Controls Technician - PLC Programmer

Job Description

Job Description

Title: Controls Technician 3
Location: Chicago Heights, IL
Hire Type:  Direct hire, Onsite
Shift:  First shift (6:00am - 2:30pm)
Compensation : $36.00 - $42.00/hour
Benefits: PTO, Paid holidays, Medical/Dental/Vision
Must-Have Skill Set: Allen-Bradley CompactLogix controllers

Job Summary:

The Controls Technician 3 maintains and troubleshoots all electrical, mechanical, pneumatic, hydraulic, and control systems for plant production. This role supports safe and efficient operation of food processing and packaging equipment, performs preventive and corrective maintenance, programs and repairs automated machinery (including PLCs and VFDs), and ensures compliance with food safety, GMP, and safety standards. The Technician also documents work, trains other maintenance staff, assists with root-cause analysis, and supports production demands across all shifts under the direction of Maintenance leadership.

Job Duties:

• Inspect, diagnose, troubleshoot, and repair food processing and packaging equipment.

• Perform electrical, mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, and control-system repairs.

• Install and maintain automated equipment, PLCs, servo drives, robots, and power distribution systems.

• Conduct preventive and corrective maintenance; monitor equipment condition and performance.

• Maintain accurate documentation of electrical and control systems, hardware, and software.

• Support production by performing maintenance while equipment is running.

• Coordinate and train Maintenance Technicians across all shifts.

• Lead troubleshooting and repair during equipment breakdowns.

• Install, modify, and maintain pipe systems, valves, regulators, and related components.

• Maintain facility structures and secondary systems (steam, water, air, refrigeration, HVAC).

• Follow GMP, safety, food defense, allergen control, and HACCP requirements.

• Use PPE, report safety issues, and ensure safe work practices.

• Maintain clean work areas and report contamination or suspicious activity immediately.

• Complete all tasks in alignment with codes, regulations, and company procedures.

• May travel for parts, training, or assigned duties.

• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Formal training in electrical or electronic engineering technology.

• Skilled troubleshooting of PLCs, VFDs, HMIs using laptop-based tools.

• Must understandAllen-Bradley CompactLogix controllers.

• Ability to read and interpret electrical, mechanical, instrumentation, and control-system documentation (P&IDs, single-line diagrams, loop drawings, etc.).

• Electrical skills for 120V–480V.

• CMMS proficiency (creating notifications, updating work orders, documenting feedback).

• Mechanical and plumbing repair skills.

• Ability to work safely, follow procedures, and use all safety devices.

• Strong communication, documentation, and troubleshooting abilities.

• Reliable attendance and ability to work under pressure in a fast-paced environment.

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or genetic information.