Controls Technician

Controls Technician

Job Description

The Controls Technician supports the troubleshooting, maintenance, and optimization of automated manufacturing equipment in a fast-paced production environment. In this role, you diagnose and repair PLC-controlled equipment, support electrical and automation systems, perform preventive maintenance, and assist with continuous improvement initiatives. You collaborate closely with maintenance, engineering, and operations teams to maximize equipment uptime, improve reliability, and enhance overall plant productivity while maintaining strict compliance with all safety standards and procedures.

Responsibilities

• Diagnose, troubleshoot, and repair PLC-controlled equipment to ensure reliable operation of automated production and packaging lines.

• Perform PLC troubleshooting on Allen-Bradley and Siemens platforms, including reviewing ladder logic, fault codes, and system alarms to identify root causes of equipment issues.

• Support PLC and HMI programming activities to optimize machine performance, modify existing logic, and implement control changes as needed.

• Troubleshoot and repair industrial electrical systems using electrical schematics, including control panels, sensors, motors, and power distribution components.

• Maintain and support HMI systems, variable frequency drives (VFDs), servo motors, and related industrial automation hardware.

• Perform preventive maintenance on automated equipment, following established PM schedules and documenting activities in CMMS systems.

• Troubleshoot automated equipment such as conveyors, packaging machinery, palletizers, filling systems, and integrated production lines to minimize downtime.

• Support commissioning and startup of new equipment and automation upgrades, ensuring proper integration with existing controls and systems.

• Work with instrumentation and industrial controls to maintain accurate and reliable process measurements and control loops.

• Identify and address issues related to pneumatic and hydraulic systems, including valves, actuators, cylinders, and power units.

• Collaborate with maintenance, engineering, and operations teams to prioritize work, coordinate repairs, and communicate equipment status.

• Participate in continuous improvement, reliability, and downtime reduction initiatives by providing technical input and implementing corrective actions.

• Use CMMS systems to record work orders, track maintenance activities, and support asset management and reliability programs.

• Support production operations during equipment changeovers, shutdowns, and planned maintenance events to ensure safe and efficient execution.

• Adhere to all plant safety standards, procedures, and food-grade manufacturing requirements while working with electrical, mechanical, pneumatic, and automated systems.

Essential Skills

• Strong experience with PLC troubleshooting, including Allen-Bradley and Siemens PLC platforms.

• Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics and apply industrial electrical troubleshooting techniques.

• Hands-on experience with ladder logic, HMI systems, and industrial automation controls.

• Proficiency in troubleshooting automated equipment such as conveyors, packaging equipment, palletizers, filling systems, and high-speed production lines.

• Working knowledge of variable frequency drives (VFDs), servo motors, and industrial networking concepts.

• Experience using CMMS systems and participating in preventive maintenance programs.

• Knowledge of pneumatic and hydraulic systems and their application in industrial machinery.

• Demonstrated ability to support continuous improvement, reliability, and downtime reduction initiatives in a manufacturing environment.

• Strong communication skills and ability to work effectively with operations, maintenance, and engineering teams.

• Ability to work independently and make sound technical decisions in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Associate degree or Technical Certification in Industrial Automation, Electrical Technology, Mechatronics, or a related field preferred.

• Experience in beverage, food manufacturing, packaging, or other high-speed manufacturing environments preferred.

• Experience supporting CompactLogix or similar PLC platforms preferred.

• Familiarity with aseptic processes, food manufacturing, and beverage manufacturing standards is beneficial.

• Background in industrial maintenance and commissioning of automated equipment is an advantage.

Work Environment

This role operates within an industrial manufacturing environment that supports automated production and packaging equipment. The facility is very clean, well-maintained, and highly organized, with climate-controlled production areas and a strong emphasis on housekeeping and food-grade manufacturing standards. You will be exposed to electrical, mechanical, pneumatic, hydraulic, and automated systems on a daily basis and will perform work that requires standing, walking, climbing, and lifting throughout the workday. The culture is collaborative, with close interaction among maintenance, engineering, and operations teams, and the role actively supports production operations, equipment shutdowns, and continuous improvement projects. Team members benefit from comprehensive healthcare options, a 401(k) program with a match up to 6%, employee stock purchase opportunities, flexible hours, and an annual Christmas shutdown. The site is a flagship manufacturing facility undergoing significant capital investment and modernization, offering exposure to new automation technologies, equipment upgrades, and long-term growth initiatives.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Byesville, OH.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $35.00 - $45.00/hr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

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)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Byesville,OH.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Oct 2, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

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

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email View email address on click.appcast.io for other accommodation options.

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.