The Automation Technician supports the day-to-day operation and reliability of automated equipment, installs, maintains, troubleshoots, and improves automation and control systems used in solar module manufacturing, completing preventive and corrective maintenance. This position supports PLCs, HMIs, drives, motors, sensors, industrial networks, and related automated equipment to improve uptime, reliability, safety, quality, and production efficiency.
Job Duties and Responsibilities:
- Install, maintain, troubleshoot, and support repairs of PLC-controlled equipment, HMIs, VFDs, servo systems, motors, sensors, encoders, control panels, machine safety systems, and other automated production equipment.
- Perform preventive and corrective maintenance to minimize equipment downtime and recurring failures.
- Diagnose PLC logic, alarms, interlocks, I/O, machine sequences, communication issues, and control system faults.
- Make authorized PLC, HMI, drive, and equipment-parameter changes following established change-control procedures.
- Troubleshoot and replace sensors, switches, encoders, motors, drives, and other control components.
- Diagnose industrial network and equipment-connectivity issues in coordination with Engineering and IT.
- Conduct root-cause analysis and recommend improvements to equipment reliability, cycle time, safety, quality, and production output.
- Support automation upgrades, equipment installation, testing, commissioning, qualification, and production ramp-up.
- Test and verify alarms, interlocks, emergency stops, guarding systems, and other machine safety functions following maintenance or equipment changes, and document the result before the equipment is returned to service. Maintain current PLC, HMI, and drive program backups and accurately document repairs, changes, settings, and modifications.
- Collaborate with Production, Engineering, Mechanical Maintenance, Quality, IT, HSE, and equipment suppliers.
- Follow Lockout/Tagout, electrical safety, machine safety, PPE, and all company safety requirements
Required Qualifications:
- Technical training or practical experience in automation, electrical technology, electronics, mechatronics, industrial controls, or a related field.
- 5+ years of experience supporting industrial automation, controls, electrical systems, or automated manufacturing equipment.
- Hands-on experience troubleshooting PLC-controlled equipment, sensors, motors, drives, alarms, and interlocks.
- Ability to read electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, control drawings, and technical manuals.
- Ability to safely use electrical meters, programming devices, diagnostic software, and hand tools.
- Strong troubleshooting, problem-solving, communication, and documentation skills.
Training &/or Experience Preferred:
- Technical diploma, certificate, or Engineering degree is a plus.
- Experience with Siemens, Allen-Bradley/Rockwell, or similar PLC platforms.
- Experience with HMIs, VFDs, servo systems, industrial sensors, machine vision, and safety controls.
- Familiarity with Profinet, Profibus, EtherNet/IP, Modbus, SCADA, MES, or similar industrial systems.
- Experience in solar, semiconductors, electronics, automotive, automated assembly, or other advanced manufacturing environments.
- Experience with equipment commissioning, production ramp-up, or automation upgrades.
- NFPA 70E, OSHA, Lockout/Tagout, Siemens, Rockwell, CAP, or related certifications preferred.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:
- Ability to use computers, electrical test equipment, programming devices, and hand tools.
- Ability to lift, carry, push, pull, or position tools and equipment components in accordance with company procedures.
- Ability to work safely around machinery, electrical equipment, compressed air, noise, and other industrial conditions.
- Ability to wear required PPE and comply with electrical and machine safety requirements.
- Flexibility to work alternative shifts, overtime, weekends, holidays, scheduled shutdowns, or on-call support when required.
Translucent Solar Manufacturing is an equal opportunity employer and considers qualified applicants without regard to any characteristic protected by applicable law.
Translucent Solar LLC is an American solar module manufacturer located in Summerville, SC. The company produces high-performance photovoltaic modules for the Residential, Commercial & Industrial (C&I), community solar, and utility-scale markets, enabling customers to access reliable U.S.-made products, domestic content benefits, and a resilient supply chain. Through advanced manufacturing, strategic partnerships, and a commitment to quality, Translucent Solar is helping power America's clean energy future.
