Controls Technician

Job Description:

Overview:

We are seeking a motivated individual with a strong technical background in automation controls, specifically in a high-volume industrial manufacturing setting, with a focus on packaging automation. The Controls Systems Technician will be responsible for ensuring the effective operation and maintenance of process control systems. Hands-on experience with PLCs, HMIs, automation systems, and troubleshooting is highly desirable. The ideal candidate should be committed to maintaining high standards, working efficiently in a dynamic environment, and eager to grow both personally and professionally.

Key Responsibilities:

• Assess and modify existing equipment to meet safety, quality, and production standards.
• Conduct root-cause analysis, troubleshoot, and repair automated production and robotic systems.
• Program, troubleshoot, and replace components such as sensors, scanners, vision systems, motors, and variable frequency drives.
• Troubleshoot automated equipment with PLC programming software like RSLogix 5000, 500, and RSStudio.
• Design or update operator interface screens using software tools such as RSView32 and FactoryTalk View Studio.
• Oversee upgrades and integration of control systems for new and existing equipment.
• Use electrical schematics and test equipment to troubleshoot wiring, relay logic, and control circuits.
• Interpret electrical schematics, blueprints, mechanical drawings, and system layouts.
• Perform scheduled maintenance and monitor equipment to ensure optimal performance.
• Adhere to company policies, including manufacturing practices and safety protocols.
• Document all work and ensure compliance with relevant codes and standards.
• Participate in continuous improvement activities to enhance efficiency, quality, and overall operations.
• Support operational reliability in alignment with business objectives.

Qualifications:

• Associate's degree in electronics or a related field, or a technical certification (e.g., Electrical/Electronic Technology), or 3 years of relevant experience, with 10 years of applicable manufacturing experience as a substitute for a degree.
• Experience in programming PLCs, drives, and HMIs is highly preferred.
• Strong knowledge of relay logic, instrumentation programming, I/O wiring, and PLC architecture.
• Attention to detail and a strong focus on quality.
• A proactive, team-oriented individual with a commitment to continuous improvement.
• Experience working with electrical control panels.
• Familiarity with electrical safety practices such as LOTO and arc flash safety.
• High mechanical and electrical aptitude with strong communication, mentoring, and training skills.
• Proficiency in AutoCAD and/or Visio is preferred.
• Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics with ease.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills to collaborate with team members.
• Some experience with programming languages (e.g., JSON, Webservices) is a plus.
• Flexibility to work different shifts, including nights, weekends, and extended hours (12-hour shifts), as required.

Required Skills:

• PLCs: AB ControlLogix, CompactLogix, MicroLogix, SLC5
• PLC I/O: R I/O, 1756 I/O, 1768 I/O, 1769 I/O, Point/Flex/Block I/O, 1742 interfaces
• Networks: R I/O, DeviceNet, Ethernet/IP, ControlNet
• HMI Hardware: Allen Bradley PanelView Plus, RSViewSE, PCs, Wonderware ME
• HMI Software: AB Panelview ViewME, Wonderware ArchestrA IDE, Wonderware ME
• Drives: AB PF series 4,40,525,70,700,725,735,755, Emerson, Yaskawa
• Motor types: Induction, DC, Servo
• Instrumentation: Level, Pressure, Temperature, Flow, Distance
• Low Voltage Controls: 24VAC, 24VDC, 4-20mA
• Supervisory Systems: Historians, SQL, MES, ArchestrA
• Supervisory Networks: Switches, Routers, CAT6, 802.11a/b/g