Controls Technician

Responsibilities

• Oversee and support new automation systems for a high-volume shelving manufacturing line, with emphasis on robotic welding equipment.
• Develop, modify, and optimize Fanuc robot programs for welding applications to improve performance and efficiency.
• Perform robot teaching, touch-ups, and recovery in active production and pre-commissioning environments.
• Support rapid program adjustments to address production changes, process improvements, and quality issues.
• Troubleshoot robot alarms, motion issues, and sequence ladder logic to minimize downtime and maintain throughput.
• Program, modify, and troubleshoot PLCs, HMIs, and robotics, including both modifications to existing code and some development from scratch.
• Spend approximately 80% of work time on the production floor troubleshooting and programming HMIs, PLCs, and robotics in real-time manufacturing conditions.
• Provide on-floor support during peak programming, commissioning, and start-up periods for new and existing automation cells.
• Collaborate closely with Quality teams to resolve process issues and implement corrective actions.
• Support robot cell start-up, offline system work, and commissioning activities as needed.
• Coordinate with controls teams to validate I/O, interlocks, and basic handshaking between robots, PLCs, and other automation equipment.
• Order parts and materials, prepare funding requests, and complete associated clerical tasks and basic drawings as part of office-based responsibilities (approximately 20% of the role).

Requirements

• At least 2+ years of experience troubleshooting and programming HMIs, PLCs, and robotics, with a focus on modifications and some development from scratch.
• Hands-on experience troubleshooting PLCs using a laptop or similar tools to connect, diagnose, and resolve issues.
• Proficiency in PLC programming and troubleshooting, particularly with Rockwell and Studio 5000 platforms.
• Experience with robotics programming and troubleshooting, including Fanuc robotic systems.
• Ability to diagnose and resolve robot alarms, motion issues, and sequence ladder logic problems in a production environment.
• Experience working with automation systems, including PLCs, HMIs, and robotic cells in a manufacturing setting.
• Strong troubleshooting skills and the ability to work independently on the production floor to resolve technical issues.
• Capability to perform robot teaching, touch-ups, and program adjustments to support production and commissioning.
• Comfort working in active manufacturing environments and following established safety procedures.
• Effective communication skills to collaborate with controls, quality, production, and engineering teams.

Essential Skills

• Experience with Siemens and Mitsubishi PLCs or controls platforms.
• Familiarity with additional robotic platforms such as ABB, Yaskawa, and Omron.
• Exposure to robotic welding applications and robotic weld process optimization.
• Experience with CNC equipment in a manufacturing environment.
• HMI programming and troubleshooting experience beyond basic operation.
• Understanding of sheet metal manufacturing processes is beneficial but not required.
• An Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in engineering or technology is strongly preferred but not required.
• Ability to adapt to new equipment and technologies in a rapidly evolving automation environment.
• Interest in ongoing training, certifications, and career development programs.
• Experience from any manufacturing or industrial industry is acceptable.