Control Systems Technician / PLC Programmer

Tusco is looking for a Controls Technician I or II (PLC Programming) to join our growing Controls team based out of Cottondale, Alabama. We’re looking for someone with a foundation in PLCs, industrial controls, robotics, automation, or mechatronics—someone who is curious, mechanically and technically minded, and eager to learn. You’ll work alongside our Senior PLC Programmer and experienced field teams, gaining hands-on experience installing, troubleshooting, testing, commissioning, and supporting sophisticated control systems used in high-security environments across the country.

About the role

This is a hands-on field position. You’ll need to be comfortable working indoors and outdoors, navigating construction environments, and working in varying weather and climate conditions. You will be provided a company vehicle, and this position requires a valid driver’s license with an acceptable driving record.

Responsibilities

• Install, wire, troubleshoot, and support PLC-based physical security control systems
• Work with control panels, PLCs, power supplies, field devices, and networked equipment
• Read and interpret electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, and control drawings
• Assist with PLC programming, system commissioning, testing, startup, and debugging
• Troubleshoot electrical, wiring, communication, and control-related issues in the field
• Work closely with our Senior PLC Programmer during commissioning and system debugging
• Build, wire, stage, and test control systems at our Cottondale shop
• Gain hands-on experience with increasingly complex controls and automation systems
• Represent Tusco professionally while working with customers and project teams nationwide

Schedule

This position is approximately 75% travel to project sites throughout the United States and 25% onsite at our Cottondale, AL location. Travel is typically during the workweek (Monday-Friday) based on project needs, allowing our technicians to generally return home for the weekend. Occasional weekend work may be required. When you’re not traveling, you’ll work with the team in Cottondale building, wiring, staging, testing, and troubleshooting control systems before they head into the field.

Requirements

• An Associate’s Degree in Robotics, Automation, Mechatronics, Industrial Controls, Programming, or a related technical field OR approximately 1–4 years of relevant industrial controls/PLC programming experience (equivalent combinations of technical education and hands-on experience will be considered)
• Familiarity with PLC hardware and industrial control systems
• Ability to read electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, and prints
• Experience with electrical troubleshooting and test equipment such as multimeters
• Basic understanding of networking concepts
• Strong problem-solving skills and a hands-on approach to learning
• The ability to work independently while also collaborating with programmers, technicians, and field teams
• A valid driver’s license and acceptable driving record

Benefits

• Two medical PPO plan options, including free employee-only coverage and 100% coverage for preventive care
• Dental and vision insurance
• 401(k) with company match
• Short- and long-term disability coverage
• Free Employee Assistance Program (EAP) services
• Generous PTO program with PTO carryover and buy-back options

About Tusco

The technology you’ll work with has a meaningful purpose. Tusco’s perimeter security solutions help protect people, critical infrastructure, government and military facilities, data centers, and other high-security environments across the country. Your work on the controls behind those systems helps ensure they operate when and how they’re supposed to. You’ll also have the opportunity to build valuable technical experience while learning alongside experienced professionals and working with systems you won’t encounter in a typical controls environment.

For more than 50 years, Tusco has built its reputation around four Core Values: Performance, Experience, Attitude, and Relationships.

Pre-employment requirements: Candidates who accept an offer of employment must successfully complete required pre-employment screening, including a DOT drug test, physical examination, background check, and Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) check.