Controls Technician

Controls Technician

This Controls Technician role focuses on troubleshooting, diagnosing, repairing, and maintaining electrical and automation control systems on mobile asphalt production and road construction equipment. You will support equipment both in the shop and in the field, identify root causes of electrical and control issues, and ensure machines operate safely, reliably, and efficiently. This position is ideal for a hands-on technician experienced with PLC-based control systems, electrical circuits, sensors, HMIs, and automation components on mobile industrial or heavy construction equipment.

Responsibilities:

• Troubleshoot and repair electrical, controls, and automation systems on asphalt plants, pavers, milling machines, and other mobile equipment.
• Diagnose issues involving PLCs, HMIs, sensors, VFDs, motor controls, wiring, and communication networks.
• Read and interpret electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, and control drawings to support accurate troubleshooting and repair.
• Perform equipment commissioning, startup, testing, and system verification for new or modified systems.
• Assist with software, PLC, and HMI updates and modifications to improve system performance and reliability.
• Support field service efforts by responding to equipment issues at customer job sites as needed.
• Conduct root cause analysis on recurring failures and implement corrective actions to prevent future issues.
• Troubleshoot hydraulic and electromechanical systems integrated with machine controls.
• Perform preventative maintenance inspections and repairs on mobile equipment control systems.
• Maintain accurate service records, troubleshooting documentation, and repair reports for all work performed.
• Coordinate with engineering, manufacturing, and service teams to resolve complex technical issues and support continuous improvement.
• Use diagnostic tools such as multimeters, clamp meters, and communication troubleshooting software to identify and resolve faults.
• Travel to customer sites, as required, to support field installations, commissioning, and service calls.

Essential Skills:

• Associate degree in Electrical Technology, Mechatronics, Industrial Automation, or equivalent experience.
• 3+ years of experience troubleshooting industrial controls, automation systems, or mobile equipment electrical systems.
• Hands-on experience working with PLC-based control systems, including troubleshooting and basic programming or configuration.
• Strong electrical troubleshooting skills with 24VDC, 120VAC, and 480VAC systems.
• Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, and control drawings.
• Experience using diagnostic tools such as multimeters, clamp meters, and communication troubleshooting software.
• Demonstrated ability to perform controls troubleshooting, including solid root cause analysis and problem-solving skills.
• Experience with PLC troubleshooting and HMI systems in an industrial or mobile equipment environment.
• Mechanical aptitude and ability to work with automation and electromechanical systems.
• Valid driver's license and ability to work safely in industrial and outdoor environments.
• Ability to perform preventive maintenance and document work clearly and accurately.

Additional Skills & Qualifications:

• Experience in asphalt, aggregate, road construction, mining, or heavy equipment industries.
• Allen-Bradley, Siemens, or other PLC programming and troubleshooting experience.
• HMI troubleshooting and configuration experience on mobile or industrial control systems.
• Knowledge of industrial communication protocols such as CAN Bus, Ethernet/IP, and Modbus.
• Familiarity with hydraulic systems and engine controls integrated with electronic control systems.
• Previous field service or mobile equipment maintenance experience, including on-site diagnostics and repair.
• Experience with heavy equipment controls, mobile equipment diagnostics, and field service support.
• Demonstrated skills in preventive maintenance, root cause analysis, and continuous improvement of control systems.
• Strong troubleshooting abilities in electrical, mechanical, automation, and programming contexts.

Work Environment:

This role combines work in a manufacturing environment with field service assignments at customer job sites. You will work around mobile asphalt production equipment, road construction machinery, and other heavy equipment, both indoors in a shop setting and outdoors in varying weather conditions. The position involves regular use of diagnostic tools such as multimeters, clamp meters, and communication troubleshooting software, as well as interaction with PLCs, HMIs, sensors, VFDs, and industrial communication networks. Travel to customer locations may range from approximately 25–50% as needed to support field service, commissioning, and troubleshooting activities. The environment emphasizes safety, hands-on technical work, collaboration with engineering and service teams, and offers benefits such as billable holidays and paid time off.

Job Type & Location:

This is a Contract position based out of Chattanooga, TN.

Pay and Benefits:

The pay range for this position is $28.00 - $35.00/hr. Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors. Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: Medical, dental & vision; Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital; 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available; Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents); Short and long-term disability; Health Spending Account (HSA); Transportation benefits; Employee Assistance Program; Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave).

Workplace Type:

This is a fully onsite position in Chattanooga, TN.

Application Deadline:

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 8, 2026.

About Actalent:

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email View email address on click.appcast.io for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: 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.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.