Maintenance Technician Instrumentation and Controls

PDS Tech Commercial is seeking an experienced Maintenance Technician - Instrumentation & Controls to support a leading global nutrition manufacturer in Aurora, Illinois. This is an exceptional opportunity for a senior-level controls professional who thrives in a fast-paced manufacturing environment and enjoys solving complex automation challenges while mentoring the next generation of technicians.

About the Role

As the facility's lead Instrumentation & Controls specialist, you will play a critical role in maintaining, troubleshooting, and optimizing automated production systems that directly support operational performance, uptime, and product quality. This position goes beyond maintenance, offering the opportunity to serve as a technical mentor, collaborate with engineering and operations teams, and drive continuous improvement initiatives throughout the plant.

Responsibilities

Automation & Controls Leadership

• Lead troubleshooting and repair efforts for instrumentation, controls, and automation systems throughout the facility.
• Diagnose and resolve issues involving PLCs, HMIs, VFDs, servo systems, motor controls, sensors, and industrial networks.
• Support production and utility equipment to maximize uptime and operational efficiency.
• Serve as the technical expert for controls-related issues across the plant.

Preventive & Predictive Maintenance

• Lead and maintain Instrumentation & Controls preventive maintenance programs.
• Ensure timely completion of PMs and repair work orders through CMMS systems.
• Maintain spare parts inventory and recommend improvements to maintenance strategies.
• Partner with operations and engineering teams to improve equipment reliability and performance.

Projects & Continuous Improvement

• Install, configure, and commission controls and electrical equipment for upgrades and retrofit projects.
• Support automation, process improvement, and safety-focused initiatives.
• Participate in Root Cause Analysis (RCA), corrective action planning, and reliability improvement efforts.
• Collaborate with OEMs and vendors to troubleshoot and optimize equipment performance.

Mentorship & Technical Development

• Train and mentor maintenance technicians on electrical troubleshooting and controls fundamentals.
• Lead and support Instrumentation & Controls trainee development programs.
• Share best practices and elevate team-wide technical capabilities.
• Serve as a trusted resource and technical leader within the maintenance organization.

Safety & Compliance

• Adhere to all safety, quality, GMP, Lockout/Tagout, and Arc Flash requirements.
• Support implementation of safety improvement projects.
• Ensure all work is performed in accordance with applicable electrical codes, standards, and plant procedures.

Requirements

• 10+ years of Instrumentation & Controls experience in a manufacturing or industrial environment.
• Strong hands-on experience with PLC troubleshooting and industrial automation systems.
• Experience supporting production lines and manufacturing equipment.
• Advanced knowledge of:
  • PLC I/O troubleshooting
  • VFDs and motor control systems
  • Servo drives and motion control
  • MCCs and industrial electrical distribution
  • Ethernet-based industrial control networks
  • EtherNet/IP and DeviceNet communication protocols
• Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics, drawings, and technical documentation.
• Experience using electrical testing equipment including voltmeters, ammeters, ohmmeters, and Meggers.
• Strong troubleshooting, root cause analysis, and problem-solving skills.
• Experience working within CMMS platforms such as SAP or similar systems.
• Excellent communication, leadership, and mentoring abilities.
• Ability to work flexible schedules, overtime, weekends, and on-call assignments as needed.

Qualifications

Associate's Degree in Electronics, Electrical Engineering Technology, or a related technical discipline, OR equivalent combination of education, military training, and industry experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with Rockwell / Allen-Bradley control platforms.
• Food, beverage, pharmaceutical, or regulated manufacturing experience.
• Knowledge of UL508A, NFPA 79, and advanced NEC requirements.
• Experience with process instrumentation including:
  • Flow
  • Level
  • Temperature
• Mechanical systems and pneumatics experience.
• Experience leading maintenance reliability or continuous improvement initiatives.

Benefits

Benefit offerings available for our associates include medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, additional voluntary benefits, EAP program, commuter benefits and a 401K plan. Our benefit offerings provide employees the flexibility to choose the type of coverage that meets their individual needs. In addition, our associates may be eligible for paid leave including Paid Sick Leave or any other paid leave required by Federal, State, or local law, as well as Holiday pay where applicable.

Pay

Up to $50 per hour.

Schedule

Full-time with flexible shift availability.