Controls / Automation Technician

Controls / Automation Technician

Location: McElhattan, PA

Employment Type: Full-Time, Direct Hire 

Shift: Night Shift | 7:00 PM – 7:00 AM | 2‑2‑3 Schedule 

Pay: $30.00 – $35.00 per hour + $1.50/hr shift differential

Role Overview

The Controls / Automation Technician supports production and utility equipment by troubleshooting, maintaining, and optimizing electrical and automation systems. This role is essential to ensuring safe operation, high equipment reliability, and consistent line performance in a fast‑paced manufacturing environment. Ideal candidates are hands‑on technicians with strong electrical aptitude and experience working with PLCs, HMIs, drives, and industrial automation hardware.

Key Responsibilities

Safety & Compliance

• Follow all OSHA and company safety standards, including proper PPE usage.
• Identify, report, and correct electrical hazards promptly.
• Demonstrate working knowledge of the National Electrical Code (NEC).
• Maintain housekeeping and safe work practices at all times.

Controls & Electrical Systems

• Industrial sensors — Troubleshoot, repair, replace, and calibrate photoelectric, inductive, capacitive, magnetic, pressure, temperature, weight, and position sensors.
• Electrical control devices — Diagnose and commission AC/DC drives, servo controllers, motors, breakers, contactors, solenoids, power supplies, and indicator lights.
• PLC/HMI hardware — Troubleshoot and commission PLC processors, discrete/analog I/O, power supplies, network adapters, distributed I/O, and operator interfaces (PanelView, PC‑based HMIs, FactoryTalk View).

Automation & Diagnostics

• Connect laptops to PLCs, HMIs, and servo systems for diagnostics and troubleshooting.
• Use electrical schematics, meters, oscilloscopes, and other diagnostic tools.
• Make minor PLC logic, HMI, and servo program changes (with guidance).
• Perform wiring and programming adjustments on production equipment as needed.

Maintenance & Continuous Support

• Perform scheduled electrical preventive maintenance.
• Support Production, Maintenance, Process, and Project Engineers with daily priorities.
• Assist with equipment installations, upgrades, and improvement projects.
• Share technical knowledge and best practices with teammates.
• Participate in company-provided training.
• Maintain a clean, organized work area.

Education & Experience Requirements

• Associate's degree in Electronics or equivalent (Required)
• 3+ years of industrial experience
• Proficiency with personal computers, including:
  • Controls programming software
  • Email, word processing, and spreadsheet applications
• Strong working knowledge of electrical theory and industrial control principles
• Understanding of controller-based hardware/software systems
• Familiarity with product specifications, quality requirements, production goals, efficiency, and waste reduction
• Strong communication, analytical, and troubleshooting skills

Additional Required & Preferred Abilities

• Operate production equipment with guidance when needed
• Make quick, accurate electrical repairs and minor program changes
• Work effectively in a team-oriented environment with strong collaboration skills