Automation Controls Technician - PLC & HMI Specialist

Yanfeng; Fountain Inn (SC); Hybrid; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Yanfeng International Automotive Technology Co. Ltd. seeks a Controls Technician to troubleshoot, maintain, and optimize PLC-based automation in our US manufacturing environment. You will work with engineering, maintenance, and production teams to minimize downtime and improve system performance.

The role emphasizes PLC programming, troubleshooting, and documentation of control changes, with responsibilities spanning electrical schematics, HMI systems, and networked controls.

Qualifications

• Technical School background in electrical engineering or similar field.
• 1–3 years of experience in electronic engineering, electrician or similar.
• 1–3 years of experience in the automotive industry.

Responsibilities

• Troubleshoot and diagnose PLC-controlled equipment and automation systems.
• Assist with PLC programs, testing and commissioning per standards.
• Support startup, debugging and optimization of automated equipment.
• Maintain backups of PLC programs and control configurations.
• Identify and resolve production issues to maximize uptime.
• Use electrical drawings and diagrams to diagnose faults.
• Verify operation of sensors, relays and safety circuits.
• Assist with electrical panel inspections and installations as needed.
• Support HMI systems and operator control stations.
• Improve operator interfaces for usability and efficiency.
• Support integration and troubleshooting of industrial networks.
• Document troubleshooting activities and system changes.
• Maintain electrical drawings and control documentation.

Skills

PLC troubleshooting

Electrical controls

Automation systems

HMI systems

Electrical schematics

Industrial networks

Education

Technical School

Electrical Engineering Technology or similar

Equivalent work experience

Tools

PLC programming tools

HMI software

Job description

Global. Collaborative. Innovative. Together, we will transform the automotive interiors industry. Together, we will redefine the ways people experience life onboard vehicles.

United States - SC - Fountain Inn

Job Description

Job Summary:

The Controls Technician is responsible for supporting, troubleshooting, and maintaining industrial control systems to ensure reliable and efficient operation of manufacturing equipment. This role focuses on PLC-based automation systems, electrical controls, and production support. The Controls Technician will work closely with engineering, maintenance, and production teams to improve system performance, minimize equipment downtime.

Essential functions of the job:

• Troubleshoot anddiagnose PLC-controlled manufacturing equipment and automation systems.
• Assist with PLC program modifications, testing, and commissioning under established programming standards.
• Support startup, debugging, and optimization of automated equipment.
• Maintain backups of PLC programs, HMI applications, and control system configurations.
• Identify and resolve controls-related production issues to maximize equipment uptime.
• Utilize electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, and technical documentation to diagnose faults.
• Verify proper operation of sensors, relays, contactors, VFDs, safety circuits, and other control devices.
• Assist with electrical panel inspections, modifications, and installations as required.
• Support Human Machine Interface (HMI) systems and operator control stations.
• Assist with improvements to operator interfaces to enhance usability and production efficiency.
• Support integration and troubleshooting of industrial networks and communication systems.
• Assist in identifying opportunities to improve machine reliability, performance, and process efficiency.
• Support implementation of automation and quality improvements.
• Document troubleshooting activities, system changes, and control system updates.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date electrical drawings and control documentation.
• Provide technical support to production, maintenance, and engineering teams.
• Follow all company safety policies and applicable electrical safety standards.
• Participate in equipment installations, upgrades,and automation projects.
• All other duties as assigned.
• Maintain current corporate programming standards.

Required Education/Qualifications:

• Technical School
• Electrical Engineering Technology or similar.
• *Equivalent work experience may also be considered for this position.
• 1 -3 Minimum Years of Experience in electronic engineer, electrician or similar.
• 1-3 Minimum Years of Experience within the automotive industry.

Physical Ability Requirements

• Stationary Position (Sitting or Standing): Frequently
• Movement (Walking): Frequently
• Carry Weight (Lifting up to 40 lbs): Occasionally
• Communication (Seeing/Talking/Hearing): Constantly
• Use Hands/Fingers (Operate computer, printer,phone): Frequently

Language Required and Preferred

English (Fluency with Reading, Writing, Speaking)

CSPIRIT – the shared values of our global team

Our culture is shaped by the shared values of our global team. We may come from different parts of the world and speak a variety of languages, but we are united in our work and shared values, known asCSPIRIT.