Electrical Controls Technician

Job Description

Job Description

Electrical Controls Technician

Position Overview

We are seeking an experienced Electrical Controls Technician to support the maintenance, troubleshooting, and continuous improvement of automated manufacturing equipment. This individual will serve as a key technical resource for electrical and controls-related issues throughout the facility, helping minimize downtime and improve equipment reliability.

The ideal candidate will have strong industrial electrical troubleshooting skills, hands-on PLC experience, and a solid understanding of automated equipment, motors, drives, sensors, and control systems. This position will work closely with Maintenance, Engineering, Production, and outside vendors to ensure equipment operates safely, efficiently, and consistently.

Key Responsibilities

• Troubleshoot, diagnose, and repair electrical and controls-related issues on automated manufacturing and production equipment.
• Monitor and troubleshoot PLC-controlled systems, including inputs, outputs, communications, and control logic.
• Perform PLC program edits and modifications as needed to restore equipment operation and improve performance.
• Troubleshoot and maintain HMIs, variable-frequency drives, servo systems, motors, sensors, relays, contactors, and industrial control panels.
• Diagnose electrical systems ranging from low-voltage control circuits to three-phase power.
• Read and interpret electrical schematics, ladder logic, wiring diagrams, and equipment manuals.
• Perform preventive and predictive maintenance on electrical and automated equipment.
• Respond to equipment breakdowns and work efficiently to minimize production downtime.
• Identify recurring equipment failures and participate in root-cause analysis and corrective-action initiatives.
• Assist with equipment installations, upgrades, commissioning, and controls-related capital projects.
• Modify electrical wiring, control panels, PLC programs, and HMI screens when required.
• Maintain accurate documentation of repairs, program changes, equipment history, and preventive maintenance activities.
• Support continuous improvement efforts related to safety, equipment reliability, productivity, quality, and waste reduction.
• Provide technical support and controls training to maintenance technicians and production personnel.
• Work with equipment manufacturers, contractors, integrators, and vendors to resolve technical issues.
• Follow all electrical safety procedures, lockout/tagout requirements, and company safety standards.
• Assist with mechanical, pneumatic, hydraulic, and general maintenance tasks when needed.

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Technical degree, industrial maintenance certification, electrical certification, or equivalent training preferred.
• Three or more years of industrial electrical, automation, or controls experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Experience troubleshooting PLC-controlled machinery and automated equipment.
• Working knowledge of PLC systems, preferably Allen-Bradley, Siemens, or similar platforms.
• Experience with variable-frequency drives, servo motors, motor controls, sensors, and industrial instrumentation.
• Strong understanding of three-phase electrical systems and industrial control circuits.
• Ability to read electrical schematics, ladder logic, and technical drawings.
• Experience using electrical testing equipment, including multimeters and related diagnostic tools.
• Strong troubleshooting, problem-solving, and critical-thinking abilities.
• Ability to communicate clearly with Maintenance, Engineering, Production, and leadership teams.
• Ability to work independently and respond effectively to urgent equipment issues.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with Allen-Bradley ControlLogix, CompactLogix, MicroLogix, or similar PLC platforms.
• Experience with Rockwell Automation software, Siemens controls, or other industrial programming platforms.
• Experience troubleshooting or modifying HMI applications.
• Knowledge of industrial networking, including Ethernet/IP, DeviceNet, ControlNet, or Profinet.
• Experience with robotics, motion control, vision systems, conveyors, packaging equipment, or process equipment.
• Familiarity with computerized maintenance management systems.
• Experience in food and beverage, consumer products, packaging, automotive, pharmaceutical, chemical, or high-speed manufacturing.
• Knowledge of preventive maintenance, predictive maintenance, Lean Manufacturing, and root-cause analysis practices.
• Experience programming PLCs or developing controls logic from scratch is a plus.

Skills and Competencies

• Advanced electrical and controls troubleshooting
• PLC and HMI diagnostics
• Variable-frequency drives and servo systems
• Industrial automation
• Electrical schematics and ladder logic
• Motors and motor controls
• Sensors and instrumentation
• Root-cause analysis
• Preventive maintenance
• Equipment reliability
• Clear technical communication
• Strong safety awareness

Physical and Work Environment Requirements

• Ability to work in an active manufacturing environment.
• Ability to stand, walk, bend, climb, and work around production equipment for extended periods.
• Ability to lift and carry tools, equipment, and parts as required.
• Ability to work around electrical equipment, moving machinery, noise, heat, and other typical plant conditions.
• Willingness to work occasional overtime, weekends, or respond to emergency equipment issues based on operational needs.

Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate is a hands-on controls and electrical troubleshooting professional who can quickly identify equipment problems, communicate the issue clearly, and implement a safe, lasting solution. This individual should be comfortable working independently while also collaborating with Maintenance, Engineering, and Production teams to improve equipment reliability and plant performance.

You should be proficient in:

• PLC Troubleshooting Skills
• Troubleshooting Industrial Automation Equipment
• Electrical / Electronic Systems
• Industrial Electrical Experience
• Industrial Electrical Systems
• Electrical Systems & Diagnostics (Heavy Equipment)