Controls Technician

The Controls Technician is a hands-on role responsible for supporting, troubleshooting, and improving industrial control systems used on production equipment. This position is primarily focused on diagnosing and resolving real-time manufacturing issues involving PLCs, robotics, electrical systems, and machine controls to ensure safe, reliable, and efficient operation.

In addition, the Controls Technician will support ongoing equipment improvements and control system redesign efforts to enhance reliability, safety, and performance. Although this role includes some project and development work, it is primarily focused on hands-on support of existing manufacturing equipment, troubleshooting, and continuous improvement within a production environment.

Key Responsibilities

· Troubleshoot and support PLC-based control systems on production equipment to minimize downtime and improve reliability.

· Diagnose and resolve issues related to electrical and controls components including PLCs, HMIs, VFDs, servo drives, encoders, motors, sensors, and safety devices.

· Program, modify, and debug PLC logic to improve machine performance, safety, and uptime.

· Program, troubleshoot, and support industrial robots, including teach pendant programming and PLC integration.

· Support manufacturing operations by responding to breakdowns and providing advanced controls expertise.

· Identify opportunities to improve machine reliability, repeatability, and safety through controls and electrical improvements.

· Support machine startups, upgrades, retrofits, and production changes.

· Design and build PLC control panels as needed, including component selection, wiring, and documentation.

· Collaborate closely with maintenance technicians to support mechanical, electrical, and controls-related issues.

· Develop and maintain electrical schematics, control documentation, and I/O lists for existing and modified equipment.

· Ensure control systems comply with company safety, environmental, and quality standards, including OSHA and machine guarding requirements.

· Participate in continuous improvement initiatives focused on safety, quality, uptime, and productivity.

· Maintain good housekeeping practices and ensure control panels and work areas are clean, organized, and properly labeled.

· Work independently, manage priorities effectively, and support multiple production areas as needed.

Education & Experience

· Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Controls Engineering, Automation, or a related field preferred (or equivalent hands-on manufacturing experience).

· Strong working knowledge of PLC platforms (e.g., Allen-Bradley, Siemens, or equivalent).

· Experience troubleshooting and modifying existing automation in a manufacturing environment.

· Experience with HMI development and modification.

· Experience programming and supporting industrial robots.

· Strong understanding of industrial electrical systems and machine control components including motors, drives, encoders, sensors, and safety circuits.

· Ability to read, interpret, and update electrical schematics and controls documentation.

· Proven troubleshooting skills in fast-paced manufacturing environments.

Safety & Work Environment

· Adhere to all safety, environmental, and quality standards.

· Required to wear appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) as defined by company policy while working in production and facility areas.