Electrical Controls Technician

Job Description

The Electrical Controls Technician serves as the facility’s primary controls and automation specialist, responsible for the reliability, performance, and continuous improvement of all control systems supporting manufacturing operations. This role requires advanced technical expertise in PLC programming, industrial automation, and system integration, and functions as the technical escalation point for complex electrical and control-related issues.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

• Serve as the subject matter expert (SME) for all plant control systems, including PLCs, VFDs, HMIs, and industrial communication networks (e.g., Ethernet/IP).
• Participate in interviewing and selecting maintenance employees; provide recommendations that carry weight in hiring decisions.
• Perform advanced troubleshooting and diagnostics on PLC-controlled equipment, integrated production systems, and electrical/automation failures.
• Read, interpret, and modify PLC programs and control logic to improve equipment reliability, reduce downtime, and optimize performance.
• Lead root cause analysis efforts for recurring or complex failures and implement sustainable corrective actions.
• Act as the technical escalation point, providing guidance to maintenance technicians, electromechanics, and production personnel.
• Support and execute capital projects and equipment upgrades, including controls integration, commissioning, and startup validation.
• Develop and maintain electrical schematics, control documentation, PLC backups, and version control.
• Identify and implement continuous improvement initiatives related to automation, efficiency, and system reliability.
• Ensure compliance with safety standards, including electrical safety and lockout/tagout (LOTO) procedures.
• Collaborate with Engineering, Continuous Improvement, and Operations teams.
• Train, coach, and develop maintenance employees in electrical and controls competencies.
• Promote a culture of accountability, ownership, and continuous improvement within the maintenance team.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• A high school diploma or GED required.
• Aceessory or bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, Mechatronics, Industrial Technology, or related field (or equivalent experience).
• 3–5 years of industrial maintenance experience with a strong controls/automation focus.
• Demonstrated experience with PLC troubleshooting/programming, 480V electrical systems, VFDs, and motor control systems.
• Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics and perform system-level diagnostics.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• PLC certification (Allen-Bradley, Siemens, or equivalent).
• Technical degree in Electrical, Mechatronics, or related field (or equivalent experience).
• Experience with industrial networks (Ethernet/IP, DeviceNet), HMI configuration, and CMMS systems (e.g., SAP).

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand, walk, bend, and climb for extended periods.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to work in an industrial manufacturing environment (noise, heat, moving equipment).

Position Distinction

This position is a specialized technical role with responsibility for the configuration, performance, and reliability of plant automation systems. Unlike general maintenance roles, the Electrical Controls Technician exercises independent technical judgment in modifying system behavior, serves as a technical authority and escalation point, and directly influences production performance, safety systems, and operational efficiency.