Maintenance Technician - Automation

Publication Date: Apr 28, 2026

Location:

St. Thomas, CA

Company: PowerCo Canada Inc.

Level of Experience: Manufacturing professional

Job Function: Operations

Job ID: 4636

Maintenance Technician - Automation

With whom you will CELLebrate

We are proud to announce the launch of Volkswagen Group’s largest cell factory, PowerCo, in St. Thomas. This is more than just a job – it’s a unique opportunity to shape the future of sustainable energy. Join us as we ramp up operations and help build a world-class company.

At PowerCo, we believe in fostering an environment where ambition meets collaboration, and where flexibility and creativity thrive. You'll be part of a diverse, talented team that is shaping the future of battery production. You’ll have the chance to advance your career while working alongside passionate colleagues who share a vision of making a lasting impact on the world.

Are you ready to be part of something exciting? Power up your career with us!

How you will CELLebrate

We are looking for a Maintenance Automation Technician who wants to CELLebrate in a fast-paced and fast-changing environment. As part of the ramp-up team of our new Canadian location, you will report to the Maintenance Supervisor. You will be responsible for ensuring the operational readiness and reliability of manufacturing equipment, systems, and infrastructure. You will perform preventive, predictive, and corrective maintenance while ensuring safety.

This position is required to be fully onsite and eventually will transition to a shift based work model

What you need for our CELLebration

Equipment Maintenance & Reliability

• Perform troubleshooting, repairs, and preventive/predictive maintenance on automated manufacturing systems, including robotics, PLCs, HMIs, and vision systems.
• Monitor equipment performance, identify root causes of failures, and implement corrective and long-term reliability improvements.
• Maintain spare parts inventory for critical assets to reduce downtime and improve response time.
• Coordinate and oversee maintenance work performed by external contractors, ensuring safe, timely, and high-quality completion of work.

Equipment Installation & Commissioning

• Lead and support the installation, alignment, and commissioning of new and modified production equipment and automation systems.
• Collaborate with engineering teams, project groups, and contractors to ensure proper setup, calibration, and validation of equipment.
• Conduct system verification, pre-operational checks, and functional testing to confirm performance and safety compliance.
• Optimize equipment settings and automation parameters during early production stages to meet throughput and quality targets.

Automation & Technical Troubleshooting

• Troubleshoot and repair automation equipment including 6-axis robots (Fanuc/KUKA), programmable logic controllers (OMRON, Siemens, and others), HMIs, conveyors, and pneumatic/hydraulic systems.
• Implement software changes and logic updates on PLC and HMI platforms to enhance performance and reliability.
• Program and maintain vision systems such as Cognex, Rviz, and similar technologies.
• Provide hands-on technical support during production startup, process changes, and equipment upgrades.

Safety, Standards & Compliance

• Ensure all automation systems and equipment comply with machine safety standards
• Conduct risk assessments and maintain safety devices
• Promote a culture of safety and accountability across teams.

Documentation & Continuous Improvement

• Develop and maintain detailed maintenance schedules, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and technical documentation.
• Record maintenance activities, performance data, and corrective actions in the CMMS.
• Lead and participate in continuous improvement initiatives focused on reducing downtime, improving process efficiency, and enhancing automation performance.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams on system upgrades, process optimization, and integration projects.

Training & Collaboration

• Train operators and maintenance staff on equipment operation and software, troubleshooting, and automation best practices and provide mentorship and guidance to other technicians
• Share technical expertise across teams and support knowledge transfer to ensure consistent application of automation standards.

What else can you bring

• Relevant Post-Secondary Education in Automation, Electrical Engineering or a related field
• 7+ years w