Job Description
Job Overview:
Power the Future of Nutrition as a Senior Maintenance Technician, Instrumentation & Controls
Aurora, IL | Compensation Flexible Based on Skills & Experience
Make an Impact Where Precision Meets Purpose
PDS Tech Commercial is seeking a highly skilled Senior Maintenance Technician, Instrumentation & Controls to support a global better-nutrition manufacturer—home to trusted consumer brands and ingredients that help people everywhere feel strong, nourished, and able to perform at their best at every stage of life.
This is a critical, senior-level role supporting highly automated production operations. The engineering and production teams rely heavily on this position to provide advanced troubleshooting expertise, technical leadership, and hands-on support across the facility’s controls and automation systems.
We are seeking a candidate who not only excels technically, but who can also train, mentor, and elevate the capabilities of other maintenance team members.
About the Role
As a Senior Maintenance Technician, Instrumentation & Controls, you’ll play a key role in maintaining and improving advanced manufacturing and utility systems across the plant. Your expertise in automation, controls, and electrical systems will directly impact uptime, product quality, safety, and operational efficiency.
This is a hands-on, high-visibility role ideal for someone who thrives in technically challenging manufacturing environments and enjoys collaborating with operations, engineering, and maintenance teams while helping develop others.
What You’ll Do
Troubleshoot, diagnose, and repair instrumentation, controls, and electrical issues on the plant floor
Lead advanced troubleshooting efforts involving PLCs, production lines, VFDs, servos, industrial networking, MCCs, and motor control systems
Execute and lead preventive maintenance (PM) programs for instrumentation and controls systems
Install, configure, and upgrade electrical and controls equipment for retrofit and continuous improvement projects
Partner closely with operations and engineering teams to improve equipment reliability and plant performance
Utilize CMMS systems (SAP or similar) to manage PMs, repairs, inventory, and documentation
Communicate equipment and process changes clearly to affected teams
Train, mentor, and support maintenance technicians and other team members in electrical and automation troubleshooting best practices
Participate in root cause analysis, Go-See-Think-Do initiatives, and continuous improvement activities
Support implementation of new processes, data collection initiatives, and safety improvement projects
Ensure strict adherence to GMPs, safety standards, PPE requirements, LOTO procedures, and plant policies
This role requires flexibility to work 40+ hours per week, including weekends as needed and on-call support.
What You Bring
Required Qualifications
Associate’s degree in Electronics, Electrical Engineering Technology, or equivalent hands-on experience
Minimum 10 years of Instrumentation & Controls experience in a manufacturing environment
Strong hands-on experience supporting PLC panels and automated production lines
Advanced troubleshooting experience with:
PLC systems (Rockwell / Allen-Bradley strongly preferred)
VFDs and servo drive systems
Industrial control networking (Ethernet/IP, DeviceNet, etc.)
Automation and production line controls
Proven ability to troubleshoot and support highly automated manufacturing systems with minimal supervision
Experience mentoring, training, and developing maintenance or technical team members
Strong knowledge of industrial electrical systems, motor controls, and machine sequences of operation
Experience with process instrumentation including level, flow, and temperature controls
Proficiency using electrical test equipment including voltmeters, ammeters, ohmmeters, and meggers
Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, and technical manuals
Strong understanding of NEC; familiarity with UL508A and NFPA 79 preferred
Commitment to safety, including LOTO, Arc Flash awareness, and PPE compliance
Preferred / Plus
Food or regulated manufacturing experience
Pneumatics and mechanical systems exposure
SAP or similar CMMS experience
Strong root cause analysis and continuous improvement background
Previous leadership or lead technician experience
Why Join Us
Compensation flexibility based on skills, experience, and technical expertise
Opportunity to step into a senior-level technical role with high visibility and impact
Meaningful work supporting products with real nutritional impact worldwide
Modern manufacturing environment with advanced automation and controls
Growth-focused culture that values mentorship, technical leadership, and continuous development
Collaborative teams where your expertise and ideas are respected
Strong safety culture committed to doing things the right way—every time
Here, you won’t just maintain equipment—you’ll help power a mission of better nutrition, stronger communities, and a more sustainable future.
Ready to Apply?
If you’re a senior-level Controls & Instrumentation professional with deep automation troubleshooting expertise and a passion for mentoring others, we want to hear from you.
👉 Apply today and bring your technical leadership to a team building a better tomorrow—one innovation at a time.
Pay Details: $40.00 to $50.00 per hour
Benefit offerings available for our associates include medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, additional voluntary benefits, EAP program, commuter benefits and a 401K plan. Our benefit offerings provide employees the flexibility to choose the type of coverage that meets their individual needs. In addition, our associates may be eligible for paid leave including Paid Sick Leave or any other paid leave required by Federal, State, or local law, as well as Holiday pay where applicable.
Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled
Military connected talent encouraged to apply
To read our Candidate Privacy Information Statement, which explains how we will use your information, please navigate to https://www.pdstech.com/candidate-privacy
The Company will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records in accordance with federal, state, and local laws and/or security clearance requirements, including, as applicable:
- The California Fair Chance Act
- Los Angeles City Fair Chance Ordinance
- Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers
- San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance
Massachusetts Candidates Only: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.
Machines & technologies you'll use:
- Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) (Allen Bradley)
