Controls​/DCS Technician – Gaston, SC

We are seeking a motivated individual to join our Maintenance team based out of our Gaston, SC facility
. The ideal candidate for the Controls/DCS Technician will be results-driven, motivated by technical challenges, and possess strong troubleshooting, communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills. This role will support manufacturing operations by maintaining, troubleshooting, improving, and commissioning control systems, instrumentation, DCS/PLC hardware, and related automation equipment in a continuous process environment.

The Controls/DCS Technician will report to the Site Electrical Engineer and have responsibilities for the following tasks:

• Provide hands-on automation and controls support for manufacturing systems using Emerson Delta
  
  V DCS systems and Allen Bradley PLCs, including basic programming support, graphics support, troubleshooting, and system maintenance.
• Troubleshoot, repair, and maintain DCS, PLC, HMI, instrumentation, networking, and control system components.
• Support technical reviews and provide recommendations for improvements to existing control systems, equipment reliability, and system performance.
• Assist with identifying modifications needed in existing applications to meet changing operational, maintenance, and business needs.
• Support projects by assisting with scope development, field verification, installation, testing, checkout, commissioning, startup, and documentation.
• Assist in developing and maintaining control narratives, technical procedures, troubleshooting guides, maintenance documentation, and user support materials.
• Train and support Maintenance and Operations personnel on new and existing control system equipment, procedures, and programs.
• Work collaboratively with Maintenance, Operations, Engineering, and contractors during commissioning, functional checkout, startup, and troubleshooting of control equipment and related processes.
• Support, maintain, troubleshoot, and modify existing and legacy control systems.
• Assist with communication interfaces between equipment and control systems using various industrial protocols.
• Support DCS/PLC programming changes under appropriate review and approval processes.
• Support HMI graphic modifications and troubleshooting.
• Perform field checks, loop checks, functional testing, and Factory/Site Acceptance Testing as required.
• Participate in on-call support and respond to plant issues involving controls, automation, instrumentation, and electrical/control systems.
• Follow all applicable safety procedures, including electrical safety, control system change management, and site work practices.
• Perform all other duties as assigned.

Required

• Associate in Applied Science – Industrial Electronics Technology or Equivalent Associate degree, military training, or equivalent 5-10 years’ experience in Electrical, Instrumentation, Automation, Industrial Maintenance, Controls, or a related technical field.
• Experience supporting DCS, PLC, or control systems in an industrial or continuous process environment.
• Strong troubleshooting skills related to control systems, field instrumentation, electrical circuits, control panels, I/O, networks, and automation equipment.
• Ability to read and understand electrical drawings, loop sheets, P&IDs, control schematics, panel drawings, and project-related documentation.
• Familiarity with Emerson Delta
  
  V DCS systems, Allen Bradley PLCs, HMIs, industrial networking, and control system hardware.
• Working knowledge of Windows-based systems, basic server/workstation support, Ethernet networking, and industrial communication networks.
• Basic understanding of electrical safety, NFPA 70E, NEC, and safety instrumented systems is a plus.
• Ability to assist with functional testing, loop checks, startup, commissioning, and troubleshooting activities.
• Ability to document work clearly, including troubleshooting steps, system changes, equipment issues, and maintenance activities.
• Ability to work with engineering contractors and internal teams to provide field information, equipment details, and technical support as needed.
• Self-motivated with the ability to prioritize work, meet deadlines, and adapt to changing plant priorities.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a high-pressure manufacturing environment.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Must be a self-starter, team player, work well with others, and maintain a positive attitude.
• Willingness to work on-call hours, overtime, nights, weekends, and holidays as needed.

Preferred

• Allen Bradley PLC troubleshooting or programming experience.
• Experience with HMI graphics, control system backups, I/O troubleshooting, instrumentation calibration, and industrial networking.
• AVEVA-PI Software Experience.
• Working knowledge of Root Cause Failure Analysis.
• Experience in chemical, petrochemical, polymer, or other continuous process manufacturing environments.

Alpek Polyester USA, LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer.