  • Ability to use a variety of gages (functional, go/no go) required
  • Ability to use hand tools properly
  • Ability to use Multi meters, Amp meters, weld current meters, force gauges, micro-ohm meter
  • Ability to practice and follow Challenge’s safety policy and procedures
  • Ability to locate and troubleshoot the root cause of issues
  • Strong understanding of welding processes
  • PC and keyboard/mouse skills required
  • Ability to lift/move material weighing up to 60 pounds
  • Ability to work as a contributing member within team environment

 

BEHAVIORAL REQUIREMENTS

  • Has high standards of performance for self.  Takes responsibility for actions, results, and mistakes.  Is thorough, accurate, and reliable when performing and completing job tasks; demonstrates honesty and integrity in all aspects of work.
  • Able to be self-motivated and prioritize tasks as assigned
  • Takes positive action to objectively resolve conflict by listening, staying focused on issue to find resolution, and monitoring progress.  Maintains positive relationships by constructively resolving conflicts.
  • Uses feedback from others to continuously improve performance and work relationships.
  • Moves within own and/or other work areas (flexes) to support plant flow.  Works with sense of urgency to meet needs of customers.
  • Has ability to focus on benefits of change and see it as positive; approaches change or newness in constructive/objective manner; views change as learning opportunity.
  • Updates and relays pertinent information to shift supervisor and to oncoming shift
  • Is at work when scheduled and ensures coverage when absent
  • Must be able to understand and follow written and verbal workplace instructions
  • Must be able to work up to 12 hours per day including Saturday and Sunday

 

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBLITY

This position has no supervisor responsibility.

 

WORK ENVIRONMENT/PHYSICAL DEMANDS

  • Frequent exposure to noise, fumes, dirt, heat, sparks, and smoke
  • May also be exposed to water, vibration, dust, grease, and oil
  • Exposure to high and low voltage components and systems
  • Frequently walks, bends, twists, turns, and lifts while performing functions of position
  • Working with/around moderately-sized equipment within a work area
  • Possible cuts, scrapes, burns or bruises
  • Eye protection required; hearing protection required; cut resistant arm guards required; cut resistant gloves required
  • Frequently entering weld cells with high-speed heavy equipment
  • Frequent exposure to pinch points, rotating equipment
  • When working in electrical cabinets, controller cabinets etc., potential for Arc Flash hazard

 

 

REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Education

  • High School Graduate or equivalent
  • 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

Experience

  • Minimum 3 years of Weld Technician, Automation Technician, or equivalent experience

 

PREFERRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Education

  • 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

Experience

  • Strong electrical and mechanical background in industrial and automated systems

 

Other Duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without written notice. 

#ZR

What We Offer:

We offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision insurance, Health Savings Account with annual employer contributions, Flexible Spending Accounts, Company-Paid Short-Term Disability and Basic Life, Voluntary Life and LTD, Employer 401k Match, ESOP shares, tuition reimbursement, and paid time off.

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice. Reasonable accommodations can be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.