Job Description

Electrical Controls Technician

Position Summary

The Electrical Controls Technician serves as a technical expert responsible for maintaining, troubleshooting, repairing, and improving critical manufacturing equipment to ensure safe, reliable, and efficient operations. This role provides advanced electrical and controls support for a wide range of equipment, from manual machinery to highly automated production systems. Working closely with maintenance, operations, engineering, and external vendors, the technician plays a key role in maximizing equipment uptime, product quality, and overall plant performance.

This position may require overtime and on-call support based on business needs.

Key Responsibilities

• Troubleshoot, diagnose, and repair electrical, electronic, instrumentation, and electromechanical systems throughout the facility.
• Analyze and modify PLC programs, read and interpret electrical schematics, and assist with controls system improvements.
• Perform preventive and predictive maintenance activities to improve equipment reliability and minimize downtime.
• Support maintenance teams, operators, and engineers in resolving complex equipment issues and implementing corrective actions.
• Design, analyze, and develop technical solutions in collaboration with engineering, maintenance, and operations teams.
• Ensure manufacturing equipment operates according to design specifications and production requirements.
• Install, test, commission, and optimize new equipment, automation systems, and capital projects.
• Coordinate repairs of electronic and control system components, including managing vendor relationships and spare parts inventory.
• Work with OEMs, contractors, suppliers, and service providers to identify solutions and restore equipment performance.
• Identify and implement continuous improvement opportunities that enhance safety, reliability, productivity, and quality.
• Maintain accurate maintenance records, documentation, and system updates.
• Continuously develop technical knowledge through training, certifications, and hands-on learning.

Required Skills & Experience

• Strong troubleshooting skills involving electrical, controls, and automation systems.
• Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, and technical documentation.
• Experience working with PLC hardware and software, including troubleshooting and basic programming modifications.
• Knowledge of AC/DC electrical systems, motors, drives, sensors, instrumentation, and control circuits.
• Familiarity with hydraulic and pneumatic systems.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Strong communication and problem-solving skills.

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED.
• 5+ years of industrial electrical, controls, maintenance, or apprenticeship experience.
• Experience supporting manufacturing or industrial production equipment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Associate degree in Electrical Technology, Mechatronics, Automation, or a related technical field.
• 2+ years of industrial electrical or controls experience within a manufacturing environment.
• Experience with PLC programming and troubleshooting (Allen-Bradley, Siemens, or similar platforms).
• Experience with variable frequency drives (VFDs), instrumentation, and automated production systems.

Machines & technologies you'll use:

• Variable Frequency Drives (VFD)
• Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) (Fanuc, Allen Bradley, Mitsubishi, Omron, Siemens)
• Conveyor Systems (Swisslog, Dematic)
• Servo Motors