Controls Automation Technician

Controls Automation Technician

South Bend, Indiana (On-Site Only - No Remote Option)

$75,000 to $95,000 + Bonus + Comprehensive Benefits : Medical, Rx, Dental, Disability, Life Insurance, Flexible Spending Accounts, Retirement Savings Plan, Education Assistance, and Parental Leave. (Benefits start on day one.)

Position Summary

The Controls Automation Technician plays a critical, hands-on role in ensuring the continuous operation and reliability of the plant's electrical equipment and industrial control systems . This role focuses heavily on troubleshooting, configuration, and minor programming changes within PLC and HMI-based systems in a fast-paced manufacturing and production environment.

Schedule

Shift : Second Shift

Hours : Monday through Friday, 3 : 00 PM - 11 : 00 PM

Overtime : Saturdays are posted as needed.

Key Responsibilities

Troubleshooting : Provide primary support for diagnosing and resolving issues with PLC-based control systems and plant electrical equipment.

System Maintenance / Modification : Perform PLC and HMI / operator interface configurations and low-level program changes (e.g., adding / changing alarms, timers, minor program adjustments).

Installation / Start-Up : Assist with the installation, start-up, and commissioning of new facility electrical equipment and control systems.

Standardization & Improvement : Collaborate with operating and maintenance departments to select and standardize equipment, software, and interfaces to enhance control system reliability.

Documentation & Communication : Create written documentation of significant control system changes and effectively communicate these updates to all maintenance shifts.

Support & Coordination : Communicate complex problems to other technicians and Plant Maintenance Management and contact equipment suppliers for technical support when necessary.

General Maintenance : Must be comfortable completing general maintenance tasks as required alongside core controls duties.

Required Qualifications

Education : High school diploma or GED.

Experience : Minimum of 2+ years of hands-on experience working with PLCs.

Technical Skills : Knowledge of Microsoft Windows operating system, PC / software configurations, and the interface between PLC software and computer operating systems.

Assessment : Must be able to pass required written and hands-on technical assessments.

Preferred Skills and Experience (A Strong Plus)

Experience Level : 2-5 years of industrial maintenance experience.

Education : Associate degree in an electrical / electronic technology field.

Automation Expertise : Prior knowledge working in a controls automation environment, including programming / navigating and troubleshooting PLC control systems.

Specific Controls Knowledge : Experience with Allen Bradley PLC-5, SLC-500, ControLogix, and Panelview Plus.

Communication Protocols : Familiarity with industrial control communication protocols (e.g., ControlNet, Ethernet, DH+, Remote I / O, DeviceNet ).

Industrial Systems : Working knowledge of hydraulics, pneumatics, and combustion control systems.