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Automation Technician - Night Shift

Flex · Buffalo Grove, IL · Full time

Posted Sep 21, 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

Tell me about a time you fixed a recurring equipment problem for good.

What they are checking: Whether they go beyond quick fixes and solve the underlying cause of repeat downtime.

This job works 6pm to 6am on a rotating shift. How do you stay sharp on long nights?

What they are checking: Whether they can handle twelve-hour night shifts and still make safe, careful decisions.

Tell me about an improvement you made to automated equipment.

What they are checking: Whether they look for ways to make the line better, not just keep it running.

What would you do

Production is pushing you to bypass a guard to get the line running. What do you do?

What they are checking: Whether they hold firm on safety even under pressure to meet output targets.

How do you plan and do preventive maintenance without hurting production?

What they are checking: Whether they coordinate PM timing with production so equipment stays reliable without long stoppages.

About the work

A robot cell on your line stops during the night shift. Walk me through how you get it running again.

What they are checking: Whether they troubleshoot in a calm, logical order and find root cause instead of just resetting the fault.

How do you verify that safety interlocks, light curtains and E-Stops are working correctly?

What they are checking: Whether they treat machine guarding as non-negotiable and know how to test it properly.

Tell me about the PLCs and robot brands you have worked on.

What they are checking: Whether their hands-on experience fits automated assembly and test stations like these.

A vision system starts rejecting good parts. How do you figure out what is wrong?

What they are checking: Whether they can check lighting, focus, settings and part variation methodically.

How do you hand off an unresolved problem to the day shift?

What they are checking: Whether they document clearly so the next technician does not have to start from scratch.

How do you read an electrical schematic to trace a sensor fault?

What they are checking: Whether they can use drawings to narrow down a problem quickly instead of guessing.

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The full job description

As published by Flex.

Flex is the diversified manufacturing partner of choice that helps market-leading brands design, build and deliver innovative products that improve the world. A career at Flex offers the opportunity to make a difference and invest in your growth in a respectful, inclusive, and collaborative environment. If you are excited about a role but don't meet every bullet point, we encourage you to apply and join us to create the extraordinary. Job Summary 

 The Automation Technician - Night Shift is assigned to a designated production line and supports, maintains, and improves its automated production equipment and systems to ensure safe, reliable, and efficient manufacturing operations. This role focuses on troubleshooting automation hardware and software, performing preventive maintenance and supporting production Shift Schedule – 6pm-6am Rotating Shift Location: Buffalo Grove, IL Key Responsibilities Production & Support • Maintain and troubleshoot automated production equipment, including robots, conveyors, vision systems, and automated assembly/test stations. • Respond quickly to equipment downtime to diagnose root cause and restore production. • Support daily production operations to meet safety, quality, delivery, and cost targets. • Verify proper operation of safety interlocks, light curtains, E‑Stops, and guarding. • Perform preventive and corrective maintenance on automation equipment. • Identify recurring issues and recommend permanent corrective actions. • Retrieve spare parts and assist with equipment documentation. • Participate in root‑cause analysis and corrective/preventive action activities. • Document repairs, changes, and maintenance activities. • Support training of operators and maintenance personnel on automated systems. • Strong mechanical and electrical aptitude • Ability to work independently under production pressure • Good communication and documentation skills • Team‑oriented with a continuous improvement mindset • Comfortable working with both engineering and production teams Required Qualifications • Associate degree, technical diploma, or equivalent experience in Automation, Mechatronics, Electrical, Electronics, or Industrial Technology. • 3+ years of experience supporting automated manufacturing equipment (production environment). • Hands‑on experience with: • Sensors, pneumatics, motors, drives, and servo systems • Industrial HMIs and automation hardware • Ability to read electrical schematics, mechanical drawings, and control diagrams. • Strong troubleshooting and problem‑solving skills. AW20 What you'll receive for the great work you provide: • Full range of medical, dental, and vision plans • Life Insurance • Short-term and Long-term Disability • Matching 401(k) Contributions • Vacation and Paid Sick Time • Tuition Reimbursement 
 Application Deadline: Applications for this job position will be accepted for at least five days following the job posting start date below and continuing until the end date below or until the position is filled. This posting may close sooner due to application volume. Job Posting Start Date 09-21-2026 Job Posting End Date 10-26-2026

 The base pay range for this position is provided below. The final base rate offered will be determined using job-related, non-discriminatory criteria, including but not limited to experience, qualifications, geographic location, education, external market data, and internal equity. $31.04 USD - $42.68 USD Hourly Job Category Production Engineering Is Sponsorship Available? No Flex is an Equal Opportunity Employer and employment selection decisions are based on merit, qualifications, and abilities. We do not discriminate based on: age, race, religion, color, sex, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, disability, pregnancy status, or any other status protected by law. We're happy to provide reasonable accommodations to those with a disability for assistance in the application process. Please email accessibility@flex.com and we'll discuss your specific situation and next steps (NOTE: this email does not accept or consider resumes or applications. This is only for disability assistance. To be considered for a position at Flex, you must complete the application process first).

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