Newrest IAH Catering Operations is seeking a motivated Automation Technician to support our high-volume airline catering operation at IAH. This is a hands-on technical role responsible for the maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair of automated and electromechanical systems, including robotic packing lines, automated conveyor systems, and commercial warewashing equipment. We are looking for someone with solid industrial maintenance fundamentals, strong mechanical and electrical troubleshooting instincts, and a genuine eagerness to learn.

This role works alongside plumbers, HVAC techs, and electricians, and coordinates their involvement when automation issues cut across trade boundaries. A core focus of this role is preventative maintenance, ensuring automated systems are proactively maintained to maximize uptime and extend equipment life across the facility. Uptime is critical; you'll be a key part of the team that keeps production running.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform preventive and corrective maintenance on robotic packing lines, automated conveyor systems, and commercial warewashing systems
• Diagnose and resolve PLC faults, VFD issues, sensor failures, and control system anomalies following documented procedures and fault codes
• Read and interpret electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, and technical manuals to isolate and resolve faults; facility as-built drawings
• Troubleshoot motor controls, variable frequency drives, and industrial sensors (proximity, photoelectric, limit switches)
• Perform component-level replacement and swap-outs; coordinate third party repair for specialized electronics as needed
•  Lead, collaborate with, and coordinate plumbers, HVAC, and electrical trades when automation issues have cross-discipline components
• Maintain accurate maintenance logs, parts inventory, and work orders in the CMMS
• Respond to after-hours or on-call situations for critical system failures as required
• Support commissioning, equipment upgrades, and vendor service visits for automated equipment
• Accompany the control bodies/companies involved during regulatory visits or works
• Draw up intervention reports and inform your manager in the event of an anomaly.
• Conduct periodic quality checks on equipment and systems to ensure everything is up to standard.
• As a privileged interlocutor for field operations, you will ensure the improvement and optimization of installations in compliance with safety rules.

Beyond technical skills, the right candidate is someone who:

• Takes ownership of problems and sees them through to resolution
• Is genuinely curious about how automated systems work and wants to grow their expertise
•  Communicates clearly and works well as part of a multi-trade maintenance team
• Shows up reliably for rotating shifts in a 24/7 operation; this facility does not slow down
• Asks good questions and is comfortable learning from vendors, manufacturers, and teammates

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs, work at heights, and in confined spaces
• Comfortable standing for extended periods in a fast-paced production environment
• Ability to work rotating 12-hour shifts including nights, weekends, and holidays

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• 2+ years of hands-on experience in industrial maintenance, manufacturing equipment upkeep, or automated systems support
• Basic familiarity with PLC systems: ability to interpret fault codes, navigate HMI screens, and follow documented reset/recovery procedures (programming experience not required)
• Comfortable with electrical troubleshooting in industrial settings: 480V/3-phase systems, motor controls, contactors, and control wiring
• Mechanical aptitude: conveyor maintenance, belt and chain drives, bearings, alignments, and basic pneumatics
• Ability to read electrical schematics, panel drawings, and mechanical diagrams
• Comfortable working in a food production environment (temperature variation, wet areas, production schedules)
• Reliable, self-motivated, and willing to learn new equipment and systems on the job
•  High school diploma or GED required; technical/vocational certificate or associate degree in Industrial Maintenance, Electronics, or related field preferred but not required

• Experience with robotic systems (any platform)
• Experience with conveyor systems or material handling automation
• Food production, airline catering, or high-volume manufacturing environment background
• Familiarity with commercial ware washing systems
• OSHA 10 or OSHA 30 certification

Newrest provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws. Newrest complies with applicable state and local laws governing non-discrimination in employment. Reasonable accommodation is available for qualified individuals with disabilities, upon request.