Controls & Instrumentation Technician (12 Hour Nights Shift - Onsite)

About the role

Join a high-growth manufacturing organization in Acton, MA at an exciting startup phase, where you’ll play a key role in bringing advanced automated equipment online and keeping it running at peak performance. This is a hands-on opportunity to work with state-of-the-art assembly systems, including PLCs (Rockwell), vision systems (Cognex/Keyence), robotics, lasers, and motion control. In this role, you’ll lead installation, startup, troubleshooting, and continuous improvement of complex automation—directly impacting uptime, quality, and innovation. You’ll collaborate cross-functionally, train others, and drive process improvements in a fast-paced, highly technical environment.

Responsibilities

• Sound hands on technical ability with controls infrastructure methodologies including PLCs, Vision systems, HMIs, communications, database management and drives (i.e. servo, VFDs etc.)
• Strong proficiency in PLC programming (Rockwell ControlLogix), HMI programming, Cognex vision systems setup and programming desired
• Strong Knowledge of VFD and Servo drives and motion control (AB & SEW preferred)
• Experience with machine vision is a strong plus (Keyence and Cognex preferred)
• Strong knowledge of PID loops and process control concepts
• SQL Server Database knowledge and Visual Basic Programming a plus
• Take a rigorous, disciplined and hands-on approach to maintain equipment and processes reliability and execute process improvement activity
• An in-depth knowledge and understanding of NFPA 79/NFPA 70E and machine safety standards a strong benefit
• Extensive experience with wiring automated machinery
• Extensive experience in troubleshooting control circuits of automation equipment
• Direct hands-on involvement in installation, start-up, qualification, and debug of new automation
• Onsite acceptance testing of new equipment under construction at the machine builder’s facility
• Thoroughly document maintenance activity using the maintenance database, adequately communicate maintenance issues to appropriate employees (e.g., other maintenance techs, operators, engineers, supervisors, etc.), and properly utilize the maintenance inventory system
• Interface directly with manufacturing representatives to help drive preventative maintenance schedules, techniques and training
• Troubleshoot and identify potential decision or solutions for controls and instrumentation related errors, safety issues or general operating inefficiencies with assembly production processes
• Create and train standard operating procedures for the baselining, setup and maintenance of assembly equipment
• Champion process improvement in assigned areas by analyzing equipment maintenance history, identifying significant causes of waste, coordinating with appropriate employees to develop root-cause solutions, and providing maintenance assistance as necessary
• Provide Preventative Maintenance support for plant and equipment
• Repair and maintain items necessary to maintain process equipment in cGMP condition
• Aid in day-to-day support of operators, adjustments, setups, and change over
• Responsible to report safety, quality, and regulatory compliance concerns to leadership
• This is a hands-on role, requiring the candidate to take on project work assigned as an individual contributor, or as a participant on cross functional teams, as well as be able to utilize tools to inspect, repair and maintain equipment
• Requires mechanical aptitude, technical ability, and problem-solving skills, ability to read and understand prints, written and verbal instructions and willingness to work in a fast-paced environment
• Excellent attention to detail, good organization, and capable of working independently to a production schedule
• Critical Thinking – Ability to identify problems and root cause analysis

Requirements

• 3+ years of direct experience in working with, troubleshooting and optimizing discrete component assembly equipment controls and instrumentation
• Engineering Technician Diploma or Associate's Degree preferred
• Electrical License a plus

Preferred Skills And Competencies

• Software experience desired, RSLogix Studio 5000, FactoryTalk V Studio ME, ABB Robot Studio, B&R Automation Studio, Cognex DataMan Setup Tool, Sick FlexiSoft Designer, Phoenix Contact – IP Assignment Tool, Maxon ESCON Studio, UltraVNC, Trackmaster, CPX Festo Maintenance Tool, Microsoft Visual Studio C# and VB.Net, Microsoft SQL Server Management Studio
• Experience with machine networks, facility IT networks, control system components, electronic testing equipment, instrument calibration
• Strong written and verbal English communication skills, and strong presentation skills
• Sound hands-on technical ability with assembly methodologies including locational methods, setup at assembly, pneumatic actuators, servo motors, limit switches, robotics, steels, plastics, belting methods etc.
• Follows all policies, procedures, ergonomic standards and safety requirements directed by the department
• Familiarity with HMI’s / GUI’s (Machine user interfaces) and working in a clean room environment a plus
• Knowledge and experience with post-implementation continuous improvement efforts and methodology is greatly beneficial
• Experience in a start-up production environment is a plus

Physical Requirements

• Required to stand for at least 75% of working time per shift, with walking at least 50% of working time per shift
• Required to reach above shoulder frequently and below waist occasionally
• Required to push and pull
• Able to lift up to 20lbs occasionally, 5-20lbs frequently
• Able to work in tight spaces
• Able to work night shift