Controls & Automation Technician - Night Shift

About The Role CBC is recruiting a Controls & Automation Technician for a night-shift opportunity with an established manufacturer in the Richmond, Virginia area. This hands-on role supports automated production equipment and control systems through troubleshooting, repair, preventive maintenance, and continuous improvement. The strongest candidates will combine controls knowledge with practical mechanical and electrical troubleshooting ability. Key Responsibilities:

• Install, test, troubleshoot, repair, and maintain production equipment, PLCs, HMIs, sensors, VFDs, servo systems, and related automation components.
• Diagnose control-system and electronic-component failures and restore equipment to reliable operation.
• Perform root-cause failure analysis and implement corrective actions that prevent recurring issues.
• Evaluate repair-versus-replace options and identify suitable replacement components when original parts become obsolete.
• Perform preventive maintenance and scheduled repair work during planned production outages.
• Document maintenance work, software or hardware changes, repairs, and component replacements.
• Read and interpret equipment manuals, electrical schematics, control drawings, and work orders.
• Work collaboratively with maintenance technicians, operators, engineers, production leadership, and contractors. Schedule:
• Night shift is typically 2:30 PM-11:00 PM.
• At least 40 hours per week.
• Approximately one Saturday per month is expected, with additional Saturdays possible based on business needs.
• On-call support may be required for employees scheduled in the facility. Compensation:
• $32-$36/hour, based on experience.
• Guaranteed $1.25/hour night-shift differential while assigned to night shift, increasing to $2.00/hour after two years.
• Annual bonus opportunity at company discretion.
• Overtime eligible.
• Benefits include vacation/PTO, medical coverage, 401(k), and other standard employer benefits.

Requirements

• Proficiency troubleshooting PLC-controlled systems and automated industrial equipment.
• Familiarity with PLC programming concepts including ladder logic, function block diagrams, and structured text.
• Familiarity with industrial networking such as Modbus, Profibus, industrial Ethernet, PROFINET, or IO-Link.
• Strong analytical, mechanical, electrical, controls, and automation troubleshooting capability.
• High school diploma/GED plus relevant apprenticeship, technical training, or equivalent work experience.
• Ability to safely lift up to 50 pounds and perform physical work in an industrial environment. Preferred:
• ISA controls or automation credentials such as CST, CCST, or CAP.
• Rockwell, Allen-Bradley, or Siemens training/certifications.
• AutoCAD or SOLIDWORKS experience.
• Pneumatic or hydraulic training.
• Journeyman Electrician background and/or welding capability. Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States without current or future employer sponsorship. A one-time transition payment may be available for qualified candidates who relocate to the Richmond area.