Automation Technician

At Link Snacks , we show up hungry, roll up our sleeves, plaid or otherwise, and dive straight into the hard work. We don’t hide from challenges; we hunt them down. We push harder, move faster, and take the kinds of big swings that built this business in the North Woods of Wisconsin four decades ago.

We’re everyday people who deliver extraordinary results. Innovation, creativity, and urgency aren’t buzzwords, they’re expectations. And just like the real protein snacks we make across our global house of brands— Jack Link’s® , Lorissa’s Kitchen® , Golden Island® , BiFi® , and Peperami® and KOOEE!® to name a few—there’s nothing artificial about us. What you see is exactly what you get: humble, gritty, passionate people who show up every day ready to not just be a participate in the meat snack industry that the Link Family created, but to move faster, innovate harder and keep raising the bar so high, the rest of the world needs a ladder just to see it.

Dominating this space across the world takes a team. A team that runs together, succeeds together, and celebrates together. A team that’s full of relentless energy and spirit that can only be fueled by one thing: a fist full of our delicious meat snacks.

Real Meat Protein. Real People. Real Results. THAT is Link Snacks.

The Automation Technician is responsible for installing, maintaining, troubleshooting, and optimizing robotic systems and automated manufacturing equipment. This role ensures equipment reliability, supports continuous improvement initiatives, and contributes to safe and efficient production operations.

Available Shifts

- 8:00 AM–5:00 PM, Monday–Friday
- 6:00 AM–5:00 PM, Monday–Thursday
- 2:00 PM–11:00 PM, Monday–Thursday
- 5:00 AM–5:00 PM, Friday–Sunday

Maintenance & Troubleshooting

- Perform preventive and corrective maintenance on robotic arms, conveyors, vision systems, actuators, and control systems.
- Diagnose mechanical, electrical, and programming faults using diagnostic tools, software, and test equipment.
- Restore systems to optimal performance with minimal downtime.
- Programming & Technical Support
- Modify robot pathways, PLC logic, and machine parameters as needed.
- Support continuous improvement and process optimization initiatives.
- Collaborate with engineering teams to implement automation upgrades.

Safety & Compliance

- Ensure all robotic cells and automation systems meet applicable safety standards (e.g., lockout/tagout, guarding, emergency stop circuits).
- Support safety audits and equipment validations.
- Maintain accurate documentation, maintenance logs, and technical reports.

Collaboration

- Work closely with maintenance, production, engineering, and quality teams to resolve equipment issues.
- Provide technical guidance to operators and maintenance personnel.
- Assist in training personnel on automated equipment use and basic troubleshooting.

Responsibilities

Installation & Commissioning; Install, configure, and calibrate industrial robots, PLCs, HMIs, sensors, and automation systems.; Assist in commissioning new automated equipment and validating system performance.; Interpret engineering drawings, schematics, and wiring diagrams.

Requirements

Experience with industrial robots such as ABB, FANUC, KUKA, Yaskawa, or similar.; Knowledge of PLCs (Allen-Bradley, Siemens, Mitsubishi), HMIs, and industrial networks.; Strong mechanical and electrical troubleshooting skills.; Ability to read blueprints, wiring diagrams, and control schematics.; Strong problem‑solving and analytical thinking.; Excellent communication and teamwork abilities.; Adaptability and willingness to learn advanced automation technologies.; Attention to detail and commitment to safety.

Nice to have

Associate degree in Robotics, Mechatronics, Industrial Automation, Electrical Technology, or related field — or equivalent experience.; Certification in robotics or automation (e.g., FANUC HandlingTool, ABB IRC5, Allen‑Bradley PLC).; Experience in manufacturing, automotive, aerospace, or food production environments.; Understanding of pneumatics, hydraulics, vision systems, and servo control.; Familiarity with safety standards such as ANSI/RIA, NFPA 70E, OSHA.