Manufacturing Controls/Automation Technician

2076 Manufacturing Controls / Automation Technician

Position Summary

We are seeking an experienced Manufacturing Controls / Automation Technician to support a large, highly automated automotive manufacturing facility in Veedersburg, Indiana. This position is responsible for troubleshooting, maintaining, modifying, and supporting industrial control systems, PLCs, robotics, and automated production equipment.

The facility operates across three shifts and specializes in automotive bumper manufacturing, including stamping, painting, welding, and assembly operations.

The ideal candidate will have strong hands-on experience with Allen-Bradley PLCs, ladder logic troubleshooting, and FANUC industrial robots , along with the ability to diagnose complex electrical and automation issues in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

This is a technical, hands-on position requiring significant PLC troubleshooting and computer-based diagnostics, in addition to supporting automated equipment on the production floor.

Key Responsibilities

PLC Programming & Controls Troubleshooting

• Troubleshoot, diagnose, and maintain Allen-Bradley PLC-controlled manufacturing equipment.
• Read, interpret, and troubleshoot PLC ladder logic to identify equipment faults and production issues.
• Utilize Allen-Bradley RSLogix 500 and related PLC programming and diagnostic tools.
• Monitor PLC inputs, outputs, fault conditions, and equipment sequences to identify and resolve automation problems.
• Troubleshoot control system hardware, software, and communication issues.
• Support PLC modifications, equipment upgrades, retrofits, and automation improvements.
• Assist with equipment startup, commissioning, and troubleshooting following repairs or modifications.

Industrial Robotics & Automation

• Troubleshoot and support FANUC industrial robots used in automated manufacturing processes.
• Diagnose issues involving robotic equipment, automated production sequences, and related control systems.
• Work with maintenance personnel and production teams to restore equipment operation and minimize downtime.
• Support automation equipment throughout stamping, painting, welding, and assembly operations.

Electrical Controls & Industrial Devices

• Troubleshoot and replace industrial automation components, including:
• Safety light curtains
• Industrial sensors and proximity switches
• Barcode readers and scanners
• Industrial cameras and vision-related equipment
• PLC-connected input/output devices
• Diagnose electrical and control system faults affecting automated machinery.
• Read and interpret electrical schematics and control system documentation.
• Troubleshoot equipment safety devices and associated control circuits.
• Ensure repairs and modifications comply with plant safety requirements.

Manufacturing Support & Continuous Improvement

• Respond to production equipment failures and provide timely troubleshooting support.
• Work closely with maintenance electricians, technicians, production supervisors, and engineering personnel.
• Support automated equipment across a three-shift manufacturing operation.
• Assist with testing, implementation, and validation of equipment improvements.
• Identify recurring equipment issues and recommend corrective actions to improve reliability.
• Maintain accurate troubleshooting, maintenance, and technical documentation.
• Participate in equipment improvement projects and support new automation installations.
• Follow plant safety procedures and support a safety-focused manufacturing culture.

Required Qualifications

• Associate degree, technical certificate, or equivalent relevant industrial controls experience.
• Minimum of 3–5 years of experience in manufacturing controls, industrial automation, or PLC troubleshooting.
• Hands-on experience troubleshooting Allen-Bradley PLCs.
• Ability to read, interpret, and troubleshoot PLC ladder logic.
• Experience with RSLogix 500 or comparable Allen-Bradley PLC programming software.
• Experience troubleshooting FANUC industrial robots and automated manufacturing equipment.
• Strong understanding of industrial electrical controls, sensors, and automated equipment.
• Ability to diagnose both software-related and hardware-related automation faults.
• Experience working in a high-volume manufacturing environment.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and troubleshooting skills.
• Ability to work independently and respond quickly to production issues.
• Effective communication skills and ability to collaborate with maintenance and production teams.

Important: This position requires genuine PLC and controls troubleshooting experience. Candidates whose backgrounds are limited to electrical maintenance, wiring, or mechanical repair without hands-on PLC troubleshooting will not meet the technical requirements.

Preferred Qualifications

• Automotive manufacturing experience.
• Experience supporting stamping, paint, welding, or automated assembly equipment.
• Exposure to Siemens PLCs.
• Experience with industrial safety systems, light curtains, barcode scanning equipment, and industrial cameras.
• Experience with equipment retrofits, commissioning, and automation improvement projects.
• Background as a Controls Technician, Automation Technician, PLC Technician, or hands-on Controls Engineer.