Automation Technician

As an Automation Technician at Alcon, your main responsibilities include troubleshooting equipment and process control systems, documenting corrections, and assisting in the revision of Standard Operating Procedures. You'll also perform preventive maintenance on automation equipment, analyze data to diagnose failures, and lead improvements in manufacturing processes.

To qualify for the Automation Technician position at Alcon, you’ll need at least a High School Diploma or equivalent experience, along with three years of relevant work experience. Proficiency in reading, writing, and communicating in English is essential. A background in Electrical, Mechanical, or Computer Science is preferred.

The Automation Technician role at Alcon operates on the third shift, typically from 10 PM to 6:30 AM, Monday through Friday. This allows for a focused work environment during quieter hours, enabling you to tackle critical tasks effectively.

At Alcon, Automation Technicians can expect a robust training and development program that promotes both personal and professional growth. You’ll have access to peer-to-peer training, ongoing skill enhancement opportunities, and the chance to participate in innovative projects.

Alcon offers a comprehensive benefits package for Automation Technicians, including health and life insurance, a retirement plan, flexible time off, and PTO for hourly associates. These benefits enhance your overall well-being and support your career growth.

When answering this question, focus on a specific situation where you used your analytical skills to diagnose a problem. Explain your methodology, such as reviewing system logic or data trends, and highlight the outcome. Use quantifiable metrics if possible to showcase your effectiveness.

Discuss your hands-on experience with PLCs, particularly Allen Bradley controllers. Explain how you’ve programmed, troubleshot, or maintained them in previous roles, giving examples of specific projects or scenarios that demonstrate your expertise.

Demonstrate your systematic approach to preventive maintenance by describing how you assess equipment needs, create maintenance schedules, and document all activities. Emphasize your attention to detail and how your planning has improved efficiencies or reduced downtime.

Talk about the tools you are familiar with for diagnostics, such as advanced electronic equipment and software for data analysis. Mention any specific techniques you apply, like reviewing isometric and P&ID drawings, and how they have led you to resolve issues efficiently.

Share an experience where collaboration was key, focusing on how you communicated across departments, the role you played, and the results achieved. Highlight any challenges faced and how teamwork helped overcome them, showcasing your ability to work harmoniously with diverse groups.

Outline the safety protocols you follow to ensure your safety and that of your colleagues while working on automation systems. Mention compliance with industry standards, safety training you have undergone, and your commitment to maintaining a safe work environment.

Explain your approach to managing stress and prioritizing urgent tasks. Provide an example where you successfully navigated a tight deadline, focusing on your time management skills and ability to remain calm under pressure.

Reflect on what drives your passion for automation technology and engineering. Whether it’s the excitement of solving complex problems, the joy of continuous learning, or the impact of your work on improving manufacturing processes, articulate your motivation in a way that resonates with the role.

Discuss your organizational strategies for maintaining accurate documentation and logs, emphasizing the importance of clarity and detail in your records. Mention any tools or systems you use to track maintenance history and how you ensure compliance with guidelines.

Talk about the resources you use to stay current, such as workshops, online courses, professional organizations, or industry publications. Highlight your commitment to lifelong learning and how it positively impacts your performance as an Automation Technician.