Controls Technician

The Controls Technician supports high-speed manufacturing operations by troubleshooting and resolving automation and control issues that impact production, quality, and safety. This role independently performs advanced diagnostics on automation, instrumentation, and control systems for automated food processing, robotic, and material transfer equipment. The Controls Technician leads engineering updates and commissioning of automation modifications, designs and implements control solutions for existing and new production lines, and drives preventive maintenance and reliability initiatives.

The position also provides technical leadership, documentation, and training to ensure standardized, safe, and efficient automation practices across the facility.

The Controls Technician supports high-speed manufacturing operations by troubleshooting and resolving automation and control issues that impact production, quality, and safety. This role independently performs advanced diagnostics on automation, instrumentation, and control systems for automated food processing, robotic, and material transfer equipment. The Controls Technician leads engineering updates and commissioning of automation modifications, designs and implements control solutions for existing and new production lines, and drives preventive maintenance and reliability initiatives.

The position also provides technical leadership, documentation, and training to ensure standardized, safe, and efficient automation practices across the facility.

• Troubleshoot and resolve automation and control issues that affect production output, product quality, and employee safety.
• Independently perform advanced troubleshooting on automation, instrumentation, and control systems for automated food processing, robotic, and material transfer systems.
• Lead engineering updates, changes, testing, and commissioning of automation modifications for multiple high-speed production lines.
• Design, implement, and recommend automation solutions for existing equipment and new production line projects.
• Perform scheduled and condition-based preventive maintenance on automation and control systems to reduce failures and extend equipment life.
• Document completed work in the computerized maintenance management system (CMMS) through detailed maintenance work orders, and create and prioritize follow-up work as needed.
• Research, recommend, and implement automation improvements to enhance equipment reliability, uptime, and overall performance.
• Plan, lead, and execute automation preventive maintenance initiatives to minimize unplanned downtime and improve line efficiency.
• Apply creative problem-solving and root cause analysis to identify systemic automation issues and implement long-term corrective actions.
• Train, coach, and mentor operators, maintenance technicians, and peers on automation systems and procedures, with a particular focus on packaging and high-speed equipment.
• Lead and support special projects related to automation upgrades, retrofits, and new equipment installations.
• Collaborate with peers and cross-functional partners to share technical expertise and help standardize automation practices across the facility.
• Conduct obsolescence assessments of control systems, identify high-risk components, and develop upgrade and replacement strategies.
• Recommend automation spare parts and help manage critical automation inventory to ensure availability of key components.
• Perform additional instrumentation and electrical duties as assigned to support plant operations and reliability.
• Communicate effectively with production, maintenance, engineering, and leadership to coordinate work, resolve issues, and support continuous improvement initiatives.

• Minimum 45 years of experience in industrial automation or controls within a manufacturing environment; 5+ years preferred, especially in food or high-speed packaging.
• Associates degree in Electrical Engineering Technology, Automation, Mechatronics, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Strong knowledge of control panel design, layout, and troubleshooting.
• Extensive hands-on experience with Allen-Bradley PLCs, including platforms such as PLC-5 and related systems.
• Proficiency with Allen-Bradley VFDs and HMIs in a production environment.
• Experience with PLC programming and troubleshooting in fast-paced manufacturing settings, including plastics or similar…