Automation Continuous Improvement Technician

Job Summary
The Automation Continuous Improvement Technician is responsible for supporting, maintaining, validating, troubleshooting, and continuously improving automated manufacturing equipment with a primary focus on machine vision systems (VDS) and inspection technologies. This role ensures automated systems remain operational, reliable, and capable of meeting established safety, quality, and production requirements.
The technician works closely with Automation CI Engineering, Quality, Production, and Maintenance teams to maintain vision system performance, support validation activities, reduce downtime, improve process capability, and sustain equipment standards. This position plays a key role in ensuring automation systems consistently support plant objectives related to Safety, Quality, Delivery, and Cost.
This will be achieved while maintaining HellermannTyton's Quality and EHS certifications by supporting all corporate policies, procedures, work instructions, and required documentation.
Essential Functions

Perform daily monitoring, maintenance, and troubleshooting of machine vision systems, cameras, lighting, sensors, and associated hardware.
Lead and participate in shift VDS Gemba walks to identify improvement opportunities and ensure system performance.
Maintain automated inspection systems to ensure system accuracy, repeatability, and process reliability.
Support validation activities including Installation Qualification (IQ), Operational Qualification (OQ), and Performance Qualification (PQ) documentation and testing.
Maintain, and update vision system settings, inspection parameters, and validation records as required.
Identify and resolve machine vision issues impacting quality, throughput, equipment availability, or safety.
Perform root cause analysis on automation-related failures and implement corrective actions.
Support continuous improvement initiatives focused on reducing scrap, downtime, rework, and Cost of Poor Quality (COPQ).
Assist with deployment, commissioning, startup, and handoff of new vision systems and automation equipment.
Support production team in troubleshooting equipment issues affecting operational performance.
Monitor system performance and make improvements to increase reliability, capability, and efficiency.
Support operator and maintenance training related to vision systems and automated inspection equipment

Other functions

Support PLC, Robot, EOAT, HMI, sensor, and automation troubleshooting as required.
Assist with equipment installation, modification, and startup activities.
Participate in kaizen events and continuous improvement projects.
Attend cross-functional meetings to review equipment performance and improvement priorities.
Travel as required to support manufacturing operations or automation projects.
Maintain safe work practices and comply with all PPE requirements.

Success in this role will require

Strong knowledge of industrial machine vision systems and inspection technologies.
Understanding of vision system validation methodologies including IQ, OQ, and PQ.
Knowledge of cameras, optics, lighting, sensors, and image processing techniques.
Ability to troubleshoot electrical, mechanical, pneumatic, and automation-related issues.
Understanding of quality inspection processes and defect detection systems.
Experience with root cause analysis and corrective action methodologies.
Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics, engineering drawings, and technical documentation.
Strong organizational and documentation skills.
Effective communication and collaboration skills across multiple departments.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office and common automation software tools.
Knowledge of continuous improvement methodologies including Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma principles.

What You'll Bring

Associate degree, technical diploma, or equivalent vocational training in Automation, Mechatronics, Electronics, Manufacturing Technology, Industrial Maintenance, or related field.
In lieu of a degree, a minimum of 3-5 years of experience supporting automated manufacturing equipment, machine vision systems, quality inspection systems, or industrial control systems.
Experience troubleshooting automation and manufacturing equipment.
Ability to read electrical schematics and technical documentation.
Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
Willingness to travel as required to support automation projects, equipment installations, and startup activities.
Commitment to supporting safety, quality, continuous improvement, and Cost of Poor Quality (COPQ) reduction initiatives.
Ability to walk, stand, bend, stoop, kneel, crouch, and climb stairs or ladders during equipment installation, troubleshooting, and commissioning activities.
Ability to occasionally lift and carry up to 50 pounds without assistance and heavier items with appropriate lifting equipment or assistance.
Ability to work in confined spaces, elevated platforms, or production environments as required for equipment installation and maintenance activities.
Ability to distinguish colors for electrical wiring, schematics, indicators, and machine status lights.
Occasional domestic and international travel to support suppliers, integrators, customer visits, equipment acceptance testing, and startup activities.
Must be willing and able to work weekends, overtime, and participate in an on-call rotation as required to support business operations, equipment reliability, and production needs.
Must have a valid driver’s license with an acceptable driving record

Preferred:

Experience with Cognex, Keyence, and similar industrial vision platforms.
Experience supporting validation activities and quality systems.
Lean Manufacturing and/or Six Sigma training.
Working knowledge of Allen-Bradley PLCs and HMIs.
Experience in a high-volume manufacturing environment

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