Industrial Automation Technologist

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