Automation Controls Technician

Job Title: Automation Controls Technician

Location: Little Rock, Arkansas

Employment Type: W2 or 1099 Contractor Eligible

Status: Must Have Legal USA Work Status

Start Date: Immediate

Positions Available: Multiple

Position Summary

Thrive Project Resources is seeking multiple Automation Controls Technicians for an industrial greenfield plant startup project in the Little Rock, Arkansas area. These roles are responsible for executing terminal block level termination work, completing field junction box wiring, performing point to point continuity and I/O verification, and supporting AC variable speed drive connections and checkout across the facility.

The combined scope across these positions includes the mounting, wiring and terminating of approximately 1,000 sensors across the facility, termination of approximately 350 motor field junction boxes, 200 PLC field signal junction boxes, 4,048 digital I/O points, 128 analog I/O points, and connections to 117 AC variable speed drives across approximately 148 drive groups in 11 control houses. Sensor wiring is routed and terminated in field junction boxes and then landed into the appropriate control panels based on the motor group each sensor serves. This is high volume, accuracy critical work requiring technicians who can mount and align sensors, read termination schedules, work precisely through large point counts, and support verification and commissioning activities as a team.

The ideal candidates have a strong background in industrial controls, automation, or instrumentation installation and bring hands on experience with terminal block termination, ferrule crimping, I/O verification, and drive wiring in a manufacturing or industrial plant environment. This is not a licensed electrician role. Candidates from automation integrators, OEM panel shops, controls contractors, or process industry backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply.

Roles and Responsibilities

• Work from project termination schedules, wiring diagrams, I/O lists, drive connection diagrams, and panel schematics to plan and execute daily termination tasks accurately and efficiently across assigned work areas.
• Terminate approximately 350 motor field junction boxes and 200 PLC field signal junction boxes at the terminal block level, including ferrule crimping, cable dressing, labeling, and completion documentation.
• Land and verify 4,048 digital I/O points and 128 analog I/O points on the Siemens PLC system, working from I/O lists and verification schedules to confirm correct termination, labeling, and signal integrity at each point.
• Complete wiring and connection of 117 AC variable speed drives across approximately 148 drive groups in 11 panel houses, including motor lead terminations (U/V/W), control terminal wiring, and Profibus or Profinet communications connections.
• Mount, position, and align approximately 1,000 proximity and inductive sensors across the facility, including 450 IFM ID type, 100 IFM I270 type, and 450 P F NBB15-3 sensors. Connect sensor cables to assigned field junction boxes and terminate wiring into the appropriate control panel based on the motor group each sensor serves.
• Dress, label, and organize cables within field junction boxes, panel enclosures, and control desks in accordance with project standards and workmanship requirements.
• Crimp and install ferrules on stranded control conductors prior to terminal block installation where required by project standards.
• Identify and report wiring errors, labeling discrepancies, missing conductors, or installation issues to the field supervisor before proceeding.
• Support loop checks, I/O scan verification, drive parameter checks, and punch list completion as required by the commissioning team.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work area within panel enclosures, junction boxes, and assigned field areas throughout the assignment.
• Communicate task completion status, outstanding items, and field issues to the installation supervisor at the end of each shift.
• Perform other project support duties as assigned by the field supervisor or project leadership.

Qualifications

• Verified experience and above average skill level working from termination schedules, I/O lists, wiring diagrams, and panel schematics in a production or plant environment required.
• Demonstrated hands on experience mounting, aligning, and connecting inductive or proximity sensors in an industrial, manufacturing, or automation environment required.
• Experience completing junction box wiring, ferrule crimping, cable dressing, labeling, and terminal block termination at high volume required.
• Familiarity with Siemens PLC systems, digital I/O modules, and analog I/O modules is mandatory.
• Experience connecting AC variable speed drives, including motor lead termination and control terminal wiring, is strongly preferred.
• Familiarity with Profibus or Profinet communications wiring for drive and device networks is an asset.
• Ability to read and follow termination schedules, wiring diagrams, drive connection diagrams, and I/O verification lists with accuracy and attention to detail.
• Experience supporting I/O verification, loop checks, continuity testing, and commissioning checkout activities is strongly preferred.
• Background in industrial automation installation, instrumentation, OEM panel building, controls contracting, or process industry electrical work.
• Ability to work accurately through high volume point counts without loss of sequence, labeling errors, or skipped verifications.
• Strong workmanship standards and commitment to producing clean, organized, correctly labeled termination work.
• Reliable attendance, strong jobsite discipline, and a professional approach to safety, quality, and task completion.
• Ability to communicate clearly with field supervisors, controls personnel, and commissioning representatives.

Physical and Work Environment Requirements

• Ability to stand, walk, bend, kneel, reach, and perform field based termination work throughout the shift.
• Ability to work in panel enclosures, field junction boxes, and industrial plant environments including elevated platforms and elevated work areas.
• Comfortable working in an active industrial construction, installation, or plant startup environment.
• Ability to wear required PPE and follow all site specific safety requirements including lockout and tagout procedures.
• Ability to work overtime, weekends, or extended shifts as needed based on project schedules and commissioning milestones.

Compensation

A competitive hourly wage and overtime pay is available for the right candidates. Qualified 1099 contractor candidates will be considered. Candidates from automation, instrumentation, OEM panel, or controls contracting backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

We thank all applicants in advance. Only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Thrive Project Resources is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. Our work is built on the belief that talent and potential are everywhere, and we welcome applicants of every race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, and veteran status. All hiring decisions are made based on qualifications and fit. Reasonable accommodations are available upon request.

About Thrive Project Resources

At Thrive Project Resources, we work closely with major automotive, industrial, energy, and tier 1 manufacturing organizations to provide top quality engineers, technicians, skilled trade professionals, and project execution support. Our team members receive strong support from Thrive, competitive hourly and overtime rates, per diem where applicable, and project related expenses covered in accordance with assignment requirements.

Pay: $25.00 - $32.00 per hour

Benefits:

• Referral program

Experience:

• termination schedules, wiring diagrams, I/O lists: 3 years (Required)
• mounting, aligning & connecting sensors: 3 years (Required)
• connecting VFDs in control panels: 3 years (Required)
• junction box wiring, ferrule crimping, cable dressing: 3 years (Required)

Ability to Commute:

• Little Rock, AR 72206 (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $25 - $32