Industrial Automation Controls Specialist

Job Description

Job Description

Industrial Automation Controls Specialist

Picture your morning: you arrive at 6:55 AM, coffee in hand. By 7:00 AM your plant networks, PLCs, and HMIs are on your screen. A packaging line is signaling a fault—within minutes you’ve traced it to a VFD parameter, implemented a logic tweak, and production is back at rate. That blend of deep technical skill, calm leadership, and continuous improvement mindset is exactly what we count on you for—every day.

Available Shift: 7:00am–3:30pm (Monday–Friday) *On call as needed

• Serve as the site’s SME for plant controls: PLCs, VFDs, HMIs, and industrial networks (e.g., Ethernet/IP).
• Act as the primary escalation point for complex electrical and automation issues across integrated production systems.
• Diagnose and resolve PLC-controlled equipment problems; read, interpret, and modify control logic to improve reliability and reduce downtime.
• Lead root cause investigations for recurring/critical failures and implement permanent corrective actions.
• Provide day-to-day direction to maintenance staff; offer technical guidance to technicians, electromechanics, and operations.
• Participate in interviewing and selection of maintenance employees; your recommendations carry weight in hiring outcomes.
• Own controls integration on capital projects, from commissioning through startup validation.
• Develop and maintain electrical drawings, control documentation, PLC backups, and version control.
• Identify and drive automation improvements that elevate uptime, throughput, and system robustness.
• Champion safety, including electrical safety practices and strict LOTO adherence.
• Collaborate closely with Engineering, Continuous Improvement, and Operations to align controls strategy with production goals.
• Coach, train, and elevate the electrical/controls capabilities of the maintenance team; promote accountability and ownership.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• High School Diploma or GED.
• Associate or bachelor’s in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, Industrial Technology, or related field (or equivalent experience).
• 3–5 years in industrial maintenance with a strong controls/automation emphasis.
• Proven PLC troubleshooting/programming experience; strong background with 480V systems, VFDs, and motor controls.
• Skilled at reading electrical schematics and performing system-level diagnostics; works independently with limited supervision.
• PLC certification ( Allen‑Bradley, Siemens, or equivalent ).
• Technical degree in Electrical, Mechatronics, or related field (or equivalent experience).
• Experience with industrial networks (Ethernet/IP, DeviceNet), HMI configuration, and CMMS (e.g., SAP).

• Advanced analytical and troubleshooting mindset.
• Deep knowledge of industrial automation architectures.
• Ability to juggle multiple priorities in a fast-moving environment.
• Clear communicator and effective cross-functional partner.
• Sound technical judgment and decisive decision-making.

• Standing, walking, bending, and climbing for extended periods.
• Lift/carry up to 50 lbs.
• Comfort working around noise, heat, and moving equipment in a manufacturing setting.

This is a specialized technical position accountable for configuring, optimizing, and safeguarding plant automation systems. Unlike broad maintenance roles, you exercise independent technical judgment, function as a technical authority and extension of management, and directly influence safety systems, production performance, and overall operational efficiency—including independent judgment on operational and personnel matters.

Novolex is a leading manufacturer of food, beverage, and specialty packaging for foodservice, delivery and carryout, processing, grocery, retail, and industrial markets. Our expertise spans resin, paper, molded fiber, aluminum, and more—delivering 120 product categories, 250 brands, and 39,000+ SKUs, both stock and custom.

Our sustainability vision rests on three pillars—products, operations, and people—guiding ambitious goals and wide-ranging initiatives that shape how we design, source, manufacture, and grow.

We put safety first and invest in well-being with competitive medical, dental, and vision coverage plus resources supporting mental, physical, and financial health. Programs may vary by location.

Advance with us: access skills development, MyLearning courses, industry curricula, tuition reimbursement (Non‑Union), and an LMS that supports growth at every level.

We give back through our Focused Giving Program, prioritizing sustainability initiatives and efforts addressing food and hunger needs, along with facility-level support for local activities.

Non‑Bargaining Unit Position. This role sits outside the bargaining unit due to advanced PLC/automation specialization, authority to modify and control production systems, independent decision-making, and functional leadership in technical problem solving.

Text to apply:

• 928-668-6539 (928‑NOVOLEX)

Novolex is committed to providing equal employment opportunity in all employment practices, including but not limited to selection, hiring, promotion, transfer, and compensation to all qualified applicants and employees without regard to age, race, color, national origin, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, handicap or disability, genetics, citizenship status, service member or veteran status, or any other category protected by federal, state, or local law. Any individual who, because of his or her disability, needs an accommodation in connection with an aspect of the Company's application process should contact View email address on ziprecruiter.com.