Automation Controls Maintenance Specialist

ESPO Corporation; Waukegan (IL); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a dedicated Automation Controls Maintenance Specialist to enhance their production efficiency and safety standards. This role involves maintaining and troubleshooting automation systems, with a focus on PLC programming and mechanical maintenance. You will collaborate with engineering and production teams to optimize processes and ensure compliance with food safety regulations. Join a forward-thinking organization that values your expertise and offers a comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off. If you are passionate about automation and making a difference in the manufacturing sector, this opportunity is perfect for you.

Benefits

Medical Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

401k with Company Match

Paid Family Leave

Paid Holidays

Tuition Reimbursement

Employee Assistance Program

Qualifications

• 3+ years in Automation and Controls within manufacturing.
• Strong knowledge of control systems and instrumentation.

Responsibilities

• Maintain and troubleshoot automation systems for production lines.
• Collaborate with teams to optimize processes and implement improvements.

Skills

PLC Programming

Industrial Automation

Mechanical Maintenance

Electrical Maintenance

Problem-Solving

Communication Skills

Education

Automation or Mechatronics Degree

Equivalent Experience

Tools

Allen-Bradley PLCs

HMIs

SCADA Systems

VFDs

Job description

Automation Controls Maintenance Specialist

1 week ago Be among the first 25 applicants

This range is provided by ESPO Corporation. Your actual pay will be based on your skills and experience — talk with your recruiter to learn more.

Base pay range

$40.00/hr - $45.00/hr

Automation Controls Maintenance Specialist
Location: Gurnee area
Job Type and Duration: Direct Hire
Pay range: $40 - $45/hr (plus OT) - bonus eligible
Hours: 6:30am - 3pm (flexible)This key role will primarily be responsible for maintaining, troubleshooting, and enhancing our automation systems, control equipment, and instrumentation to ensure optimal production line performance. Your expertise in PLC programming, industrial automation, and system optimization will play a critical role in maximizing efficiency, reducing downtime, and maintaining high safety and quality standards in our food production processes.You will be doing about 30% PLC work, the other portion of the time will be spent doing mechanical / electrical maintenance on the machines.

Key Responsibilities:
• Maintenance & Troubleshooting: Perform routine maintenance and troubleshooting of control systems, automation equipment, and instrumentation to ensure continuous and reliable operation of production lines. Work with the maintenance team to diagnose and resolve technical issues quickly, minimizing production disruptions.
• System Optimization: Collaborate with engineering and production teams to identify opportunities for system improvements, process optimization, and automation enhancements. Implement changes to improve the' efficiency, consistency, and safety of food manufacturing processes.
• PLC Programming & Configuration: Develop, program, and configure PLC systems to automate food processing and packaging operations. To achieve maximum production efficiency, ensure seamless PLC integration with existing equipment, human-machine interfaces (HMIs), machinery, and systems.
• Preventive Maintenance: Execute and improve preventive maintenance programs for automation and control systems. Regularly inspect and calibrate systems to ensure they operate at peak performance and reduce the likelihood of unexpected failures.
• Documentation & Reporting: Maintain accurate records of maintenance activities, repairs, modifications, and upgrades to control systems and automation equipment. Provide detailed reports on system performance, identifying areas for improvement and recommending solutions to enhance operational efficiency.
• Safety & Compliance: Adhere to strict safety protocols, industry standards, and food safety regulations in the maintenance and operation of automated systems. Identify potential hazards in automation systems and implement corrective actions to ensure personnel safety and the integrity of food products.
• Training & Support: Provide operators and production staff with training and technical support on the proper use, troubleshooting, and maintenance of automation systems. Foster a culture of knowledge-sharing and continuous improvement within the team.
• Collaboration: Work closely with cross-functional teams, including engineering, quality assurance, and production, to ensure that automation systems meet the needs of the food manufacturing process and align with production goals.
• Continuous Improvement: Stay current with the latest industry trends, emerging technologies, and best practices in industrial automation and food processing. Proactively suggest and implement improvements to automation systems and processes.

Qualifications/Requirements:
• Automation, Mechatronics, or a related field or equivalent experience.
• Proven experience in automation controls, PLC programming, and industrial automation in a manufacturing environment, preferably in food production.
• Strong knowledge of control systems, instrumentation, and automation equipment (e.g., PLCs, HMIs, SCADA).
• Experience with preventive maintenance and troubleshooting in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Strong understanding of food safety standards and compliance requirements.
• Ability to analyze production data and system performance to identify opportunities for improvement.
• Excellent problem-solving, communication, and teamwork skills.
• Ability to work independently and handle multiple tasks efficiently.

Experience Requirements:
• 3+ years in an Automation and Controls role within a manufacturing environment.
•Experience with high-speed packaging lines and production equipment in food, chemical, or pharmaceutical industries.
•Expertise in PLC troubleshooting, and maintenance, particularly with Allen-Bradley PLCs.
• Strong understanding of industrial automation systems, including HMIs, VFDs, and motor control.
• Basic knowledge of electronics, electrical theory, and instrumentation (sensors, transmitters, actuators).
• Skilled in reading electrical and instrumentation schematics and technical manuals.
• Attention to detail and a commitment to high-quality work and safety protocols.

Our benefits program is designed to support our team in leading healthy, productive, and fulfilling lives. We deeply value the contributions of our team members and are committed to offering a competitive total compensation package. Additionally, we offer medical, prescription drug plans, dental, life insurance, short-term and long-term disability, vision insurance, flexible spending account, health savings account, tuition reimbursement, employee assistance program, voluntary benefits (hospital, critical illness, personal accident, legal & identify theft), 401k with company match, paid family leave, paid holidays and paid time off.


ESPO Corporation
www.espocorp.com
630-789-2525
View all open jobs at www.espocorp.com/jobs

Leaders in Technical Recruiting & Staffing since 1965
ESPO has a comprehensive benefit package which includes PTO, Group Health and Dental Insurance, 401k. etc after you have satisfied the necessary waiting periods.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and value the benefits of diversity in our workforce.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity and expression, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, or any other attribute or protected characteristic by law.

Seniority level

• Seniority level

  Mid-Senior level

Employment type

• Employment type

  Full-time

Job function

• Job function

  Engineering and Manufacturing

• Industries

  Automation Machinery Manufacturing and Machinery Manufacturing

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