About this role
Controls Technician
Role Summary
The Controls Technician I is responsible for supporting the design, implementation, troubleshooting, maintenance, and continuous improvement of industrial automation and control systems. This role works closely with Maintenance, Manufacturing Engineering, Production, Quality, and IT teams to ensure reliable operation of automated equipment and support plant goals related to safety, quality, productivity, and operational excellence.
This position serves as an entry-level controls engineering role focused on developing technical expertise in PLCs, HMIs, industrial networking, motion control, robotics, and manufacturing automation.
Main Activities and Areas of Responsibility
1. Automation and Controls Support
- Troubleshoot PLC, HMI, VFD, servo, vision, and industrial network issues.
- Support production by diagnosing and correcting controls-related equipment failures.
- Assist with machine startups, commissioning, and validation activities.
2. System Development and Continuous Improvement
- Support PLC and HMI programming modifications using Allen-Bradley Studio 5000 and FactoryTalk software.
- Participate in continuous improvement projects focused on safety, quality, productivity, and equipment reliability.
- Assist with implementation of automation enhancements and process optimization initiatives.
3. Documentation and Technical Compliance
- Maintain electrical schematics, network architecture documentation, control narratives, and maintenance records.
- Support adherence to company safety standards, Lockout/Tagout (LOTO), and electrical safety requirements.
- Participate in root cause analysis and corrective action activities.
Qualifications Required
Education
- Associate Degree or Bachelor's Degree in:
- Electrical Engineering
- Mechatronics Engineering
- Automation Engineering
- Electronics Engineering
- Industrial Engineering with Automation Focus
Technical Knowledge
- Industrial Automation Systems
- PLC Fundamentals
- Electrical Control Systems
- Industrial Networking
- Industrial Safety Systems
- Preventive and Predictive Maintenance
Competencies and Skills
Technical Competencies
- Allen-Bradley PLC Programming and Troubleshooting
- Studio 5000 Logix Designer
- FactoryTalk View SE/ME
- EtherNet/IP Communication Networks
- I/O Configuration and Diagnostics
- Electrical Schematics Interpretation
- Industrial Sensors and Instrumentation
- Servo Motion Systems
- Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs)
- Basic Robotics Troubleshooting
- Root Cause Analysis (RCA)
- Preventive and Predictive Maintenance
Behavioral Competencies
- Analytical Thinking
- Problem Solving
- Continuous Improvement Mindset
- Teamwork and Collaboration
- Accountability
- Effective Communication
- Initiative and Learning Agility
- Adaptability to a Fast-Paced Manufacturing Environment
- Customer Focus (Internal Customers)
- Safety Leadership
Professional Experience Required
- 0-3 years of experience in industrial automation, controls, maintenance, or manufacturing engineering environments.