PLC Controls Specialist

About the role

As a PLC Controls Specialist at Interfor’s Port Angeles mill, you’ll play a critical hands‑on role in keeping a complex, high‑performance operation running at top‑quartile levels. This position offers deep exposure to PLCs, process control, and advanced electrical systems, while working closely with operations and maintenance teams to solve real‑world problems and drive continuous improvement. If you’re motivated by technical challenge, autonomy, and making a visible impact in a modern industrial environment, this role delivers.

Responsibilities

• Diagnose and resolve electrical, instrumentation, PLC, and process control issues across mill operations to minimize downtime and maintain performance.
• Maintain, modify, and optimize PLCs, control systems, sensors, drives, and related AC/DC electrical equipment.
• Work closely with mill leadership, production, and maintenance teams to support operational goals and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Provide hands‑on support and mentorship to electricians and millwrights, contributing to skill development and team effectiveness.
• Ensure all work complies with safety, environmental, and regulatory standards while supporting reliable, high‑quality mill performance.

Requirements

• Controls Expertise: Strong hands‑on experience with PLCs (preferably Allen‑Bradley or equivalent), process control instrumentation, motor controls, drives, and industrial electrical systems.
• Technical Troubleshooting: Proven ability to diagnose root causes, interpret schematics and blueprints, and resolve complex electrical, control, and automation issues in an industrial environment.
• Systems & Tools: Comfortable working with CMMS systems, Microsoft Office, precision measurement tools, and modern control technologies; experience with Ignition, Cognex vision, or wireless technologies is an asset.
• Collaboration & Communication: Able to work effectively across operations, maintenance, engineering, and leadership teams, providing clear technical guidance and mentorship to electricians and millwrights.
• Education & Mindset: Post‑secondary education in electrical engineering, computer science, or a related field preferred (or equivalent hands‑on experience), with a strong safety focus, self‑motivation, and flexibility to support mill operations as needed.

Benefits

• Short‑Term Incentive Bonus
• 3 weeks vacation to start & 11 paid holidays
• 401K matching
• Employee Share Purchase Program matching
• Extended Health & Dental

Location

Molalla is a picturesque town surrounded by lush farmland and the Cascade foothills, offering a peaceful rural lifestyle with quick access to Portland. Known for its outdoor recreation, residents enjoy hiking, horseback riding, and river adventures, all in a friendly, close‑knit community. Affordable housing and scenic beauty make Molalla a great choice for families and nature lovers.