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 within an industrial maintenance role with exposure to commissioning/ installation/servicing (ideal), preferably within lithium-ion battery, chemical, pharmaceutical, or automotive manufacturing environments , with 3 years of direct mentorship or supervisory experience preferred
• Advanced understanding of industrial automation best practices and technologies
• Robust knowledge of automated systems, including PLCs, robotics, and HMI systems.
• Proficiency in using CMMS/EAM systems for maintenance tracking and reporting.
• Excellent problem-solving skills with he ability to diagnose and repair complex automation issues.
• Control Logix / RS Logix and experience with Fanuc / Siemens S7 PLCs (desirable)
• Proven ability to teach and mentor other technicians
• Ability to communicate effectively (written and oral) in English
• Able to travel internationally for up to 3 months for training purposes

What to look forward to

• We offer a competitive and attractive remuneration that reflect your skills, experience, and contributions.
• Vacation Allowance: We offer our employees competitive paid time off.
• Opportunities for development.
• Opportunities to participate in exciting company events that give back to the community.
Competitive employer paid benefits and overall compensation package with extended health care, dental, vision and mental health support.
• Pension and Retirement Savings: We contribute to a Registered Pension Plan and matching contribution to a retirement savings plan.

Please note that we appreciate the interest of all candidates, however only those under consideration will be contacted.

We believe that the best results are created in a diverse and inclusive environment.
Therefore, all qualified applications will be considered for employment regardless of age, race, religion, gender (identity), sexual orientation, national origin or disability.

PowerCo Canada Inc. is committed to providing accommodations for people with disabilities including during the application process. If you require an accommodation because of a disability, we will work with you to determine what reasonable accommodation may be available to meet your needs whether it be as an applicant or an employee. Applicants need to make their needs known in advance. If you are selected for an interview and require an accommodation, you are encouraged to advise the Recruiter who will consult with you to determine an appropriate and reasonable accommodation.

Company: PowerCo Canada Inc.

Location:

St. Thomas, CA

Job Function: Operations

Level of Experience: Manufacturing professional

Salary Range: $48.55

Job ID: 4636

Change the Future with Us

PowerCo was founded in 2022 to become a global battery champion. Headquartered in Germany, we are currently ramping up gigafactories in Salzgitter, Valencia and St. Thomas in Canada with a total volume of up to 200 GWh. We are integrating the entire value chain and building a supply chain as local as possible. With that we are driving the development of a strong, sustainable battery industry in Europe and North America.

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

PowerCo Canada Inc. is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, family status, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, disability, or any other characteristic protected by federal, or local laws.

Recruitment Practices

Please note that we appreciate the interest of all candidates, however only those under consideration will be contacted.

Our organization may use artificial intelligence (AI)–assisted tools as part of our recruitment and hiring processes. All decisions regarding hiring, interviews, and selection are ultimately made by human recruiters or hiring managers.

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