Controls/DCS Technician

Job Description

Job Description

We are seeking a motivated individual to join our Maintenance team based out of our Gaston, SC facility . The ideal candidate for the Controls/DCS Technician will be results-driven, motivated by technical challenges, and possess strong troubleshooting, communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills. This role will support manufacturing operations by maintaining, troubleshooting, improving, and commissioning control systems, instrumentation, DCS/PLC hardware, and related automation equipment in a continuous process environment.  Responsibilities The Controls/DCS Technician will report to the Site Electrical Engineer and have responsibilities for the following tasks: 

• Provide hands-on automation and controls support for manufacturing systems using Emerson DeltaV DCS systems and Allen Bradley PLCs, including basic programming support, graphics support, troubleshooting, and system maintenance.
• Troubleshoot, repair, and maintain DCS, PLC, HMI, instrumentation, networking, and control system components.
• Support technical reviews and provide recommendations for improvements to existing control systems, equipment reliability, and system performance.
• Assist with identifying modifications needed in existing applications to meet changing operational, maintenance, and business needs.
• Support projects by assisting with scope development, field verification, installation, testing, checkout, commissioning, startup, and documentation.
• Assist in developing and maintaining control narratives, technical procedures, troubleshooting guides, maintenance documentation, and user support materials.
• Train and support Maintenance and Operations personnel on new and existing control system equipment, procedures, and programs.
• Work collaboratively with Maintenance, Operations, Engineering, and contractors during commissioning, functional checkout, startup, and troubleshooting of control equipment and related processes.
• Support, maintain, troubleshoot, and modify existing and legacy control systems.
• Assist with communication interfaces between equipment and control systems using various industrial protocols.
• Support DCS/PLC programming changes under appropriate review and approval processes.
• Support HMI graphic modifications and troubleshooting.
• Perform field checks, loop checks, functional testing, and Factory/Site Acceptance Testing as required.
• Participate in on-call support and respond to plant issues involving controls, automation, instrumentation, and electrical/control systems.
• Follow all applicable safety procedures, including electrical safety, control system change management, and site work practices.
• Perform all other duties as assigned. 

Required Skills Required  

• Associate in Applied Science – Industrial Electronics Technology or Equivalent Associate degree, military training, or equivalent 5-10 years’ experience in Electrical, Instrumentation, Automation, Industrial Maintenance, Controls, or a related technical field.
• Experience supporting DCS, PLC, or control systems in an industrial or continuous process environment. 
• Strong troubleshooting skills related to control systems, field instrumentation, electrical circuits, control panels, I/O, networks, and automation equipment.- 
• Ability to read and understand electrical drawings, loop sheets, P&IDs, control schematics, panel drawings, and project-related documentation. 
• Familiarity with Emerson DeltaV DCS systems, Allen Bradley PLCs, HMIs, industrial networking, and control system hardware. 
• Working knowledge of Windows-based systems, basic server/workstation support, Ethernet networking, and industrial communication networks. 
• Basic understanding of electrical safety, NFPA 70E, NEC, and safety instrumented systems is a plus. 
• Ability to assist with functional testing, loop checks, startup, commissioning, and troubleshooting activities. 
• Ability to document work clearly, including troubleshooting steps, system changes, equipment issues, and maintenance activities. 
• Ability to work with engineering contractors and internal teams to provide field information, equipment details, and technical support as needed. 
• Self-motivated with the ability to prioritize work, meet deadlines, and adapt to changing plant priorities. 
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a high-pressure manufacturing environment. 
• Strong oral and written communication skills. 
• Must be a self-starter, team player, work well with others, and maintain a positive attitude. 
• Willingness to work on-call hours, overtime, nights, weekends, and holidays as needed. 

 
Preferred  

• Emerson DeltaV experience. 
• Allen Bradley PLC troubleshooting or programming experience. 
• Experience with HMI graphics, control system backups, I/O troubleshooting, instrumentation calibration, and industrial networking. 
• AVEVA-PI Software Experience 
• Working knowledge of Root Cause Failure Analysis 
• Experience in chemical, petrochemical, polymer, or other continuous process manufacturing environments. 

Alpek Polyester USA, LLC is a global leader in the production of PTA (Terephthalic Acid), PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate) Resins, PET Recycling (rPET), and Specialty Polymers. This integrated business services customers all over the world using its global network of manufacturing entities within the Alpek Polyester umbrella. We are committed to improving people’s lives through our products, innovations, and a commitment to sustainability and protecting the environment. 



 
Alpek Polyester USA, LLC is headquartered in Charlotte, NC with manufacturing facilities in the Carolinas, Mississippi, and Indiana. 



 
Alpek Polyester USA, LLC is a division of Alpek, the petrochemicals and synthetic fibers business group of Alfa, S.A.B. de C.V., one of Mexico's largest corporations. 



 
Alpek Polyester USA, LLC is subject to US Department of Commerce export regulations and thus must hire individuals who meet national security requirements. Interested applicants (or temporary employees) must meet eligibility requirements. Alpek Polyester USA, LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer.