Automation Controls Technician: PLC & HMI Expert

Actalent; Oxford (NC); On-site; USD 54,000 - 59,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental & vision

401(k) Retirement Plan

Transportation benefits

Time Off

Job summary

Actalent is seeking a Controls Automation Technician in Oxford, NC to design, program, document, install and maintain electrical control systems and automation equipment in a manufacturing environment. You will partner with Manufacturing and Product Engineering to drive improvements and safety initiatives.

The role emphasizes ownership of PLC/HMI projects from concept through deployment, with a focus on reliability and productivity improvements and cross-functional collaboration.

Qualifications

• Hands-on automation and PLC programming in manufacturing.
• Proficient in PLC ladder logic for industrial control.
• Ability to design, program, and troubleshoot HMI systems.
• Experience documenting electro-mechanical designs and interfaces.
• Familiarity with ISO 9001 quality systems and procedures.
• Strong communication and teamwork across cross-functional teams.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, program, document, install, troubleshoot, and maintain electrical control systems, PLCs, HMI interfaces, and electro-mechanical automation equipment that support manufacturing operations.
• Create electro-mechanical interfaces in cooperation with Manufacturing Engineers and Design Engineers to meet safety, quality, and productivity requirements.
• Specify controls, interfaces, and electro-mechanical devices with emphasis on standardization, balancing reliability and cost.
• Document system designs using AutoCAD or similar engineering design software to capture layouts accurately.
• Develop and load PLC and PC programs; ensure compliance with regulatory standards.
• Identify, recommend, and implement changes to improve safety, quality, and manufacturing productivity.
• Develop operating procedures and instructions per ISO 9001.
• Troubleshoot and diagnose system failures; repair equipment and implement improvements.
• Maintain spare components inventory to minimize downtime; participate in ROI analyses for upgrades.
• Collaborate to implement process improvements and drive automation across the facility.
• Own PLC, HMI, and machine control projects from concept to deployment; lead productivity improvements.
• Influence equipment upgrades and capital investments with data-driven recommendations.
• Serve as SME on controls and automation, supporting cross-functional teams.

Skills

Automation experience

PLC programming

HMI development

Electrical control systems

AutoCAD documentation

PC skills

Communication skills

Problem solving

Education

Two-year degree or 6 years experience

Tools

AutoCAD

Job description

Actalent is seeking a Controls Automation Technician in Oxford, NC to design, program, document, install and maintain electrical control systems and automation equipment in a manufacturing environment. You will partner with Manufacturing and Product Engineering to drive improvements and safety initiatives.

The role emphasizes ownership of PLC/HMI projects from concept through deployment, with a focus on reliability and productivity improvements and cross-functional collaboration.