1039 - Controls Technician 3rd

Drive; Charlotte (MI); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Drive is seeking a Controls Technician to troubleshoot, maintain, and improve electrical control systems and automated manufacturing equipment on the production floor. You will work closely with maintenance, engineering, and production teams to minimize downtime and boost equipment reliability.

The role requires hands-on problem solving, interpretation of schematics, and experience with PLCs, HMIs, sensors, relays, drives, and robotic systems. Shift work and safety compliance are expected.

Qualifications

• Technical diploma, certificate, or equivalent experience in industrial automation, electrical technology, mechatronics, or a related field.
• Experience troubleshooting industrial electrical and automated manufacturing systems.
• Working knowledge of PLCs, HMIs, industrial controls, sensors, and electrical circuits.
• Familiarity with Allen-Bradley/Rockwell Automation systems and industrial robotics is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Troubleshoot, diagnose, and repair PLCs, electrical control systems, sensors, relays, motors, drives, and other automation components.
• Maintain and troubleshoot injection molding machines, robotic systems, conveyors, automated assembly equipment, and auxiliary machinery.
• Diagnose machine faults, electrical failures, communication issues, and automation-related production interruptions.
• Read and interpret electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, control-panel drawings, and equipment manuals.
• Troubleshoot and modify PLC programs and HMI interfaces as authorized and required.
• Support industrial robots, vision inspection systems, safety circuits, variable frequency drives (VFDs), and servo systems.
• Perform preventive maintenance and equipment inspections to reduce unplanned downtime.
• Assist with installation, setup, commissioning, and startup of new or upgraded production equipment.
• Work with maintenance, engineering, and production personnel to identify root causes and implement permanent corrective actions.
• Maintain accurate records of repairs, machine faults, program changes, and preventive maintenance activities.
• Follow electrical safety procedures, lockout/tagout (LOTO) requirements, and applicable workplace safety standards.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives to improve equipment reliability, cycle times, product quality, and production efficiency.

Skills

Industrial automation

Electrical systems

PLC/HMI

Robotics

Education

Technical diploma in automation

Job description

Job Title: Controls Technician

Department: Engineering

Reports To: Engineering Manager

Job Summary

The Controls Technician is responsible for troubleshooting, maintaining, repairing, and improving electrical control systems and automated manufacturing equipment to support safe, efficient, and reliable production. This position works closely with maintenance, engineering, and production teams to minimize downtime, improve equipment performance, and maintain product quality.

Key Responsibilities

• Troubleshoot, diagnose, and repair PLCs, electrical control systems, sensors, relays, motors, drives, and other automation components.
• Maintain and troubleshoot injection molding machines, robotic systems, conveyors, automated assembly equipment, and auxiliary machinery.
• Diagnose machine faults, electrical failures, communication issues, and automation-related production interruptions.
• Read and interpret electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, control-panel drawings, and equipment manuals.
• Troubleshoot and modify PLC programs and HMI interfaces as authorized and required.
• Support industrial robots, vision inspection systems, safety circuits, variable frequency drives (VFDs), and servo systems.
• Perform preventive maintenance and equipment inspections to reduce unplanned downtime.
• Assist with installation, setup, commissioning, and startup of new or upgraded production equipment.
• Work with maintenance, engineering, and production personnel to identify root causes and implement permanent corrective actions.
• Maintain accurate records of repairs, machine faults, program changes, and preventive maintenance activities.
• Follow electrical safety procedures, lockout/tagout (LOTO) requirements, and applicable workplace safety standards.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives to improve equipment reliability, cycle times, product quality, and production efficiency.

Qualifications and Skills

• Technical diploma, certificate, or equivalent experience in industrial automation, electrical technology, mechatronics, or a related field.
• Experience troubleshooting industrial electrical and automated manufacturing systems.
• Working knowledge of PLCs, HMIs, industrial controls, sensors, and electrical circuits.
• Familiarity with Allen-Bradley/Rockwell Automation systems and industrial robotics is preferred.
• Knowledge of hydraulic and pneumatic systems.
• Ability to interpret electrical schematics and technical documentation.
• Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and problem-solving skills.
• Experience in plastics injection molding or automotive manufacturing is an asset.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced production environment.
• Commitment to workplace safety, quality standards, and reliable equipment operation.

Performance Expectations

The Controls Technician is expected to help achieve the following objectives:

• Minimize equipment downtime and production interruptions.
• Maintain reliable operation of control systems and automated equipment.
• Support consistent product quality and production targets.
• Complete maintenance and troubleshooting tasks safely and efficiently.
• Contribute to equipment improvements and preventive maintenance programs.

Work Environment

This position is based on the manufacturing floor and may involve exposure to operating injection molding machines, robotics, electrical control panels, and industrial equipment. The role may require shift coverage, overtime, and responding to urgent equipment breakdowns, depending on plant requirements.