Electrical and Automation Controls Technician

Electrical & Automation Controls Technician

WPT Nonwovens Corp. – Beaver Dam, KY

Build. Troubleshoot. Program. Keep Production Moving.

WPT Nonwovens is looking for an experienced Electrical & Automation Controls Technician to join our maintenance team.

This is a hands-on position for someone who understands industrial electrical systems and can go beyond basic troubleshooting. The ideal candidate will be comfortable working with PLCs, reading and modifying ladder logic, programming and tuning VFDs, troubleshooting automated equipment, and making authorized changes to control systems.

If you enjoy figuring out why a machine isn't running, solving the problem, and making the equipment better and more reliable, this could be the opportunity for you.

What You'll Do

• Troubleshoot, repair, and maintain 480V three-phase electrical systems, motors, sensors, relays, control wiring, and low-voltage systems.
• Troubleshoot and maintain PLCs, VFDs, robotics, automated machinery, and industrial control systems.
• Connect to PLCs, monitor I/O, diagnose faults, and read and understand ladder logic/programming.
• Make minor PLC program modifications and programming changes as authorized to improve equipment operation and resolve production issues.
• Troubleshoot, program, replace, configure, and parameter-tune VFDs.
• Assist with troubleshooting and programming of automated equipment, controls, robotics, and related systems.
• Perform preventive maintenance on electrical panels, motors, drives, automated equipment, and production machinery.
• Read and interpret electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, PLC logic, and equipment documentation.
• Use electrical meters, laptops, PLC software, diagnostic equipment, and other tools to identify and correct equipment problems.
• Respond to emergency equipment breakdowns and restore machinery to safe operating condition.
• Assist with new equipment installations, controls upgrades, equipment modifications, and automation improvements.
• Identify opportunities to improve machine reliability, reduce downtime, and improve production efficiency.
• Document maintenance activities, programming changes, and recurring equipment issues.
• Communicate equipment problems, repair needs, and improvement opportunities to management.
• Follow all company safety procedures, OSHA requirements, LOTO, and NFPA 70E practices.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

What We're Looking For

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• 3+ years of industrial maintenance experience, with a strong background in electrical, controls, and automation.
• Hands-on experience troubleshooting industrial electrical systems.
• Experience with PLC programming and troubleshooting, including the ability to read and understand ladder logic.
• Ability to make basic to intermediate PLC program modifications with appropriate authorization.
• Experience with VFDs, motors, sensors, controls, and automated production equipment.
• Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics and wiring diagrams.
• Ability to use electrical meters, computers, PLC programming software, and diagnostic tools.
• Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work safely and effectively in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Electrical Journeyman's License or electrical certification.
• Associate degree in Electrical Technology, Mechatronics, Industrial Automation, Controls, or a related field.
• Experience programming and troubleshooting Allen-Bradley, Omron, or Keyence PLCs.
• Experience with Yaskawa VFDs.
• Experience with robotics, servo systems, motion controls, and industrial automation.
• Experience with HMI systems and machine interfaces.
• Experience making control-system improvements or modifications in a manufacturing environment.

What Makes This Position Different

This isn't just a maintenance position where you'll replace components and reset machines.

We're looking for someone who can think through a control problem, connect to the PLC, follow the logic, identify the cause, make appropriate programming or parameter changes, and get the equipment back up and running.

You'll have the opportunity to work with electrical systems, PLCs, VFDs, automation, robotics, and production equipment while helping improve the reliability and performance of our manufacturing operation.

Join the WPT Team

WPT Nonwovens is a growing, American-made manufacturing company where people take pride in what they do. Our maintenance team plays a critical role in keeping our production operation safe, reliable, and running efficiently.

If you have strong electrical skills and know your way around PLCs and industrial controls, we'd like to hear from you.

Apply today and become part of the WPT Nonwovens team.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer

Veterans (and Veteran Spouses) are encouraged to apply.

Pay: From $30.00 per hour

People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply

Work Location: In person