Automation Control Technician

Aerotek; United States; On-site; USD 41,000 - 52,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental & vision

401(k) Retirement Plan

PTO / Paid time off

Job summary

Aerotek is seeking an Automation Control Technician for an onsite McGregor, TX assignment in a dynamic aerospace test setting. You will install, wire, and maintain complex automation and data acquisition systems, support PLCs, and ensure reliable operation of launch instrumentation and power distribution equipment.

Required are hands-on skills with wiring, PLCs, DAQ, and NI/Studio 5000, plus experience with robotics and electrical drawings.

Qualifications

• Associate degree in aerospace technology or another technical field.
• 2+ years with instrumentation (pressure transducers, thermocouples, valves, flow meters, multimeters, oscilloscopes).
• 2+ years with launch site instrumentation.
• Experience with PLC-based control systems, PLC programming, and troubleshooting.
• Experience with DAQ programming and NI-based systems.
• Experience with Studio 5000 and Siemens PLCs.
• Experience with ISO 9000, IPC-620, IPC-610 standards.
• Quality inspection with harnessing and cables.
• Ability to read blueprints and electrical drawings.
• Ability to design and fabricate simple electrical circuits.

Responsibilities

• Install and terminate wiring to pad instrumentation and data acquisition systems.
• Install connectors, terminals, and lugs.
• Install and modify electrical conduits and cable trays.
• Build and terminate cable assemblies and trunking.
• Troubleshoot AC power distribution up to 480VAC.
• Maintain PLC-based manufacturing hardware and DAQ systems.
• Fabricate structures for electrical distribution equipment.
• Ensure safety and compliance in a demanding aerospace environment.

Skills

Electrical wiring

PLC troubleshooting

DAQ programming

Reading schematics

Control panel wiring

Robotics integration

Microsoft Office

Safety compliance

Education

Associate degree in aerospace technology

Tools

AutoCAD

Studio 5000

Siemens PLCs

Job description

Job Title: Automation Control Technician

Job Description

This role focuses on installing, wiring, and maintaining complex automation, control, and data acquisition systems in a dynamic aerospace test environment. The Automation Control Technician builds and troubleshoots intricate electrical and instrumentation assemblies, supports PLC-based manufacturing hardware, and ensures reliable operation of launch site instrumentation and power distribution equipment. The position requires strong hands‑on technical skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work safely in demanding conditions.

Responsibilities

• Install and terminate wiring to pad instrumentation and data acquisition systems
• Install connectors, connector pins, terminals, and lugs
• Install and modify electrical conveyances, including but not limited to conduit and cable tray
• Install cable and cable assemblies
• Build intricate and complex cable assemblies using Mil-C connectors and contacts
• Troubleshoot AC power distribution equipment up to 480VAC
• Build and terminate AC power equipment up to 480VAC
• Build, terminate, troubleshoot, and maintain PLC-based manufacturing hardware
• Fabricate support structures, enclosures, and conveyances for electrical distribution equipment

Essential Skills

• Associate degree in aerospace technology or another technical field.
• 2+ years of experience working with instrumentation such as pressure transducers, thermocouples, valves, flow meters, multimeters, or oscilloscopes.
• 2+ years of professional, hands‑on experience working with launch site instrumentation.
• Experience working with PLC‑based control systems, including PLC programming and troubleshooting.
• Experience with data acquisition (DAQ) programming.
• Experience with NI‑based systems and Studio 5000.
• Experience with Siemens PLCs.
• Experience with ISO 9000, IPC‑620, and IPC‑610 standards.
• Quality inspection experience with harnessing and cables.
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints, schematics, and electrical drawings.
• Understanding of basic direct current (DC) electrical theory.
• Ability to design and fabricate simple electrical circuits.
• Proficiency in control panel building, panel wiring, and control panel integration.
• Experience with robotics, controls engineering, and automation systems.
• Experience with HMI interfaces and PLC troubleshooting.
• Experience with pneumatics and related control systems.
• Basic knowledge of Microsoft Office applications, including Excel, Word, and Outlook.
• Proficiency with power tools such as hand drills, grinders, band saws, vacuums, and impact drivers.
• Proficiency with hand tools such as wire strippers, screwdrivers, flush cuts, wrenches, and similar tools.
• Ability to perform quality assurance and QC tasks related to electrical and control systems.
• General physical fitness with the ability to work in tight quarters and maintain physical dexterity.
• Ability to lift objects up to 25 lbs unassisted.
• Ability to work at elevated heights up to 300 ft with proper personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Ability and willingness to work in extreme environments, including heat, cold, rain, fumes, odors, and noise.
• Willingness to work extended hours and weekends, as needed, to support operations.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience with AutoCAD or similar design tools for interpreting or documenting electrical layouts.
• Experience in design and integration of robotics and automation systems.
• Experience in developing and documenting technical procedures and work instructions.
• Exposure to quality assurance and QC methodologies within a manufacturing or test environment.
• Strong troubleshooting skills for complex control, instrumentation, and electrical systems.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast‑paced, test‑focused aerospace environment.
• Strong communication skills for collaborating with engineers, technicians, and support personnel.
• Detail‑oriented mindset with a focus on safety, reliability, and compliance with standards.

Why Work Here?

You will join a fast‑paced aerospace test environment where your work directly supports real‑world missions and cutting‑edge propulsion technology. The culture emphasizes safety, teamwork, and continuous innovation, giving you the chance to build highly specialized skills while contributing to meaningful projects. You benefit from a strong safety culture, structured training, and a team‑oriented atmosphere that values communication, respect, and problem solving. The role offers competitive compensation, consistent overtime opportunities, and the chance to gain career‑defining experience with advanced aerospace systems. You also have access to a broader career support network that provides coaching, training, and long‑term placement assistance, helping you grow your career in the aerospace industry.

Work Environment

The role is based in an indoor and outdoor aerospace test environment that supports engine testing, propulsion systems, and related operations. Work takes place in both shop and field settings, including tight quarters and elevated structures up to 300 ft, with appropriate PPE provided. Conditions can include exposure to heat, cold, rain, fumes, odors, and high noise levels. The position involves extensive hands‑on work with electrical distribution equipment, control panels, PLCs, DAQ systems, instrumentation, and fabrication tools. You will use a variety of hand and power tools, including drills, grinders, band saws, vacuums, impact drivers, wire strippers, screwdrivers, and wrenches. The typical schedule is a day shift, approximately 6:30 AM to 4:30 PM, with additional hours and weekends as needed to support testing and operational demands. The environment is highly safety‑focused, with rigorous procedures and training to ensure safe work around test operations and hazardous conditions

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of McGregor, TX.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $30.00 - $38.00/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your jobclassification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may besubject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefitsavailable 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 McGregor,TX.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 21, 2026.

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

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.