Automation Controls Specialist

Job Title: Controls Specialist

Job Description

The Controls Specialist programs, troubleshoots, and optimizes Siemens PLCs and HMIs to ensure reliable operation of complex automation equipment. This role builds, upgrades, and repairs electrical, control, and instrumentation systems, supports new hardware installations and commissioning, and leads continuous improvement initiatives across automation and data acquisition systems. The position is highly hands-on, working closely with engineers, technicians, and cross-functional teams to maintain high standards of safety, quality, and performance in demanding environments.

Responsibilities

• Program, modify, and troubleshoot Siemens PLCs and HMIs to keep automation equipment running reliably and efficiently.
• Build, upgrade, and repair electrical, control, and instrumentation systems, including sensors, motors, and related hardware.
• Create, update, and redline electrical and fluid schematics to reflect system changes and improvements.
• Assist in selecting components such as servo motors, controllers, and variable frequency drives (VFDs) to meet design and performance requirements.
• Install and commission new automation hardware in collaboration with technicians and engineering teams.
• Follow and enforce key electrical safety codes and standards, including NFPA 70, NFPA 70E, and NFPA 79, while promoting safe, high‑quality work practices.
• Work hands-on with electromechanical systems, control cabinets, and industrial communication networks such as Modbus, Profinet, and EtherNet/IP.
• Own and execute industrial automation projects from concept through implementation, working closely with engineers, specialists, and technicians from multiple groups.
• Develop, upgrade, and maintain data acquisition and control systems to improve monitoring, testing, and operational capabilities.
• Provide technical support, guidance, and troubleshooting assistance to controls technicians and other non-controls engineering groups.
• Lead and coordinate the work of technicians and contractors to ensure efficient, safe, and timely project execution.
• Commission new hardware and validate proper operation of control systems and instrumentation.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives related to team processes, product quality, build times, maintenance reduction, project kitting, communication between teams, and feedback loops.
• Prioritize daily tasks and projects, including risk mitigation for current and upcoming work.
• Serve as a liaison between Tooling Engineering and Automation & Controls during design and build stages to ensure proper controls hardware mounting and effective cable management.
• Analyze data to assess the performance and function of electrical and control systems and identify opportunities for optimization.
• Assist in the design and analysis of experiments to evaluate test articles and system performance.
• Perform programming, troubleshooting, and optimization activities for robotics, instrumentation, and related automation systems.
• Support calibration, document control, and quality control processes associated with electrical and control systems.
• Identify and implement process improvements to enhance reliability, safety, and efficiency of automated systems.
• Perform other related duties as assigned to ensure an efficient and effective work environment.

Essential Skills

• Demonstrated experience programming and troubleshooting Siemens PLCs and HMIs.
• Strong experience in industrial automation, including design, implementation, and support of automated systems.
• Hands-on electrical experience, including working with 480V systems and control cabinets.
• Proficiency with instrumentation systems, including sensors, motors, and related control hardware.
• Ability to interpret, create, and redline electrical and fluid schematics.
• Working knowledge of industrial communication networks such as Modbus, Profinet, and EtherNet/IP.
• Familiarity with NFPA 70, NFPA 70E, and NFPA 79 electrical safety codes and high‑reliability wiring standards.
• Experience commissioning new automation hardware and validating system performance.
• Strong troubleshooting skills across electrical, controls, and electromechanical systems.
• Ability to lead technicians and contractors and coordinate work across multidisciplinary teams.
• Capability to analyze data to evaluate electrical system function and drive improvements.
• Willingness and ability to perform hands-on work in all environments, including heat, cold, rain, tight quarters, and at heights.
• Ability to work extended hours and weekends as needed to support critical operations.
• Capacity to remain focused and follow procedures in hazardous environments while wearing appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs unassisted.
• Willingness to provide 24/7 on-call support for emergencies.
• Valid driver’s license.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience with AutoCAD or similar tools for drafting and updating electrical and fluid schematics.
• Expereience in robotics, including integration and troubleshooting of robotic systems.
• Experience with calibration, document control, and quality control processes in an engineering or manufacturing environment.
• Exposure to design and analysis of experiments for testing and validating systems or components.
• Demonstrated track record of process improvement in automation, manufacturing, or test environments.
• Strong communication skills to serve as a liaison between engineering, tooling, and automation teams.
• Organizational skills to manage task prioritization, risk mitigation, and multiple concurrent projects.

Why Work Here?

Join a mission-driven organization where your work contributes directly to advancing space exploration and projects with global impact. You will work at an integrated launch and production site that fosters cutting-edge innovation and hands-on involvement in groundbreaking aerospace technology. The organization offers competitive compensation, equity participation through stock awards and an Employee Stock Purchase Plan, and robust retirement benefits including 401(k) plans. Comprehensive health and wellness support includes medical, dental, and vision coverage, onsite clinics, wellness programs, and fitness facilities. You will also have access to generous parental leave, childcare assistance, relocation support, and commuter benefits, along with onsite dining, coffee bars, fitness centers, and convenient daily-life services. The culture emphasizes collaboration, mentorship, exposure to tenured leadership, and a performance-driven environment that rewards growth, while surrounding you with highly skilled, passionate teams in a fast-paced, innovative setting.

Work Environment

This role operates across both indoor and outdoor environments at multiple sites, including production, test, and launch-related areas. Work conditions can include exposure to heat, cold, rain, tight spaces, and heights, as well as hazardous environments where appropriate PPE is required. The position is highly hands-on, involving frequent interaction with electromechanical systems, control cabinets, industrial networks, and automation hardware. The schedule follows extended shifts, with day shifts typically running from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM Monday through Friday with every other Saturday, and night shifts from 6:00 PM to 6:00 AM Monday through Friday with every other Saturday, including a shift differential for nights. The environment is fast-paced, project-driven, and collaborative, with close coordination among engineers, technicians, and cross-functional teams to support launch and production operations.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Brownsville, TX.

The pay range for this position is $38.00 - $50.00/hr.

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)

This is a fully onsite position in Brownsville,TX.

This position is anticipated to close on Jun 19, 2026.

About Aerotek

We know that finding work is hard, and finding meaningful work is harder. Aerotek connects 180,000+ light industrial and skilled trades workers with 14,000+ employers each year, helping our workers navigate an evolving labor market and find jobs that meets their goals, skills and interests. Since 1983, we have provided a variety of career opportunities across North American industry – from short-term assignments at Fortune 500 companies where you can build your skills, to long-term opportunities where you can play a vital role solving for companies’ construction, manufacturing and maintenance challenges. Our 1,500+ experienced recruiters across 250+ offices work relentlessly to put our workforce in a position to thrive. Let us rise to meet your challenges and put our people-are everything spirit to the test as your career continues to grow.

Aerotek offers weekly pay, employee benefits including medical, dental & vision, life insurance, health advocacy and employee assistance programs, a 401(k) plan, and employee discounts.

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

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.