Mechanical Technician

ABOUT SAR AUTOMATION

SAR Automation LP is the US subsidiary of the SAR Group (SAR Elektronic GmbH, Germany), a leading company in automation and control systems with around 700 employees worldwide. From our facility in Greer, South Carolina, we work in two fields. In system integration we deliver controls, electrical design, installation, and commissioning of automation and material-handling systems for automotive OEMs and general manufacturing, and we provide technical training for plant maintenance teams. In machine building we design and build complete automation cells - robots, end-of-arm tooling, and upstream and downstream equipment for injection molding and plastics processing - from concept through factory acceptance, installation, and customer buy-off.

Our goal is to provide quality, elegant solutions that ensure the success of each of our customers. We offer the stability and long-term prospects of an international group together with the flat hierarchies, short decision paths, and personal responsibility of a 25-person team.

This position is part of our Plastics Automation division, which designs and builds robot cells, end-of-arm tooling, and upstream/downstream automation for injection molding and plastics processing.

THE ROLE

Builds the mechanical side of automation cells and custom machinery: reads drawings, fits and aligns frames, guarding, conveyors, end-of-arm tooling, and pneumatic systems, and prepares equipment for electrical integration, testing, and shipment. Works in SAR's shop and, as needed, at customer sites during installation.

WHAT YOU WILL DO

Mechanical Assembly

• Assemble automation cells, frames, guarding, conveyors, fixtures, and robot end-of-arm tooling from mechanical drawings, parts lists, and assembly instructions
• Fit, align, shim, and level equipment to drawing tolerances; drill, tap, ream, and perform light machining and fabrication as required
• Install and plumb pneumatic and hydraulic components - valves, cylinders, fittings, tubing, air preparation units - and leak-test the completed circuits
• Mount sensors, actuators, cable trays, and mechanical safety devices ready for electrical termination

Testing, Installation & Quality

• Perform mechanical function checks and support dry-cycle and full-cycle testing during FAT; correct fit-up and alignment issues found in test
• Disassemble, mark, crate, and prepare equipment for shipment; reassemble and align on site during installation and start-up
• Carry out mechanical retrofits, rebuilds, wear-part replacement, and troubleshooting on existing equipment
• Inspect incoming machined and fabricated parts against drawings and report non-conformances to engineering and purchasing

General

• Record as-built deviations and feed them back to mechanical design for drawing correction
• Keep the work area, tooling, and consumables in order and follow all shop and site safety procedures
• Perform additional duties, special projects, and assignments as directed by management

WHAT YOU BRING

Education / Training

• Technical certificate or associate degree in Industrial Mechanics, Machine Building, Mechatronics, or Millwright - or a completed apprenticeship or equivalent experience

Experience

• Minimum two years of mechanical assembly of custom machinery, automation equipment, tooling, or conveyors
• Experience with pneumatics and precision fitting and alignment; robot or injection-molding equipment experience a plus

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Ability to read and work from mechanical drawings, assembly drawings, parts lists, and pneumatic schematics
• Skilled with hand and power tools, precision measuring instruments (calipers, micrometers, dial indicators, levels), and shop equipment
• Overhead crane and forklift operation (certification provided if required); rigging awareness
• Detail-oriented and quality-minded; able to work to schedule in a project environment and communicate clearly with engineering and the project team

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS

• Travel time per year: 10-25%
• Travel period: Up to 2 weeks per trip
• Travel to other countries is occasionally required
• A valid passport is required
• Valid driver's license required

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

This role is performed primarily on the shop floor and at customer sites. It requires prolonged standing, walking, bending, kneeling, climbing, and working in confined or elevated positions; regularly lifting and carrying up to 50 lb; working near moving machinery, robots, and energized electrical equipment; and use of hand and power tools. PPE is required. Installation and commissioning phases may include extended hours, night shifts, weekends, and holidays.

WHAT WE OFFER

• Competitive compensation
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) with company match (after one year of service)
• 19 days paid time off, 5 sick days, and 10 paid holidays per year
• A secure position with long-term prospects in an international engineering group
• Flat hierarchies, short decision paths, and a high degree of personal responsibility
• Ongoing technical training and development

WORK AUTHORIZATION AND EQUAL OPPORTUNITY

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States. SAR Automation LP does not sponsor employment visas for this position, now or in the future.

SAR Automation LP is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

AGENCIES

SAR Automation LP does not accept unsolicited resumes from search firms, staffing agencies, or recruiters. Any resume submitted to any employee of SAR Automation LP without a valid, signed search agreement in place becomes the property of SAR Automation LP, and no fee will be paid in the event the candidate is hired.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $26.00 - $36.00 per hour

Expected hours: 40.0 per week

Work Location: In person