Automation Controls Technician

NorthPoint Search Group; Gainesville (GA); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) with company match

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

Earned paid time off

10 paid company holidays annually

Performance-based merit increases

Annual bonus opportunity

Job summary

NorthPoint Search Group seeks a hands-on Controls Technician to install, troubleshoot, maintain, and optimize PLC-based automation across a fast-paced Georgia manufacturing facility.

The role emphasizes ladder logic development, HMI and networked control systems, and collaboration with Engineering, Maintenance, and Production teams to improve equipment reliability, safety, and product quality.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Proficiency in PLC programming, troubleshooting, and industrial automation systems.
• Strong electrical and controls troubleshooting skills within a manufacturing environment.
• Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, and control panel documentation.
• Understanding of manufacturing processes, equipment integration, quality systems, and continuous improvement principles.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities in a fast-paced production environment.

Responsibilities

• Install, program, troubleshoot, and maintain PLC-based automation systems supporting manufacturing operations.
• Develop, modify, and optimize PLC control logic, including ladder logic, tags, HMIs, and networked control systems.
• Support Allen‑Bradley/Rockwell Automation platforms and related industrial control technologies.
• Assist with commissioning, startup, and integration of new equipment, production lines, and automation improvements.
• Troubleshoot electrical, PLC, HMI, VFD, servo, sensor, safety control, and industrial communication issues.
• Perform root cause analysis on equipment and controls failures and implement corrective actions to reduce recurring downtime.
• Support preventive and predictive maintenance activities for automated production equipment.
• Integrate and maintain computer vision inspection systems used for automated inspection, process verification, and error‑proofing.
• Interface vision technologies with PLCs, HMIs, and manufacturing equipment.
• Support robotics, sensing, industrial connectivity, and other emerging manufacturing automation technologies.
• Develop controls improvements that enhance safety, quality, throughput, equipment reliability, and manufacturing efficiency.
• Use production data and operational metrics to identify opportunities for process improvement and waste reduction.
• Maintain electrical schematics, control system documentation, PLC program backups, and operating procedures.
• Provide technical support and training to Maintenance, Engineering, and Production personnel.
• Ensure automation and controls activities comply with applicable electrical, machine safety, quality, and facility requirements.

Skills

PLC programming

Troubleshooting

Industrial automation

Electrical control

Electrical schematics

Team collaboration

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

Allen-Bradley/Rockwell PLCs

HMIs

VFDs

Industrial networks

Vision systems

Robotics

Job description

NorthPoint Search Group seeks a hands-on Controls Technician to install, troubleshoot, maintain, and optimize PLC-based automation across a fast-paced Georgia manufacturing facility.

The role emphasizes ladder logic development, HMI and networked control systems, and collaboration with Engineering, Maintenance, and Production teams to improve equipment reliability, safety, and product quality.