Control Systems Technician

A Control Systems Technician combines the skills of installation, troubleshooting, basic programming, and system configuration to support the design, installation, and commissioning of industrial control systems in a variety of industries. You will work with clients, project managers, control systems integrators, field service technicians, and other team members to assist with building, installing, programming, and commissioning industrial automation systems in manufacturing and processing environments under the direction of a manager or technical lead. This is a great career for technically minded individuals who enjoy working with their hands, solving problems, and seeing equipment operate in the real world.

To be successful in this position you need to have strong mechanical and electrical aptitude, good communication skills, and the ability to learn new technologies quickly. You need to be able to understand how physical equipment works and assist with configuring the control systems that operate it. You may work in the shop, in the office, at customer facilities, or remotely when able. You may have extended periods working at a computer, followed by time in industrial environments installing or troubleshooting equipment. Travel to customer sites will be required.

The role of a Control Systems Technician is an entry level position. The Technician will be learning the various tasks that make up a complete automation project including installation, programming support, troubleshooting, and commissioning. The goal is for the Technician to gain knowledge, experience, and confidence so that after gaining experience they are ready to move into higher level technical roles such as Control Systems Integrator. The Technician will work under the direction of their manager, senior integrators, field service personnel, and technical leads.

Essential Job Functions

The Control Systems Technician is responsible for learning and assisting with the following. Many tasks will be carried out under the supervision of a manager, project manager, senior integrator, or field service technician.

• Assist installation of industrial control panels, PLC systems, instrumentation, and networking equipment
• Assist with startup and commissioning of industrial control systems
• Perform basic wiring, labeling, and termination using electrical drawings
• Assist with troubleshooting industrial equipment and control systems
• Assist with PLC and HMI programming tasks under direction of senior personnel
• Learn basic PLC, HMI, SCADA, and networking concepts
• Assist with IO checks and functional testing of systems
• Assist with modifications to existing equipment per drawings
• Assist with preventive maintenance and service work
• Support project team with configuration, testing, and documentation
• Learn to read electrical drawings, P&IDs, and control descriptions
• Learn to use test equipment such as multimeters and network tools
• Maintain tools, equipment, and company property
• Communicate work status to project leads and supervisors
• Follow all company safety procedures and job site requirements
• Maintain good customer relations while on job sites
• Complete required reports, forms, and documentation
• Travel to customer sites as required (approximately 40%)
• Other duties as assigned
  
  

Qualifications

• AAS in Engineering Technology, Automation, Instrumentation, Mechatronics, or related technical field
• OR equivalent technical training, military training, or relevant experience
• Basic computer skills
• Basic understanding of electricity and electrical circuits
• Ability to read technical drawings or willingness to learn
• Good reasoning and problem-solving skills
• Good verbal and written communication skills
• Demonstrated involvement in extracurricular activities (hobbies, charities, etc.)
• Willingness to travel (up to 40% of the time) to customer sites as required
• Valid driver’s license
  
  

Career Path

The Control Systems Technician is an entry level position. It is expected that after 12–24 months of working at this level the Technician will have sufficient knowledge and experience to move into a higher-level technical role such as Control Systems Integrator I. A Technician should not spend more than 2–3 years at the entry level position. Below are the specific requirements that should be met to move into the next level position.

• Computers and Networking
• Networking
• The Technician should have a basic understanding of Ethernet networking fundamentals and be able to assist with troubleshooting network connections. The Technician should have familiarity with TCP/IP, Subnet Mask use, switches, cabling, and basic network layout.
• Computers
• The Technician should be able to perform basic PC troubleshooting including software installation, driver updates, and connection to PLC and HMI equipment.
• Industrial Networks and Protocols
• The Technician should have familiarity with industrial communication protocols such as Modbus, Ethernet/IP, RS232, RS485, and others, and be able to assist with configuration under direction of senior personnel.
• PLC Programming
• IO Lists
• The Technician should understand the purpose of IO lists and be able to assist with verifying wiring and tag assignments.
• PLC Database
• The Technician should be able to identify PLC components including processors, IO modules, power supplies, and communication modules.
• PLC Configuration
• The Technician should be able to assist with assembling PLC systems, installing modules, and connecting field wiring.
• Programming Support
• The Technician should be able to make minor program edits under direction and download programs to PLCs when instructed.
• Troubleshooting
• The Technician should be able to assist with troubleshooting PLC systems and help determine if problems are electrical, programming, or hardware related.
• Startup
• The Technician should be able to assist with IO checks, device testing, and startup activities in the shop or field.
• Platforms
• The Technician should have familiarity with at least one PLC platform.
• HMI/SCADA Programming
• Tag Lists
• The Technician should understand basic tag naming concepts and be able to assist with verification of tag databases.
• Screen Testing
• The Technician should be able to assist with testing HMI / SCADA screens during commissioning.
• System Setup
• The Technician should be able to assist with installing SCADA software, connecting to PLCs, and verifying communications.
• Alarm and Data Verification
• The Technician should be able to assist with verifying alarms, setpoints, and displayed values.
• Platforms
• The Technician should have familiarity with at least one HMI or SCADA platform.
• Electrical
• Read Electrical Drawings
• The Technician should be able to identify components in electrical drawings and follow wiring diagrams.
• Read P&ID Drawings
• The Technician should be able to identify field devices and understand basic process flow.
• Multimeter Use
• The Technician should be able to measure voltage, resistance, and current using a multimeter.
• Basic Wiring Skills
• The Technician should be able to cut, strip, label, and terminate wires using electrical drawings.
• Troubleshooting
• The Technician should be able to assist with diagnosing electrical issues.
• Safety
• The Technician should always demonstrate safe work practices.
• Electrical Theory
• The Technician should have a basic understanding of electrical principles.
• Installation and Field Work
• Panel Installation
• The Technician should be able to assist with mounting panels, pulling wire, and installing equipment.
• Device Installation
• The Technician should be able to install instrumentation, sensors, and field devices under direction.
• Commissioning Support
• The Technician should be able to assist with system startup and field testing.
• Service Work
• The Technician should be able to assist with troubleshooting and repair of existing systems.
• Travel
• The Technician should be able to travel to customer sites as required and work safely in industrial environments.
• Specialty Skills
• VFD’s/Soft Starts
• The Technician should understand the basic purpose of VFDs and soft starters and be able to assist with setup and wiring.
• Instrumentation
• The Technician should understand common instrumentation devices and how they connect to control systems.
• Networking Hardware
• The Technician should be able to connect switches, patch cables, and communication wiring.
• General Skills
• Documentation
• The Technician should be able to complete basic documentation, redlines, and reports.
• Process Knowledge
• The Technician should understand basic terminology used in industrial control systems.
• Project Level
• The Technician should understand the basic phases of a controls project including design, build, test, and startup.
• Soft Skills
• Client Interaction
• The Technician should be able to communicate professionally with customers while on job sites..
• Problem Solving
• The Technician should demonstrate the ability to follow troubleshooting procedures and ask for help when needed.
• Teamwork
• The Technician should be able to work effectively with project teams and field personnel.
• Time Management
• The Technician should be able to complete assigned tasks within scheduled time.
• Knowledge Advancement
• The Technician should demonstrate initiative to learn new skills and technologies.
• Abstract Thinking
• The Technician should demonstrate reliability, responsibility, and a strong safety mindset.