Automation Technician

This is a highly travel-intensive position requiring approximately 75% travel to customer sites. Candidates must be comfortable with frequent overnight travel, working in industrial environments, and supporting customers across multiple locations. Most work is performed on-site at client facilities commissioning, troubleshooting, repairing, and maintaining industrial automation systems.

As an Automation Technician, you will perform a variety of troubleshooting, repair, calibration, commissioning, and maintenance services on electronic instrumentation and control systems used in the automation of large industrial processes. You will support system integration activities including instrument calibration, control panel and MCC troubleshooting, PLC and HMI modifications, VFD setup and commissioning, and installation of new automation hardware.

The ideal candidate has hands-on experience with industrial controls, instrumentation, PLCs, and electrical systems and enjoys solving technical challenges in the field while working directly with customers.

A Typical Day at Prime Controls

• Travel to customer facilities to troubleshoot, repair, commission, and maintain industrial automation and instrumentation systems.
• Read and interpret electrical schematics, loop drawings, P&IDs, network diagrams, and technical documentation.
• Communicate directly with customers to understand objectives, issues, and operational requirements.
• Modify existing PLC programs using Ladder Logic, Function Block, and other programming languages.
• Modify Human Machine Interface (HMI) applications and develop small-scale operator interface improvements.
• Configure, troubleshoot, and commission Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs) and related control hardware.
• Install, terminate, and test new PLCs, instrumentation, networking equipment, and other automation hardware.
• Perform system testing and validation to ensure control systems function as designed.
• Troubleshoot software, hardware, networking, and communication issues impacting system performance.
• Diagnose and resolve operational issues caused by programming errors, wiring problems, instrumentation failures, or changing customer requirements.
• Interface with manufacturers and vendors regarding hardware and software support, troubleshooting, and issue resolution.
• Collaborate with engineers, technicians, and project teams to address design and implementation challenges.
• Respond to customer service calls to troubleshoot, diagnose, and repair programming, control system, and instrumentation failures.
• Perform instrumentation troubleshooting, calibration, loop checks, and functional testing.
• Calibrate and repair instrumentation using a variety of test equipment, meters, and calibration tools.
• Set up, commission, and verify new instrumentation according to specifications and drawings.
• Perform preventive and corrective maintenance on control systems, instrumentation, and testing equipment.
• Assist with installation and maintenance projects supporting the automation of large industrial processes.
• Use computerized diagnostic equipment and software tools to perform testing and prepare service reports.

Travel Requirements

• Approximately 75% travel is required.
• Frequent overnight travel should be expected.
• Work will primarily be performed at customer locations, including manufacturing, industrial, utility, municipal, and process facilities.
• Travel schedules may vary based on project assignments, customer needs, and emergency service requirements.
• A valid driver's license and the ability to travel independently are required.

What You Will Bring

The Basics

• Minimum of 2 years of experience in industrial automation, controls, instrumentation, engineering, construction, manufacturing, or a related technical field.
• Bachelor of Science degree in Mechatronics Engineering, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related discipline; a technical college degree with relevant experience; or equivalent industrial controls experience.
• Working knowledge of PLCs, HMIs, instrumentation, control panels, and industrial electrical systems.
• Ability to troubleshoot electrical, instrumentation, networking, and automation-related issues.
• Ability and willingness to travel approximately 75% of the time, including overnight travel.
• Valid driver's license and acceptable driving record.

Preferred Qualifications

• 4+ years of experience in industrial automation, controls, instrumentation, engineering, construction (AEC), manufacturing, or a similar industry.
• Experience commissioning and troubleshooting PLC- and SCADA-based control systems.
• Knowledge of industrial networking, communications protocols, and control system architectures.
• Experience with VFD startup, configuration, and troubleshooting.
• Strong customer service, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work independently in field environments while maintaining a high level of safety and professionalism.