Automation Controls Technician

Location: Dallas, TX

Job Type: Full-Time

Compensation: $80,000–$110,000

About the Opportunity

We are partnering with a growing, stable food manufacturing company that produces fresh and frozen prepared foods. This organization is investing in its automation systems and is looking for an experienced Automation Controls Technician to become the go-to controls expert for the facility.

This is a highly hands-on role for someone who enjoys troubleshooting automated equipment, programming PLCs, and keeping production running efficiently.

Position Summary

The Automation Controls Technician will be responsible for maintaining, troubleshooting, programming, and improving the plant's automated production equipment. This individual will serve as the facility's primary controls resource, supporting all areas of the plant while working closely with the maintenance and production teams.

The ideal candidate is an experienced controls professional who can program PLCs from scratch, troubleshoot electrical and automation systems, and isn't afraid to jump in and assist with mechanical repairs when needed.

Responsibilities

• Program, modify, and troubleshoot PLC programs from the ground up

• Serve as the facility's primary automation and controls expert

• Troubleshoot and repair automated production equipment throughout the plant

• Diagnose and resolve PLC, electrical, mechanical, and controls-related issues

• Support Allen-Bradley PLC systems, with occasional Siemens PLC support

• Troubleshoot and maintain:- Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs)

  • Servo motors and servo systems
  • Three-phase electrical systems
  • HMIs
  • Sensors, relays, and motor controls

• Perform electrical and mechanical troubleshooting to minimize equipment downtime

• Support preventive maintenance activities and equipment upgrades

• Assist with equipment installations, startups, and automation improvements

• Partner with maintenance and production teams to improve equipment reliability and efficiency

• Document repairs, programming changes, and system improvements

• Follow all safety and food manufacturing procedures while performing maintenance activities

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in industrial automation, controls, or maintenance within a manufacturing environment
• Strong PLC programming experience, including the ability to build programs from scratch
• Extensive experience with** **Allen-Bradley PLCs
• Experience troubleshooting automated manufacturing equipment
• Comfortable performing both controls and mechanical maintenance
• Ability to read electrical schematics and troubleshoot industrial control systems
• Experience in food manufacturing is preferred but not required
• No engineering degree required—candidates who have progressed through maintenance or controls technician roles are encouraged to apply

What We're Looking For

• Hands-on automation professional who enjoys solving complex equipment issues
• Self-motivated individual who can work independently and become the plant's automation expert
• Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills
• Team player with a continuous improvement mindset

You should be proficient in:

• PLC Troubleshooting Skills
• Mechanical Troubleshooting Skills
• Food and Beverage Manufacturing
• 120/208/240/480 Voltage Systems
• Troubleshooting Industrial Automation Equipment
• PLC Programming Experience
• Controls Technician

Machines & technologies you'll use:

• Industrial Controls
• Variable Frequency Drives (VFD)
• Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) (Allen Bradley, Siemens)
• Servo Motors