Controls & Drives Service Technician (PLC/VFD)

Job Description

Job Description

Is this you?

• You unravel PLC faults and VFD alarms without breaking a sweat.
• You like variety—today it’s a conveyor line, tomorrow a robot cell, next week a retrofit startup.
• You enjoy working independently, yet you’re collaborative and customer-centered.
• “Legendary Service” isn’t a tagline; it’s how you operate.

This hands-on, field-based position supports Innovative IDM customers and focuses on industrial controls and electro-mechanical systems—not IT.

What you’ll tackle

• Troubleshoot and repair PLCs, HMIs, motion controllers, AC/DC drives, and plant devices.
• Perform on-site diagnostics and electronic repairs on production equipment—from straightforward machines to complex systems.
• Install and commission industrial control systems, including drives and motion.
• Execute field retrofits and oversee start-ups of large, multi-component control solutions.
• Rotate through after-hours on-call support to keep customers running around the clock.
• Work cross-functionally with internal teams and external stakeholders; document and communicate clearly.
• Dig into tough technical issues; research, test, and resolve them with calm professionalism.

Must-haves

• 3–5 years of industrial electronic controls troubleshooting (relays, contactors, solenoids, control logic).
• Ability to read/interpret electrical schematics.
• Hands-on experience programming and repairing AC VFDs and DC motor controls.
• Comfortable diagnosing PLCs and servo motion systems.
• Clear written and verbal communication; customer-friendly demeanor.
• Self-driven, organized, and effective with minimal supervision.
• Creative, persistent approach to resolving electronic and industrial device issues.
• Capable of managing multiple priorities and deadlines with urgency and sound judgment.
• Electrical/electronic ACAD and PLC programming are pluses.
• Four-year degree preferred.
• Own set of appropriate hand tools.

How you work

• VFD and PLC background with a strong electro‑mechanical mindset.
• Positive, energetic attitude with strong teamwork and independent work skills.
• Excellent written and oral communication; able to multitask effectively.

Tech stack & equipment

• Packaging machinery; conveyor systems; pelletizers
• Motor Control Centers (Allen Bradley, ABB, Siemens, Schneider Electric, Eaton)
• Fluke multimeters; industrial power tools
• Industrial control platforms (Allen Bradley, Mitsubishi, ABB, Omron, Siemens, Schneider Electric)
• VFDs and drive systems
• PLCs (Allen Bradley, Mitsubishi, Omron, Siemens, Schneider Electric, Beckoff)
• Servo motors and motion
• Industrial robots (ABB, Yaskawa Motoman)

Proficiencies that set you up for success

• Valid driver’s license; ready for field work
• PLC troubleshooting and diagnostics
• General equipment troubleshooting
• Electrical schematic literacy
• Electrical fault isolation and repair
• Mechanical troubleshooting fundamentals
• Background in food & beverage manufacturing
• PCB assembly and component knowledge
• Single- and three-phase power familiarity
• Industrial electrical system diagnostics & repair
• Industrial robot programming exposure
• OSHA 10-hour certification
• Industrial automation equipment troubleshooting
• Relay testing and verification
• Insulation resistance measurement/testing
• PLC programming capabilities
• Machine vision programming familiarity
• PLC wiring and panel/build experience
• Strong understanding of electrical/electronic systems
• Pneumatics troubleshooting
• Industrial electrical experience
• Network connectivity (TCP/IP, SDWAN)
• Physically able to meet the demands of field service
• Manufacturing environment experience
• Root cause analysis discipline

Compensation & benefits

• Company truck and company credit card
• Daily overtime: time-and-a-half beyond 8 hours/day
• Double-time for billable work on Sundays
• 15% additional pay for travel jobs
• 401(k) with company match
• PTO, Personal Time, Volunteer Time, and Paid Holidays
• Student Loan Match and Tuition Reimbursement
• Medical, Dental, Vision, and FSA
• Company-paid Life Insurance
• Short-Term and Long-Term Disability
• Accident & Critical Illness coverage

Heads up: This is not an IT role.