Automation & Controls Technician: PLCs, Robotics & Vision

Grand Rapids Controls; Michigan; On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay

Long-term opportunities

Hands-on environment

Career growth

Job summary

Grand Rapids Controls is seeking an Automation / Controls Technician to maintain and optimize motion control systems on the shop floor. You’ll program, troubleshoot, and support PLCs, HMIs, robotics, and related equipment while working closely with engineering and operations.

You'll contribute to continuous improvement, safety, and reliability, with opportunities to advance your skills in automation technologies and integration across production lines.

Qualifications

• Technical degree or 10+ years hands-on experience in automation/controls.
• Journeyman or equivalent preferred.
• Strong experience with PLC programming and troubleshooting.
• Experience with electrical, hydraulic, and pneumatic systems.
• Experience with robotics integration and automation projects.

Responsibilities

• Program and troubleshoot PLC systems (Rockwell / Allen-Bradley).
• Integrate and support HMIs, servo motors/drives, vision systems, and robotics (Fanuc, Epson, Universal).
• Modify and improve PLC programs for production efficiency.
• Build and support electrical enclosures, wiring, and control systems.
• Research and recommend electrical components for new and existing equipment.
• Diagnose and repair electrical, mechanical, hydraulic, and pneumatic systems.
• Troubleshoot injection molding and diecast equipment (a plus).
• Disassemble, repair, and rebuild machinery as needed.
• Test equipment after repairs for safe, reliable operation.
• Identify root causes and implement long-term solutions.
• Assist with installation and startup of new automation equipment.
• Support new machine builds, BOMs, and launches with Engineering.
• Program and troubleshoot robotic systems using teach pendants and controllers.
• Connect power supplies, motors, transformers, and wiring systems.
• Partner with operators and leadership to solve problems quickly.
• Identify opportunities to improve equipment performance and reliability.
• Document repairs and changes clearly.

Skills

PLC programming

Troubleshooting

Electrical systems

Hydraulics & pneumatics

Automation & robotics integration

Schematic reading

Injection molding equipment (nice to)

Diagnostics programming on laptops

Teamwork

Education

Technical degree or 10+ years hands-on automation/controls

Job description

Grand Rapids Controls is seeking an Automation / Controls Technician to maintain and optimize motion control systems on the shop floor. You’ll program, troubleshoot, and support PLCs, HMIs, robotics, and related equipment while working closely with engineering and operations.

You'll contribute to continuous improvement, safety, and reliability, with opportunities to advance your skills in automation technologies and integration across production lines.