Controls Technician

Job Title: Second Shift Automation & Maintenance Technician Job Description
This second shift Automation & Maintenance Technician role provides advanced technical support for the installation, troubleshooting, and improvement of automated and electronic equipment in a high-volume manufacturing environment. Working under the direction of the Engineering Supervisor, you independently handle complex projects involving mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, robotic, and PLC systems while supporting continuous improvement and preventive maintenance initiatives.
Responsibilities
- Troubleshoot and repair complex electrical, mechanical, and robotic systems to keep production equipment operating safely and efficiently.
- Modify and create PLC programs and HMI screens to support process changes, equipment improvements, and new product launches.
- Adjust robot paths and configure vision systems to optimize performance, accuracy, and cycle time.
- Support new equipment launches and retrofits by participating in installation, commissioning, and validation activities.
- Perform preventive maintenance tasks using CMMS software, ensuring work orders are completed accurately and on time.
- Identify opportunities to improve preventive maintenance routines and implement enhancements to reduce unplanned downtime.
- Respond quickly to production equipment issues, diagnose root causes, and implement effective corrective actions to minimize downtime.
- Read and interpret electrical and mechanical schematics to guide troubleshooting, repair, and modifications.
- Collaborate with engineering, production, and maintenance teams to resolve recurring equipment problems and support continuous improvement projects.
- Communicate clearly with shift personnel and leadership regarding equipment status, repair plans, and safety considerations.
- Provide technical guidance and informal leadership to other technicians, sharing knowledge on PLCs, robotics, and advanced troubleshooting.
- Document work performed, changes to programs, and equipment modifications in the appropriate systems and logs.
Essential Skills
- Associates degree in a technical field or equivalent experience, such as a journeyman card plus approximately 5 years of relevant maintenance or automation experience.
- Demonstrated proficiency with PLCs, including PLC troubleshooting, PLC programming, and PLC modifications in an industrial environment.
- Hands-on experience with HMI systems, including creating and modifying operator interfaces.
- Industrial robotics experience, with strong ABB robot troubleshooting skills and the ability to adjust robot paths.
- Strong mechanical and electrical troubleshooting capabilities, including hydraulics, pneumatics, I/O, motors, sensors, and wiring.
- Ability to read and interpret electrical, electronic, and mechanical schematics for troubleshooting and repair.
- Experience performing preventive maintenance in a manufacturing setting, using CMMS or similar maintenance management software.
- Solid understanding of automation and controls systems, including electronics and industrial automation equipment.
- Effective communication skills to convey technical information clearly to team members and leadership.
- Demonstrated leadership abilities in a technical setting, such as guiding other technicians or leading repair efforts.
- Ability to work independently on complex technical issues and make sound decisions under time pressure.
- Proficiency in English for verbal and written communication.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
- Spanish bilingual skills are preferred and can enhance communication in a diverse workforce.
- Experience in automotive or high-volume manufacturing environments is beneficial.
- Background in maintenance technician roles with exposure to automation and controls is highly valuable.
- Familiarity with industrial vision systems used alongside robotics and automation.
- Experience with repair, maintenance, and troubleshooting of a wide range of automated equipment.
- Comfort working in a fast-paced environment and managing multiple priorities.
- Strong problem-solving mindset with a focus on continuous improvement and reliability.
- Interest in growing skills in PLC, HMI, and robotic troubleshooting and programming.
Work Environment
This role operates in an automotive manufacturing setting on second shift, typically from 3:00 pm to 11:00 pm. You can expect to work approximately 4555 hours per week, with some weekend work as needed to support production and maintenance demands. As additional technicians are hired, overtime and weekend requirements are expected to decrease. The environment is fast-paced, with frequent interaction with automated production lines, PLC-controlled equipment, ABB robots, hydraulic and pneumatic systems, and a variety of sensors, motors, and electronic controls. You will use CMMS software, PLC and HMI programming tools, and standard maintenance and diagnostic equipment. Work is performed on the plant floor around active machinery, following established safety procedures and appropriate industrial attire.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Holland, MI.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $25.00 - $32.00/hr. Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors. Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job
classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be
subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits
available for this temporary role may include the following:

Medical, dental & vision
Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
401(k) Retirement Plan Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
Short and long-term disability
Health Spending Account (HSA)
Transportation benefits
Employee Assistance Program
Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Holland, MI.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Oct 30, 2026.
Workplace Type
This is a fully onsite position in Holland,MI. About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without
regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability,
sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected
by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or
adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability,
please email [email protected] for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance:
Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the
city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants
with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector:
It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a
condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law
shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI):
We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process,
including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications
and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you
acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.