Controls Technician

Job Description

Title : Controls Technician
Location : Rockford, IL
Hire Type : Contract
Shift : Night shift, rotating scheduling (2,2,3)
Compensation : $32-38/hr
Benefits : As a contract employee of Sterling, you are eligible to receive a Full Employee Benefits Package that includes paid time off, paid holidays, 3 medical plans to choose from, dental & vision plans, 401(k), and an Employee Stock Ownership (ESOP) plan.
Must have Skill Set :

• Industrial electrical maintenance in a manufacturing environment
• PLC troubleshooting (Allen-Bradley/Rockwell preferred)
• Experience with VFDs, servo systems, and automated production equipment
• Preventive maintenance and electrical troubleshooting of high-speed manufacturing equipment

Overview:
A leading global manufacturing company is seeking an experienced Industrial Electrician to support the maintenance and reliability of high-speed production and packaging equipment. This position is responsible for troubleshooting, repairing, and maintaining electrical and automation systems while supporting preventive maintenance initiatives, equipment reliability, and continuous improvement efforts in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.


Job Duties:

• Perform preventive maintenance, troubleshooting, and repairs on high-speed manufacturing, packaging, and automated production equipment.
• Diagnose and repair electrical systems, PLC-controlled equipment, VFDs, servo drives, and related automation components.
• Install, test, and maintain production machinery and provide basic mechanical repairs as needed.
• Utilize maintenance management software to document completed work, repairs, and preventive maintenance activities.
• Support production by providing technical expertise and assisting with equipment-related issues to minimize downtime.
• Follow all safety, food manufacturing, and regulatory requirements, including GMPs, LOTO, Arc Flash, and environmental procedures.
• Participate in continuous improvement initiatives to enhance equipment performance, reliability, and efficiency.
• Train and support maintenance and production personnel on equipment operation and best maintenance practices.

Qualifications:

• High school diploma or GED preferred.
• Previous industrial electrical maintenance experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Experience troubleshooting automated production equipment and electrical control systems.
• Ability to read electrical schematics, technical manuals, and maintenance documentation.
• Familiarity with PLC troubleshooting, variable frequency drives (VFDs), and industrial automation systems.
• Strong mechanical aptitude with the ability to perform basic mechanical repairs.
• Comfortable working with 24VDC control circuits and 480VAC industrial power systems.
• Willingness to work overtime as needed and maintain a rotating 12-hour shift schedule.
• Strong troubleshooting, analytical, and communication skills.
• Ability to work safely while wearing required personal protective equipment and perform the physical requirements of the role, including lifting up to 50 pounds.

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.

Meet Your Recruiter

Alicia Alexander
Technical Recruiter & Team Mentor

Alicia Alexander is a Technical Recruiter and Team Mentor at Sterling Engineering with four years of recruiting experience and nearly three years with Sterling. She specializes in engineering, manufacturing, and technical recruiting, supporting roles across maintenance, reliability, operations, engineering, and industrial environments, including food and life sciences.

Alicia is passionate about helping people find careers where they feel genuinely happy, supported, and positioned for long-term growth. She enjoys building meaningful relationships with candidates, helping them take the next step in their careers, and supporting companies as they build strong, high-performing teams.

With a background in psychology and human resources from North Central College, Alicia brings a people-focused approach to recruiting. Her understanding of relationship building, communication, and candidate motivation helps her create successful matches between talent and opportunity.

Alicia is known for developing strong partnerships with both candidates and hiring managers, with a focus on creating long-term placements that benefit both the individual and the organization.

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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.

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