Controls Technician

Job Summary

We are seeking a driven and results-oriented Controls Technician to support and improve automation systems in a fast-paced manufacturing environment. This role is ideal for a hands-on technical professional who thrives on troubleshooting industrial control systems, optimizing equipment performance, and driving continuous improvement initiatives. As a key partner to Engineering, Maintenance, and Production teams, you will install, maintain, and support PLC-based automation systems, HMIs, industrial networks, and vision systems to enhance operator safety, equipment reliability, product quality, and manufacturing efficiency.

If you enjoy solving complex automation and controls challenges, working with advanced manufacturing technologies, and making a direct impact on operational performance and digital transformation initiatives, this is an excellent opportunity to grow your career in industrial automation and manufacturing excellence.

Benefits

• 401(k) plan with company match
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Earned paid time off (ETO)
• 10 paid company holidays annually
• Performance-based merit increases
• Annual bonus opportunity

Core Responsibilities

PLC Controls, Programming & System Integration

• Install, program, troubleshoot, and maintain PLC-based automation systems to support safe, reliable, and efficient manufacturing operations.
• Develop, modify, and optimize control logic using Allen-Bradley/Rockwell Automation platforms, including ladder logic, tag structures, HMI development, and networked control systems.
• Support commissioning, startup, and integration of new equipment, automation systems, and production line improvements.
• Collaborate with engineering and production teams to identify and implement automation solutions that improve productivity, quality, and operational performance.

Electrical Controls & Equipment Reliability

• Troubleshoot and resolve electrical, controls, and automation issues to minimize downtime and improve equipment reliability.
• Maintain and support industrial control hardware, including PLCs, HMIs, VFDs, sensors, safety devices, servos, and industrial communication networks.
• Perform root cause analysis of equipment failures and implement corrective actions to prevent recurrence.
• Support preventive and predictive maintenance activities for automated manufacturing systems.

Computer Vision & Advanced Automation Support

• Support the integration and maintenance of computer vision inspection systems within manufacturing processes.
• Interface vision systems with PLCs, HMIs, and production equipment to enable automated inspection, error-proofing, and process verification.
• Troubleshoot communication, hardware, and operational issues associated with vision-guided automation systems.
• Assist in evaluating and deploying emerging automation, vision, sensing, and robotics technologies to improve manufacturing performance.

Continuous Improvement & Process Optimization

• Develop and implement automation improvements that enhance operator safety, product quality, throughput, and manufacturing efficiency.
• Lead or support continuous improvement initiatives related to automation, controls, and digital manufacturing technologies.
• Utilize operational data and production metrics to identify opportunities for process optimization and waste reduction.
• Support lean manufacturing objectives through automation and controls improvements.

Technical Support, Documentation & Collaboration

• Serve as a technical resource for controls, automation, and manufacturing system troubleshooting.
• Create and maintain electrical schematics, control system documentation, program backups, and operating procedures.
• Train and support maintenance, engineering, and production personnel on automation systems and best practices.
• Contribute to cross-functional projects and support knowledge sharing across departments.

Quality, Safety & Compliance

• Ensure compliance with company standards, customer requirements, and applicable safety regulations while promoting a culture of quality and operational excellence.
• Support quality initiatives through effective controls design, process monitoring, and error-proofing solutions.
• Maintain adherence to electrical safety standards, machine safety requirements, and plant policies.

Minimum Qualifications

• Strong technical troubleshooting, root cause analysis, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to diagnose and resolve electrical, controls, and automation system issues in a manufacturing environment.
• Proficiency with PLC programming and troubleshooting.
• Effective communication and presentation of technical information to engineering, maintenance, and operations teams.
• Ability to support multiple projects and priorities in a fast-paced production environment.
• Knowledge of manufacturing methods, quality systems, and continuous improvement principles.
• Understanding of industrial automation systems, electrical controls, and machine integration.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with Allen-Bradley/Rockwell Automation platforms.
• Experience with HMIs, VFDs, servo systems, industrial sensors, and safety control systems.
• Knowledge of industrial communication networks, including Ethernet/IP and related automation protocols.
• Experience integrating automated equipment, robotics, vision systems, and manufacturing controls.
• Familiarity with Computer Vision systems and their integration with PLC-controlled manufacturing processes.
• Experience with industrial connectivity tools such as Kepware, OPC, or similar communication platforms.
• Experience supporting Manufacturing DX initiatives, data collection systems, and production monitoring solutions.
• Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, and control panel documentation.
• Experience with robot programming, commissioning, and system integration.

Education Requirements

High School Diploma or GED.

Language Requirements
Must be able to read, write, understand, and communicate effectively in English.

Work Environment
The physical demands and work environmental characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Physical Demands

While performing the duties of this job, the team member must have the ability to work in extreme hot or cold conditions, stand for the duration of the shift, uses hands to finger, handle or feel objects, tools or controls; reach with hands and arms; ascend stairs; balance; stoop, kneel or crouch; talk and hear. In addition, the team member must occasionally lift up to (“20”, “50”, etc.) lbs. Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and the ability to focus.

DISCLAIMER
The information provided in the description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by incumbents within the classification. This description is not intended to be a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, qualifications and working conditions required of employees assigned to this job/classification. This job is intended to include the current essential functions of the job. Management reserves the right to add or modify the duties and responsibilities and to designate other functions as essential at any time.