Controls Technician - URGENT

Job Description

Job Description

Job Title: Controls Technician

Job Description

The Controls Technician supports high‑speed manufacturing operations by troubleshooting and resolving automation and control issues that affect production, quality, and safety. This role independently diagnoses complex problems in automation, instrumentation, and control systems for automated food processing, robotic, and material transfer equipment. The Controls Technician leads engineering updates and commissioning of automation modifications, designs and implements improvements for existing and new production lines, and performs preventive maintenance to maximize equipment reliability and uptime. The position also documents work in the CMMS, drives root cause analysis for systemic issues, and serves as a technical leader and trainer for operators and maintenance personnel.

Responsibilities

• Troubleshoot and resolve automation and control issues that impact production, product quality, and workplace safety.
• Independently perform advanced troubleshooting of automation, instrumentation, and control systems for automated food processing, robotic, and material transfer systems.
• Lead engineering updates, changes, testing, and commissioning of automation modifications across multiple high‑speed production lines.
• Design, implement, and recommend automation solutions for existing equipment and new production line projects.
• Perform scheduled and condition‑based preventive maintenance on automation and control systems to reduce unplanned downtime.
• Document all completed work in the CMMS using maintenance work orders and create, prioritize, and follow up on additional work as needed.
• Research, recommend, and implement automation improvements to enhance equipment reliability, efficiency, and uptime.
• Plan, lead, and execute automation preventive maintenance initiatives to support continuous, stable operation of production lines.
• Apply creative problem‑solving techniques and root cause analysis to identify systemic automation issues and implement long‑term corrective actions.
• Train, coach, and mentor operators, maintenance technicians, and peers on automation systems, procedures, and best practices, with a focus on packaging and high‑speed equipment.
• Lead and support special projects related to automation upgrades, retrofits, and new equipment installations.
• Collaborate with peers and cross‑functional partners to share technical expertise and help standardize automation practices across the facility.
• Conduct obsolescence assessments of control systems, identify high‑risk components, and develop upgrade and replacement strategies.
• Recommend appropriate automation spare parts and help manage critical automation inventory to support reliability and quick recovery from failures.
• Perform additional instrumentation and electrical duties as assigned to support plant operations.
• Communicate effectively with production, maintenance, engineering, and leadership teams to resolve issues and support continuous improvement.

Essential Skills

• Minimum 4–5 years of experience in industrial automation or controls within a manufacturing environment, preferably in food processing or high‑speed packaging.
• Extensive hands‑on experience with Allen‑Bradley PLCs, including platforms such as PLC‑5 and SLC 500, and strong troubleshooting capability using RSLogix.
• Experience with FactoryTalk for HMI and SCADA applications, with the ability to diagnose and resolve system issues.
• Strong knowledge of control panel design, layout, and troubleshooting for industrial automation systems.
• Hands‑on experience with variable frequency drives (VFDs) and human‑machine interfaces (HMIs) in a manufacturing setting.
• Experience working in fast‑paced manufacturing environments, which may include plastics or similar high‑throughput operations.
• Ability to read and interpret electrical, hydraulic, and pneumatic schematics and apply them to troubleshooting and maintenance activities.
• Demonstrated capability to act as a technical leader and trainer within assigned plant areas or machine centers.
• Strong understanding of automation, instrumentation, and control products and related engineering principles.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook for documentation, reporting, and communication.
• Proven ability to communicate clearly and effectively across multiple departments and organizational levels to resolve technical issues.
• Ability to perform advanced troubleshooting on PLC platforms and related control systems, with a focus on resolving issues rather than programming from scratch.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Associate’s degree in Electrical Engineering Technology, Automation, Mechatronics, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Hands‑on experience with SCADA systems in a manufacturing or industrial environment.
• Familiarity with Ignition SCADA software is a plus.
• Knowledge of additional PLC platforms and electrical control systems used in industrial automation.
• Familiarity with automation suppliers and OEM equipment used in food manufacturing and packaging operations.
• Experience working with high‑speed packaging lines, automated food processing systems, and robotic or material handling equipment.
• Ability to conduct obsolescence assessments and develop upgrade strategies for legacy control systems.
• Strong problem‑solving mindset with experience applying root cause analysis and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Comfort leading projects related to automation upgrades, retrofits, and new equipment installations.
• Interest in ongoing professional development through on‑the‑job training, internal workshops, and leadership development programs.

Work Environment

This is an onsite role in a food manufacturing facility that primarily produces pasta and operates multiple high‑speed production and packaging lines. The typical schedule is Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., with on‑call support required approximately once every three weeks. The environment is fast‑paced and production‑oriented, with extensive use of industrial automation technologies including Allen‑Bradley PLCs, VFDs, HMIs, SCADA systems such as FactoryTalk, and various instrumentation and control devices. Teams are close‑knit and collaborative, and leadership is approachable, emphasizing respect, teamwork, and long‑term relationships. The culture is supportive, welcoming, and community‑oriented, with a strong focus on work‑life balance and treating people as individuals. Employees benefit from on‑the‑job training, internal workshops, and leadership development programs, along with a strong promote‑from‑within philosophy, particularly in operations, maintenance, engineering, quality, and leadership roles.

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Job Type & Location

This is a Permanent position based out of Winchester, VA.

The pay range for this position is $93000.00 - $95000.00/yr.

Fully vested 401k with a 5% match. PTO starts at 10 days/year. Holidays – we observe 9 holidays per year; if employees are scheduled to work on a holiday they receive 2x their hourly rate, plus 8 hours Holiday Pay. Sick Days – Employees receive 2 paid sick days per year in addition to usable points and PTO. We also have a monthly 2h appointment allowance. You are eligible to join the Company's benefits plan on the first day of the month following 30 days of employment. The Company benefits program offers medical, dental, vision, life insurance and disability coverage.

This is a fully onsite position in Winchester,VA.

This position is anticipated to close on Jul 20, 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 ziprecruiter.com 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.