Jobs › Pentair

Automation Maintenance Tech 1st shift

Pentair · Delavan, WI · $34.00–$37.00 an hour · Full time

Posted Oct 2, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 6, 2026

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Likely interview questions for this role

Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.

About your past

Which of these have you spent the most time on: injection molding machines, CNC equipment, or automation and assembly lines? What's the hardest repair you've done there?

What they are checking: Where their real depth lies, since the role asks for a primary focus area and they will be placed by it.

Part of this job is training junior technicians. Tell me about a time you taught someone a troubleshooting skill.

What they are checking: Whether they can explain their reasoning patiently, which decides if the junior techs get better or just get dependent.

Tell me about a new piece of equipment or system you helped install. What did you check before handing it over to production?

What they are checking: Whether they verify installations thoroughly, since the posting lists system installations as part of the advanced work.

How do you document a repair so the next tech on shift can pick it up?

What they are checking: Whether they leave clear records that keep the same problem from being diagnosed from scratch every time.

What would you do

A sensor keeps giving intermittent faults that clear on their own. Production wants it bypassed. What do you do?

What they are checking: Whether they resist unsafe shortcuts and chase intermittent problems instead of masking a guarding or feedback failure.

Two machines go down at once near the end of first shift, and you're the only senior tech around. How do you decide which one gets you first?

What they are checking: Whether they weigh safety, customer impact and repair time sensibly instead of just grabbing the loudest request.

About the work

A robot cell on an assembly line stops mid-cycle and throws a fault you haven't seen before. Walk me through how you'd find the cause.

What they are checking: Whether they follow a logical path from fault code to sensors to mechanics instead of swapping parts until something works.

How do you go online with a PLC to figure out why an output isn't firing?

What they are checking: Whether they can actually read ladder logic and trace inputs and permissives, not just reset the controller and hope.

Tell me about a hydraulic problem you diagnosed. How did you narrow it down to the real cause?

What they are checking: Whether they understand pressure, flow and valves well enough to troubleshoot molding presses safely and quickly.

How do you decide whether a repeated breakdown needs a better preventive maintenance task or a redesign?

What they are checking: Whether they think about root cause and recurrence rather than measuring their value by how many fires they put out.

Walk me through your lockout/tagout steps before you reach into a robot cell.

What they are checking: Whether energy control is a habit for them, including stored energy in hydraulics, pneumatics and robot arms.

Practice this interview out loud.

Offer builds a real interview for this exact role at Pentair from your resume and this job description, asks the questions one at a time, and tells you what landed. The first one is free.

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The full job description

As published by Pentair.

Job Description: Automation Maintenance Technician 1st shift At Pentair, you will work alongside passionate problem-solvers who are committed to the future of our planet. We put our mission into practice, helping the world sustainably move, improve, and enjoy water, life's most essential resource. From our residential water filtration to industrial water management to pool products and more, our 9,000 global employees serve customers in more than 150 countries, working to help create a better world for people and the planet through smart, sustainable water solutions. We have the opportunity for an Automation Maintenance Technician to join our Delavan, WI team. You will be responsible for performing a variety of advanced maintenance tasks, often involving complex diagnostics and repairs. This includes complex repairs, advanced troubleshooting, and system installations. In addition, you will assist with the training and development of Junior Technicians. You will: • Perform maintenance functions in all areas with a primary focus on one of the following: Injection molding machines, CNC or automation and assembly. • Perform preventive or corrective maintenance on robotic systems or components. • Troubleshoot robotic systems, using knowledge of microprocessors, programmable controllers, electronics, circuit analysis, mechanics, sensor or feedback systems, hydraulics, vision systems, or pneumatics. • Work with both the maintenance and engineering teams to ensure proper installation and running of robotics and automation equipment. • Diagnosing and troubleshooting PLC malfunctions while optimizing overall system performance to ensure operational excellence. • Disassemble and reassemble robots or peripheral equipment to make repairs such as replacement of defective circuit boards, sensors, controllers, encoders, and servomotors. • Perform a wide variety of advanced repairs and/or fabrications on various machines and production equipment such as: welding, testing and assembly equipment, molding presses, CNC equipment, etc. • Working collaboratively with engineers, technicians, and other staff to resolve issues and improve processes that affect our maintenance operations. • Support manufacturing production lines with technical expertise to ensure operations achieve business objectives. • Trouble shooting various equipment such as robotics, conveyors, coaters/painters, labelers, and presses. • Maintain spare parts inventory & replenishment, including hand tools, power tools and perishable supplies inventory and replenish as needed. • Maintenance of facilities such as electrical infrastructure, HVAC, Plumbing etc. • Developing and executing preventative maintenance programs tailored to our operational needs. • Participate in LEAN activities, including but not limited to Kaizens, RCCM, 5-whys, and A3s, to improve downtime trends and reduce cost. • Assist with the training and development of Junior Techs. • Respond promptly to maintenance requests and emergencies. • Maintain accurate records of maintenance activities and repairs. • Ensure compliance with safety regulations and company policies. • Assist in setting up and dismantling equipment for events or special projects. • Perform other duties as required. The above description covers the most significant duties performed but does not exclude other occasional work assignments not mentioned. Example – General facility needs such as plumbing, replacing lights, clean ups etc. Key Qualifications: • High school diploma or equivalent and 5+ years of additional technical training or job-related experience. • Technical degree/certification in Automation, Controls, or Electronics preferred. • Injection Molding experience preferred. • Knowledge and experience with industry-standard technologies like electronic sensors, motion-control systems, and programmable logic controllers (PLCs). • Proficiency in electronics, hydraulics, pneumatics, mechanical systems, and computer-controlled systems. • Ability to diagnose and resolve complex problems in automated systems. • Strong mathematical skills, computer proficiency, and electrical knowledge. • Must be able to operate various tools, including hand and power tools, and may need to operate vehicles. • Full ability to read and communicate in English. • Ability to work overtime as needed for maintenance functions. • Physical Requirements: Work is performed in a plant facility with exposure to heat, dust, mid-level noise, fumes, and odors. The position requires continuous standing and walking for extended periods. Candidates must be able to handle the physical demands of the job, which include pulling, pushing, and lifting up to 50 pounds. Shift/Hours: • 1st Shift: 7:00am - 3:30pm Monday - Friday • Overtime may be required Compensation: The hourly pay for this role is: $34.00 - $37.00/hr. DOE. Opportunity for a rate increase after you are proficient in certain skills and have fulfilled training. Actual pay may vary depending on factors including but not limited to achievements, skills, and experience. Benefits: As part of our comprehensive benefits packages, Pentair provides the following benefits plans and programs to eligible employees: • Paid holidays • Paid vacation • Paid sick time • Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance • 401(k) • Up to 5% 401K match starting day one of employment • Health savings account • Life insurance • Paid time off • Parental leave • Caregiver leave • Prescription drug insurance • Tuition reimbursement #INDHP Equal Opportunity Employer Pentair is an Equal Opportunity Employer. With our expanding global presence, cross-cultural insight and competence are essential for our ongoing success. We believe that a diverse workforce contributes different perspectives and creative ideas that enable us to continue to improve every day.

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