Controls Technician - PLC Programming & Automation

Job Description

Job Description

Controls Technician – PLC Programming & Automation

First Shift | Full-Time | Monday-Friday | 7:30 AM – 4:30 PM

Location: Chicago Metalcraft Inc.
885 Schneider Drive, South Elgin, IL 60177

About Us

Chicago Metalcraft Inc. is a leader in designing and manufacturing OEM-quality stainless steel fabrications, conveyors, and machinery for the food production industry. Our team delivers reliable, hygienic, and precision-engineered equipment that meets stringent industry standards. We value craftsmanship, collaboration, and continuous improvement in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Position Summary

Chicago Metalcraft seeks a Controls Technician to join our South Elgin, Illinois facility as part of our Assembly Engineering Group. This hands-on role focuses on industrial automation control systems, including wiring, PLC programming, troubleshooting, equipment assembly, and system integration.

You will work extensively with Allen-Bradley and Keyence PLCs, HMIs, motor controls, machine vision systems, conveyors, and automated machinery. This position is approximately 70% hands-on technical work and 30% engineering support, including schematic development and sales engineering assistance.

Typical projects include conveyor systems, servo-positioning systems, machine vision applications, dedicated automation equipment, prototyping, inspection systems, and custom machinery supporting the food production industry.

Occasional travel to customer sites, including overnight stays, may be required.

Key Responsibilities

• Wire, program, troubleshoot, and debug industrial automation control systems and electrical components

• Program and configure PLCs (Allen-Bradley and Keyence) and HMIs

• Design and interpret electrical schematics and control systems

• Set up, integrate, and troubleshoot motor control systems

• Diagnose and resolve machine and control system issues

• Support sales engineering activities and schematic development

• Work as a member of the Assembly Engineering Group supporting equipment assembly, machine integration, testing, and startup activities

• Collaborate closely with manufacturing, engineering, and assembly teams to build and commission equipment

• Travel to customer sites as required for startup, troubleshooting, and support

Qualifications

• Experience wiring and programming industrial automation control systems

• Hands-on PLC programming experience (Allen-Bradley and/or Keyence preferred)

• Experience programming and configuring HMIs

• Ability to read and develop electrical schematics

• Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills

• Strong organizational skills and a demonstrated history of progressive responsibility

• Valid driver's license and clean driving record

Preferred Skills

• Mechanical assembly experience

• Experience with machine vision and inspection systems

• Familiarity with motor control systems

• Knowledge of conveyor systems and servo-positioning systems

• Experience with industrial machine startup and commissioning

• Ability to work effectively with cross-functional engineering and manufacturing teams

• Strong communication and documentation skills

What We Offer

• Competitive compensation based on experience

• Health, dental, and vision insurance

• Retirement benefits

• Paid time off and paid holidays

• Training on our equipment, processes, and quality systems

• Opportunity to work on custom automation and manufacturing projects

• Collaborative and team-oriented work environment

How to Apply

Please submit your resume along with a brief note describing your relevant experience and qualifications.

Chicago Metalcraft Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

\nCompany Description

Chicago Metalcraft Inc. is a growing manufacturer of custom stainless steel equipment for the food processing industry. Located in South Elgin, Illinois, we design and build conveyors, machinery, and fabrication solutions used by food manufacturers throughout North America.

Unlike high-volume production shops, our work involves custom fabrication and problem-solving. Our welders and fabricators play a key role in building high-quality equipment that meets demanding food-grade and sanitary standards.

We take pride in craftsmanship, quality, and teamwork. Our employees enjoy a clean, professional work environment, stable year-round employment, competitive benefits, and opportunities to expand their skills. We value experienced tradespeople and believe in providing the tools, support, and respect needed to build a long-term career.

If you enjoy custom fabrication, take pride in your work, and want to be part of a team that values quality over quantity, Chicago Metalcraft may be the right fit for you.

Company Description

Chicago Metalcraft Inc. is a growing manufacturer of custom stainless steel equipment for the food processing industry. Located in South Elgin, Illinois, we design and build conveyors, machinery, and fabrication solutions used by food manufacturers throughout North America.\n\nUnlike high-volume production shops, our work involves custom fabrication and problem-solving. Our welders and fabricators play a key role in building high-quality equipment that meets demanding food-grade and sanitary standards.\n\nWe take pride in craftsmanship, quality, and teamwork. Our employees enjoy a clean, professional work environment, stable year-round employment, competitive benefits, and opportunities to expand their skills. We value experienced tradespeople and believe in providing the tools, support, and respect needed to build a long-term career.\n\nIf you enjoy custom fabrication, take pride in your work, and want to be part of a team that values quality over quantity, Chicago Metalcraft may be the right fit for you.