Automation Controls Technician

Actalent

Winchester (VA)

On-site

USD 93,000 - 105,000

Full time

8 hours ago

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Benefits offered by this job

Paid holidays with premium pay on work

Floating holiday

Paid sick days

Monthly appointment allowance

Job summary

Actalent is seeking a skilled Controls Technician for a permanent onsite role in Winchester, VA. You will troubleshoot advanced automation, instrumentation, and control systems across high-speed production lines, lead updates and commissioning, and design robust control solutions while driving preventive maintenance and reliability initiatives.

The ideal candidate has extensive experience with Allen-Bradley PLCs (PLC-5), SCADA, and field instrumentation, plus strong leadership and training

Qualifications

Associates degree in Electrical Engineering Technology, Automation, Mechatronics, or related field.
Minimum 45 years of experience in industrial automation or controls within a manufacturing environment; 5+ years preferred, especially in food or high-speed packaging.
Strong knowledge of control panel design, layout, and troubleshooting.
Extensive hands-on experience with Allen-Bradley PLCs, including platforms such as PLC-5 and related systems.
Proficiency with Allen-Bradley VFDs and HMIs in a production environment.
Experience with PLC programming and troubleshooting in fast-paced manufacturing settings, including plastics or similar industries.
Strong troubleshooting skills in controls engineering, electrical systems, and automation platforms.
Hands-on experience with SCADA systems for monitoring and control.
Ability to read and interpret electrical, hydraulic, and pneumatic schematics accurately.
Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook for documentation, reporting, and communication.
Demonstrated capability to act as a technical leader and trainer within assigned plant areas or machine centers.

Responsibilities

Troubleshoot and resolve automation and control issues that affect production output, product quality, and employee safety.
Independently perform advanced troubleshooting on automation, instrumentation, and control systems for automated food processing, robotic, and material transfer systems.
Lead engineering updates, changes, testing, and commissioning of automation modifications for multiple high-speed production lines.
Design, implement, and recommend automation solutions for existing equipment and new production line projects.
Perform scheduled and condition-based preventive maintenance on automation and control systems to reduce failures and extend equipment life.
Document completed work in the CMMS through detailed maintenance work orders, and create and prioritize follow-up work as needed.
Research, recommend, and implement automation improvements to enhance equipment reliability, uptime, and overall performance.
Plan, lead, and execute automation preventive maintenance initiatives to minimize unplanned downtime and improve line efficiency.
Apply creative problem-solving and root cause analysis to identify systemic automation issues and implement long-term corrective actions.
Train, coach, and mentor operators, maintenance technicians, and peers on automation systems and procedures, with focus on packaging and high-speed equipment.
Lead and support special projects related to automation upgrades, retrofits, and new equipment installations.
Collaborate with peers and cross-functional partners to share technical expertise and standardize automation practices across the facility.
Conduct obsolescence assessments of control systems, identify high-risk components, and develop upgrade and replacement strategies.
Recommend automation spare parts and help manage critical automation inventory to ensure availability of key components.
Perform additional instrumentation and electrical duties as assigned to support plant operations and reliability.
Communicate effectively with production, maintenance, engineering, and leadership to coordinate work, resolve issues, and support continuous improvement initiatives.