Automation and Controls Technician

About the role

The Automation and Controls Technician supports the installation, wiring, testing, and maintenance of PLC-based control systems, robotic work cells, electrical cabinets, and field instrumentation across Voyager Energetics' solid rocket motor and energetic materials manufacturing operations. Working under the direction of the Senior Industrial Automation & Controls Engineer and the Manufacturing Engineering Manager, this role provides hands-on technical support across both short-term R&D projects and long-term production programs — with a clear growth path toward greater autonomy and technical ownership.

Responsibilities

• Assist in the installation, wiring, and commissioning of PLC-based control systems across multiple hardware platforms (including Beckhoff, Beijer, and Wago) and robotic systems (including ABB, Yaskawa, and Fanuc).
• Build, wire, and perform quality checks on electrical cabinets; run field wiring and conduit in compliance with NEC and UL508A requirements, including in classified hazardous environments (C1D1/C2D1).
• Support troubleshooting of electrical faults and control system malfunctions using test equipment including multimeters, meggers, and diagnostic software; assist in root cause analysis and corrective action under engineer direction.
• Support plant networking tasks connecting sensors, valves, PLCs, and control room systems using analog (4–20 mA) and Ethernet-based protocols; support data acquisition setup and remote access configuration.
• Maintain accurate documentation including as-built wiring schematics, bills of materials, calibration records, and maintenance logs in accordance with production standards.
• Follow all safety, environmental, and explosive ordnance handling protocols; apply and enforce proper lockout/tagout (LOTO) procedures and maintain arc flash boundary awareness in compliance with NFPA 70E and site-specific requirements.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with Manufacturing, Safety, and Compliance teams; report irregularities, safety incidents, or nonconforming conditions promptly to supervision.
• Assist operations and manufacturing teams with troubleshooting production equipment during energetics campaigns — including mixing and casting equipment, precision scales and dispensing systems, and environmental monitoring instrumentation — minimizing downtime while maintaining full compliance with ATF, DoD, and site safety requirements.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or equivalent required; Associate’s degree or certificate in Electrical Technology, Industrial Automation, Mechatronics, or a related field preferred OR 1–3 years of hands-on experience in industrial electrical, controls, or automation work in lieu of a degree.
• Basic mechanical and electrical aptitude with hands-on experience with hand tools, power tools, and electrical test equipment (e.g., multimeter, voltage tester).
• Familiarity with reading and interpreting electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, and basic ladder logic; ability to follow written work instructions accurately in a controlled manufacturing environment.
• Demonstrated commitment to safety culture with working knowledge of lockout/tagout (LOTO), arc flash awareness, and general OSHA electrical safety requirements.
• Strong attention to detail and disciplined adherence to procedures; basic computer and data entry proficiency (Word, Excel, or ERP system) for documentation purposes.
• Strong teamwork, communication, and eagerness to learn in a fast-paced, mission-driven startup environment.
• Completion of DoD Explosives Safety or equivalent in-house safety training required within the first 30 days of employment.
• Eligible to obtain and maintain State and Federal explosives licenses, including: Be 21 years of age or older, Pass pre-employment drug test, Pass State and Federal background checks.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent required.
• Associate’s degree or certificate in Electrical Technology, Industrial Automation, Mechatronics, or a related field preferred.
• 1–3 years of hands-on experience in industrial electrical, controls, or automation work in lieu of a degree.
• Basic mechanical and electrical aptitude with hands-on experience with hand tools, power tools, and electrical test equipment (e.g., multimeter, voltage tester).
• Familiarity with reading and interpreting electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, and basic ladder logic; ability to follow written work instructions accurately in a controlled manufacturing environment.
• Demonstrated commitment to safety culture with working knowledge of lockout/tagout (LOTO), arc flash awareness, and general OSHA electrical safety requirements.
• Strong attention to detail and disciplined adherence to procedures; basic computer and data entry proficiency (Word, Excel, or ERP system) for documentation purposes.
• Strong teamwork, communication, and eagerness to learn in a fast-paced, mission-driven startup environment.
• Completion of DoD Explosives Safety or equivalent in-house safety training required within the first 30 days of employment.
• Eligible to obtain and maintain State and Federal explosives licenses, including: Be 21 years of age or older, Pass pre-employment drug test, Pass State and Federal background checks.

Skills

• Hands-on experience with PLC-based control systems and robotic systems.
• Experience with electrical test equipment (multimeters, meggers, diagnostic software).
• Knowledge of electrical and mechanical principles.
• Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics and wiring diagrams.
• Experience with field wiring and conduit installation.
• Experience with plant networking and data acquisition.
• Experience with safety protocols and lockout/tagout procedures.
• Ability to troubleshoot electrical faults and control system malfunctions.
• Strong attention to detail and disciplined adherence to procedures.
• Basic computer and data entry proficiency.

Benefits

Not specified.

Pay

The good faith hourly range for this role is $27-32.50 / hour at the time of this posting. Where you fall within the range depends on your experience, skills, and location. This range reflects base compensation only and does not include benefits or bonus/incentive.

Schedule

Not specified.