Maintenance Technician Instrumentation and Controls

Lead Maintenance Technician
- Instrumentation & Controls Drive Automation Excellence. Mentor Talent. Make a Lasting Impact.

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.

Location: Aurora, IL

Schedule: Full-time | Flexible Shift Availability

Pay Rate: Up to $50/hour

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.

If you're a seasoned controls professional who enjoys taking ownership, solving complex problems, and developing the capabilities of others, this is the role for you.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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
  • Ether Net/IP and Device Net 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.

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

• 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.

This is more than a maintenance role. It's an opportunity to become a key technical leader within a highly automated manufacturing operation.

• Competitive pay up to $50/hour with flexibility for top talent
• Opportunity to serve as a senior technical expert and mentor
• Exposure…