Mechanical Electrical Controls Technician

The Controls Technician is accountable for maintaining, troubleshooting, and optimizing electrical control systems and automation equipment at a single food manufacturing site. This role ensures that all control systems operate reliably and safely to support production efficiency, product quality, and regulatory compliance (e.g., HACCP, GMP, FDA, USDA). The Controls Technician plays a critical role in supporting equipment uptime, implementing control system improvements, and collaborating with maintenance, engineering, and production teams to resolve technical issues.

This position contributes to continuous improvement initiatives and supports a safety-first, food-safe manufacturing environment.

Ensure all control system work complies with food safety standards (HACCP, GMP, SQF) and regulatory requirements from agencies such as the FDA, USDA, and local health departments.

Maintain and troubleshoot PLCs, HMIs, sensors, motor controls, and other automation components to ensure reliable equipment operation.

Perform scheduled preventive maintenance and respond to equipment failures involving electrical and control systems. Support root cause analysis and corrective actions.

Identify and implement improvements to control systems that enhance equipment performance, reduce downtime, and support production goals.

Maintain accurate records of control system changes, wiring diagrams, and programming updates. Ensure documentation supports audit readiness and regulatory compliance.

Work closely with maintenance, engineering, and production teams to resolve technical issues and support new equipment installations or upgrades.

Ensure all work is performed safely and in compliance with OSHA and company safety policies. Support lockout/tagout procedures and electrical safety protocols.

• Troubleshoot and repair PLCs, HMIs, VFDs, sensors, and control wiring across production and utility systems.
• Perform preventive maintenance on control systems and automation equipment.
• Support installation and commissioning of new equipment and control panels.
• Modify and update control logic and programming to improve system performance.
• Maintain documentation, including electrical schematics, program backups, and change logs.
• Respond to equipment alarms and downtime events related to control systems.
• Collaborate with engineering and maintenance teams on capital projects and system upgrades.
• Ensure compliance with food safety and sanitation protocols during electrical work.
• Support audit preparation and provide documentation for regulatory and customer inspections.
• Participate in continuous improvement initiatives and recommend control system enhancements.
• Follow all company policies, including general manufacturing and safety practices.
• Perform other duties as assigned by management.

• Associate’s degree in Electrical Engineering Technology, Industrial Automation, or a related field.
• Technical certifications in PLC programming, industrial controls, or electrical systems are preferred.
• 3+ years of experience in controls or automation within a food manufacturing or industrial environment.
• Experience with Allen-Bradley, Siemens, or other major PLC platforms.
• Familiarity with GMP, HACCP, and food safety requirements in a regulated production setting.
• Experience with troubleshooting and maintaining control systems in high-speed manufacturing.

• Strong understanding of industrial control systems including PLCs, HMIs, VFDs, and sensors.
• Knowledge of electrical codes, safety standards, and food manufacturing regulations.
• Familiarity with automation system integration and process control strategies.
• Understanding of documentation requirements for regulated environments.

• Proficient in troubleshooting and programming PLCs and HMIs.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Effective communication…