Controls Automation Technician

South Bend, Indiana (On-Site Only - No Remote Option)

$75,000 to $95,000 + Bonus + Comprehensive Benefits: Medical, Rx, Dental, Disability, Life Insurance, Flexible Spending Accounts, Retirement Savings Plan, Education Assistance, and Parental Leave. (Benefits start on day one.)

Position Summary

The Controls Automation Technician plays a critical, hands-on role in ensuring the continuous operation and reliability of the plant's electrical equipment and industrial control systems. This role focuses heavily on troubleshooting, configuration, and minor programming changes within PLC and HMI-based systems in a fast-paced manufacturing and production environment.

Schedule

• Shift: Second Shift

• Hours: Monday through Friday, 3:00 PM - 11:00 PM

• Overtime: Saturdays are posted as needed.

Key Responsibilities

• Troubleshooting: Provide primary support for diagnosing and resolving issues with PLC-based control systems and plant electrical equipment.

• System Maintenance/Modification: Perform PLC and HMI/operator interface configurations and low-level program changes (e.g., adding/changing alarms, timers, minor program adjustments).

• Installation/Start-Up: Assist with the installation, start-up, and commissioning of new facility electrical equipment and control systems.

• Standardization & Improvement: Collaborate with operating and maintenance departments to select and standardize equipment, software, and interfaces to enhance control system reliability.

• Documentation & Communication: Create written documentation of significant control system changes and effectively communicate these updates to all maintenance shifts.

• Support & Coordination: Communicate complex problems to other technicians and Plant Maintenance Management and contact equipment suppliers for technical support when necessary.

• General Maintenance: Must be comfortable completing general maintenance tasks as required alongside core controls duties.

Required Qualifications

• Education: High school diploma or GED.

• Experience: Minimum of 2+ years of hands-on experience working with PLCs.

• Technical Skills: Knowledge of Microsoft Windows operating system, PC/software configurations, and the interface between PLC software and computer operating systems.

• Assessment: Must be able to pass required written and hands-on technical assessments.

Preferred Skills and Experience (A Strong Plus)

• Experience Level: 2-5 years of industrial maintenance experience.

• Education: Associate degree in an electrical/electronic technology field.

• Automation Expertise: Prior knowledge working in a controls automation environment, including programming/navigating and troubleshooting PLC control systems.

• Specific Controls Knowledge: Experience with Allen Bradley PLC-5, SLC-500, ControLogix, and Panelview Plus.

• Communication Protocols: Familiarity with industrial control communication protocols (e.g., ControlNet, Ethernet, DH+, Remote I/O, DeviceNet).

• Industrial Systems: Working knowledge of hydraulics, pneumatics, and combustion control systems.