Industrial Automation Technician

The Role

We are seeking an experienced Industrial Automation Technician to support PLC-driven automation, robotics and injection moulding machinery in a high-volume manufacturing environment. This hands-on role focuses on fault finding, preventative maintenance, die setting and continuous improvement to maximise OEE, safety and product quality. You will work closely with production, maintenance and quality teams to minimise downtime and support reliable 24/7 operations. This is a full-time Sydney-based role offering exposure to modern automation technology, stable employment and opportunities to contribute to system improvements and upgrades.

Key Responsibilities

Automation & Technical Maintenance

• Integrate industrial robots into handling, inspection and packaging duty and verify the safety interlocks before anything runs
• Run root cause analysis on recurring and new faults, troubleshoot and maintain industrial automation equipment in a 24/7 manufacturing environment
• Service, repair and set up injection moulding machines, robotics, IML systems and auxiliaries
• Fault-find and replace mechanical, electrical, hydraulic and pneumatic components
• Perform preventative and predictive maintenance, upgrades and calibrations
• Complete major overhauls and support complex processing and die-setting issues
• Install, modify and repair machinery with or without technical schematics

Production & Die Setting

• Perform die changes, insert and colour changes, machine start-ups and shutdowns
• Set, adjust and optimise robotics, machine software and process parameters
• Troubleshoot production faults, including IML and high-speed packaging issues; optimise control systems and delivering automation improvements
• Maintain cycle times and ensure products meet quality and specification standards
• Support production operators to ensure safe and efficient machine operation

Continuous Improvement

• Develop and implement automation improvements and new processes
• Support continuous improvement through automation design, build, programming and optimisation
• Analyse root causes of downtime, defects and waste and implement corrective actions
• Maintain accurate records of downtime, rejects, NCRs and maintenance activity
• Recommend improvements to equipment performance, productivity and product quality

Quality & Compliance

• Work closely with QA to ensure equipment meets product, regulatory and customer requirements
• Ensure compliance with site quality systems, HACCP and food safety standards
• Verify new or modified automation systems prior to production handover

Safety & Housekeeping

• Carry out all work in line with WHS legislation, site procedures and permits
• Identify, report and rectify hazards and near misses
• Maintain clean, safe and organised work areas and equipment

Communication & Team Support

• Communicate and escalate technical issues across shifts to ensure operational continuity
• Supervise and support third-party service technicians as required
• Assist with training and upskilling of production and maintenance teams
• Participate in toolbox talks, shift handovers and CI forums

About You

• A bachelor's degree in mechatronic engineering
• Minimum of 3 - 4 years hands-on industrial automation experience in a production or manufacturing environment
• PLC development with genuine fluency in structured text and ladder logic
• Experience in robot integration in handling, inspection or packaging duty