Automation Controls Technician

We are a well‑established and growing extrusion manufacturing facility located in Loudon, TN, with current openings for Automation Controls Technicians. The primary focus of this role is plant support for new and existing equipment, including daily troubleshooting and new systems installation, startup, debugging, and qualification. Applicants must be highly motivated, self‑managed, and can work independently as well as in performance‑driven team environments on multiple projects.

This is an excellent career opportunity with growth potential.

This position requires proficiency in working with automated electromechanical systems, including electrical, electronics, pneumatics, and mechanical systems, as well as a thorough understanding of related manufacturing processes. It also requires proficiency in resolving interrelated electrical and mechanical issues and the ability to make applicable modifications to control systems programs. The Automation Controls Technician will perform high‑level machine and systems troubleshooting and repair, assist engineering with the specification, installation, and modification of integrated systems, and provide internal and external technical support.

• Daily troubleshooting of instrumentation, including flow meters, pressure sensors, VFD, RTDs, etc. Assist with control and automation engineering design, integration of new PLC systems (Automation Direct) and HMI’s, startup, testing, and debugging of new systems and equipment.
• Perform validations, diagnostics, repairs, upgrades, and other activities needed to support existing automation systems.
• Recommend necessary changes to equipment to maintain the quality operation of the machines.
• Work with engineering and CAD professionals to prepare electrical and software specifications and drawings.
• Present ideas to the team on improving the overall performance of machines.
• Perform other tasks and activities as needed.

• Minimum two‑year technical degree in Applied Technology or Engineering.
• Electrical or electro‑mechanical concentration preferred.
• Other education with applicable experience may also be considered.
• Minimum two years of facility experience with emphasis on automated equipment and/or field service with primary focus on control systems.
• Applicable cooperative education experience may also be considered.
• License Electrician, preferably, but not required.

• Strong electrical and mechanical skills, proficiency with 480‑ or 208‑volt three‑phase, 120 VAC, and 24 VDC control and power systems is a must.
• Must be able to read and understand standard electrical schematics and be skilled in troubleshooting control systems during start‑up, debug and servicing.
• Strong PLC maintenance, repair, and troubleshooting skills desired;
  Allen‑Bradley AutoCAD and Electrical Design experience a plus.
• Ability to understand, troubleshoot, and edit ladder logic programming is desired;
  Allen‑Bradley Logix PLC and HMI software is preferred.
• Ability to understand, troubleshoot, and edit HMI applications desired;
  Siemens and Allen‑Bradley preferred.
• Proficient with PLC networking communications, such as Ethernet/IP.
• Must be proficient in MS Word and Excel and have familiarity with AutoCAD.
• Must have good communication, customer service, and conflict management skills.
• Ability to work in a fast‑paced environment and handle multiple tasks concurrently.
• Ability to work independently and with minimal supervision.

The physical and environmental demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Able to perform various physical activities such as heavy lifting, pulling, and pushing up to 50 lbs.
• Able to stand and walk on concrete floors for extended periods of time.
• Use hands and fingers to handle or feel objects, tools, or controls.
• Work and communicate in an environment with moving mechanical parts and loud noise, requiring hearing protection.
• Able to balance while ascending/descending ladders and scaffolding using safety procedures.
• Able to twist, bend, lie, kneel, reach, and crouch at elevated and ground levels.
• Able to adjust to changing demands and environments quickly.
• Employee will be exposed to variable air temperatures, wet and/or humid conditions, high locations, vibration, and chemicals.
• Occasional travel to other plants for technical and project support and leadership as required.