Automation Technician 2 - Operations Support

Our mission at WesTech is to help communities thrive by delivering high-quality water solutions with superior service – safely and sustainably. To achieve this mission, we recruit great people to be part of our collegial and collaborative teams in engineering, design, project management, field service, plant operations, professional services and more.

As one of the leading operating brands of Swire Water, our values of integrity, humility, endeavor, excellence and continuity make this an outstanding working environment. Our continuing success creates attractive opportunities for purpose-driven professionals to develop new skills, support vital industries, and grow their careers.

Summary:

The Automation Technician 2 provides hands-on automation support for Operations, Rentals, Pilots, Startup, Commissioning, and Customer Support. This role independently troubleshoots routine and moderately complex PLC, HMI, instrumentation, networking, communications, and control-system issues while following WesTech automation standards. The position supports system testing, startup, commissioning, and operational readiness and escalates major programming, architecture, integration, or development needs to Automation Engineering. Candidates for this position may be required to pass pre-employment and periodic screenings, including background checks, drug and alcohol tests, or other necessary assessments.

Some of the work you will do:

• - Respond to Operations and customer support requests and drive assigned issues through resolution.
• - Troubleshoot PLCs, HMIs, instrumentation, networks, communications, electrical controls, and related process issues remotely and onsite.
• - Support operating facilities, rental assets, pilot units, temporary treatment systems, outages, and abnormal operating conditions.
• - Perform startup and commissioning support, system checkout, I/O validation, alarm and interlock testing, and sequence verification.
• - Participate in panel testing and Factory Acceptance Testing and verify system functionality before deployment.
• - Complete approved PLC and HMI modifications within established standards and document the work performed.
• - Work closely with Operations, E&I, Mechanical, Commissioning, Automation Specialists, and team leadership.
• - Provide field feedback and recommend improvements to standards, documentation, testing, handoffs, and startup readiness.
• - Participate in after-hours or on-call support as business needs require.
• - Travel approximately 40–60% to customer sites, operating facilities, rental deployments, startups, commissioning activities, and testing events.

Here are the skills that you need:

• - 3–6 years of related experience in industrial automation, controls, instrumentation, electrical systems, startup, or commissioning.
• - Technical degree, trade-school training, military technical training, industry certification, or equivalent practical experience.
• - Working knowledge of PLCs, HMIs, instrumentation, industrial networking, communications, and electrical control systems.
• - Ability to independently resolve routine and moderately complex issues and recognize when escalation is needed.
• - Ability to read electrical drawings, control schematics, I/O documentation, network diagrams, and technical manuals.
• - Strong problem-solving, communication, documentation, and customer-support skills.
• - Ability to travel approximately 40–60% and provide occasional night, weekend, or holiday support as needed.

Here are the skills and qualifications that will set you apart:

• - Experience with water or wastewater treatment, rental systems, pilot systems, or other industrial process equipment.
• - Hands-on PLC and HMI programming or field-modification experience.
• - Experience with startup, commissioning, panel testing, Factory Acceptance Testing, or operator training.
• - Knowledge of alarm management, control sequencing, industrial networking, and automation best practices.
• - Experience identifying recurring issues and improving standards, documentation, testing, or project handoffs.

Physical Requirements:

• - Must be able to work at desk computer/phone system.
• - Some lifting may be involved (up to 50 lbs.)
• - May be required to be clean-shaven for proper respiratory equipment.

Benefits and perks we offer:

• - Competitive salary and performance-based annual bonuses
• - Dollar for dollar 401K match of 6%
• - Flexible work hours, hybrid schedules with remote work options
• - Comprehensive health and wellness benefits package with an onsite medical facility
• - Company HSA contribution, Paid Parental Leave, Employee Assistance Program
• - Company-paid Life Insurance, Accidental Death and Dismemberment, and Long-term Disability
• - PTO plan and Paid Holidays
• - Tuition Reimbursement
• - Company celebrations, summer parties, volunteer opportunities, games, prize drawings, and more!

WesTech considers all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.