Field Service Automation Technician

Almont, Colorado
WestRock
Smurfit Westrock (NYSE:SW) is the go-to leader and partner of choice in sustainable packaging. We are dedicated to creating efficient and scalable paper and packaging solutions to help solve complex packaging challenges. Guided by our values of safety, loyalty, integrity and respect, we are committed to delivering meaningful value for shareholders, customers, employees and the communities where we operate.

This role requires worldwide travel up to 95%

The Opportunity:

The Field Service Automation Technician provides technical assistance to customers in the installation, maintenance, and optimization of Smurfit WestRock packaging machinery, with an emphasis on mechanical, electrical, and automation systems. This support includes machine audits, planned maintenance, commissioning activities, and other customer requested technical services such as troubleshooting and issue resolution.

This role operates independently at customer sites and is responsible for identifying, diagnosing, and resolving issues across mechanical, electrical, and controls based systems. The technician captures real world operational data and lessons learned from the field and feeds that information back to Smurfit WestRock Service Management, Engineering, and Sales to support continuous improvement, product enhancements, and service strategy.

The Field Service Automation Technician also assists-and may lead-in the development and training of less experienced Smurfit WestRock service technicians, including mentoring in automation fundamentals, controls diagnostics, and safe machine operation.

• Support and troubleshoot automation and controls systems including PLCs, HMIs, VFDs, servos, safety circuits, and industrial networks.
• Perform basic PLC and HMI diagnostics to support fault isolation, commissioning, and recovery of production equipment.
• Assist with automation upgrades, electrical retrofits, and controls modifications under the direction of Engineering or Service Management.
• Support connected automation and remote diagnostic tools where available to improve response time and machine uptime.
• Validate I/O functionality, safety circuits, and control logic behavior during FAT, SAT, commissioning, and audits.
• Collaborate with Engineering to provide field feedback on automation performance, reliability, and improvement opportunities.
• Train customer maintenance personnel and operators on automation related operation and troubleshooting, as appropriate to their role.

What You Need to Succeed:

• Working knowledge of industrial automation systems including PLCs (Allen Bradley or equivalent), HMIs, VFDs, servo systems, and safety systems.
• Ability to diagnose automation related faults using HMIs, alarms, I/O states, and basic logic review.
• Understanding of industrial communication protocols (EtherNet/IP, fieldbus concepts, etc.).
• Ability to read and comprehend automation documentation including schematics, I/O lists, and control narratives.
• Comfort working alongside controls engineers and executing field level automation support under guidance.
• Technical degree preferred but not required.
• Prior field service experience required.
• Strong mechanical aptitude with electrical troubleshooting capability.
• Ability to read and interpret electrical and mechanical drawings/schematics.
• Working knowledge of ladder logic or similar programming structures.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Self motivated and able to work independently.
• Proficiency with PCs and standard software (MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, internet navigation, Google Apps).
• Ability to write clear and accurate service, audit, and expense reports.
• Ability to develop procedures and training documentation.
• Ability to execute training programs based on documentation and individual needs.
• Willingness to learn new technologies.
• Team oriented mindset.
• Willingness to follow strict safety guidelines.

What We Offer:

• Medical, Dental and Vision benefits available immediately
• 401K with company match
• 120 hours of Paid Time Off and 12 Paid Holidays
• Other benefits such as company paid Long-Term & Short-Term Disability, Tuition Assistance and more
• Annual Reimbursement for Safety Shoes
• Comprehensive training with numerous learning and development opportunities
• A career with a global packaging company where Sustainability, Safety and Inclusion are business drivers and foundational elements of the daily work.

Travel Requirements:

• Approximately 95% worldwide travel.
• Non standard work schedules including weekends, holidays, night shifts, and extended hours.
• Passport required.
• Ability to travel within the U.S. and internationally, including Canada, Mexico, and Europe.

Physical Requirements:

• Lift up to 50 lbs; heavy lifting and equipment movement required.
• Stand for extended periods (10+ hours).
• Sit, stoop, kneel, crouch, and climb ladders as required.
• Work at heights when needed.
• Work unsupervised.
• Work 12 hour shifts.
• Sit on airplanes for extended periods (10+ hours).
• Work around electricity and in confined spaces.
• Use standard business equipment such as computers, printers, and mobile devices.

Candidates are required to undergo a drug screening after receiving a conditional job offer, but before starting employment.