Automation Maintenance Specialist — PLCs, VFDs & Industrial Networks

ZRG Partners, LLC; Troy (OH); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

ZRG Partners, LLC seeks an experienced maintenance professional to upgrade legacy assets and install new lines in a manufacturing setting. You’ll engineer electrical distribution, land power feeds, and calibrate automation hardware to ensure processes stay in spec.

You will diagnose transformers, motors, drives, and wiring, replacing components as needed while collaborating with peers to test and isolate issues. Strong PLC and electrical troubleshooting are essential.

Qualifications

• Associate’s degree in electrical engineering or related field; equivalent experience considered.
• 3–5 years of maintenance in a manufacturing setting across mechanical, electrical, hydraulic, pneumatic, and PLC-controlled equipment.
• 3+ years designing, developing, and maintaining control systems; experience with legacy equipment is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Engineer and install electrical distribution and conduit for new equipment installs.
• Calibrate and operate automation hardware to bring processes into spec.
• Diagnose and correct failures in transformers, motors, drives, and lighting systems.
• Integrate machines by landing power feeds and running inter-machine cables.
• Design wiring layouts and install conduit and electrical apparatus within buildings.
• Collaborate with maintenance team to test machines and isolate malfunctions.

Skills

PLC troubleshooting

Electrical troubleshooting

Mechanical troubleshooting

Pneumatics troubleshooting

AC/DC drives

Blueprints and schematics

Hydraulics and pneumatics

Education

Associate’s degree in electrical engineering or related field

Bachelor’s degree or technical school credential preferred

Tools

PLC programming

Job description

Why this role mattersProduction excellence depends on reliable power and precise control. In this role, you’ll modernize legacy assets and stand up new lines—ensuring every coater, slitter, sheeter, rewinder, solvent system, hot melt unit, and guillotine operates safely and efficiently.The challenges you’ll tackleEngineer and install electrical distribution and conduit for new equipment installs.Integrate machines by landing power feeds and running inter-machine cables.Calibrate and operate automation hardware to bring processes into spec.Execute meticulous point-to-point wiring for relays, control circuits, PLCs, I/O, VFDs, and instrumentation.Diagnose and correct failures in transformers, motors, drives, and lighting systems; replace failed wires/cables.Collaborate with fellow maintainers to test machines and isolate malfunctions.Restore functionality by replacing relays, switches, motors, and position-sensing components.Service electronics—including troubleshooting and replacing printed circuit boards.Rewire motors and replace motor bearings to extend asset life.Design wiring layouts and install conduit and electrical apparatus within buildings.Resolve cross-discipline issues involving mechanical, hydraulic, and pneumatic systems.Contribute to other maintenance initiatives as assigned.Tools and tech you’ll usePLC programming in ladder logic (plus additional languages as needed).VFD tuning and AC/DC drive systems.Industrial communications: Ethernet and DeviceNet.CMMS/maintenance planning software; blueprint and schematic interpretation.Electrical theory in practice: single/three phase, AC/DC, 240V high-leg, conductor color codes, and test gear.Background that fitsAssociate’s degree in electrical engineering or related field (or equivalent experience). Bachelor’s or technical school credential preferred.3–5 years of maintenance in a manufacturing setting covering mechanical, electrical, hydraulic, pneumatic, and PLC-controlled equipment.3+ years designing, developing, and maintaining control systems.Experience with older/legacy manufacturing equipment is a plus.How you’ll succeedApproach problems methodically—collect data, verify facts, and choose sound corrective actions.Manage projects to schedule and budget; implement cost-saving measures where practical.Champion safety by following procedures, reporting hazards, and using tools/materials correctly.Comfortably interpret technical instructions (math/diagrams) and handle both abstract and hands-on tasks.Your core proficienciesPLC troubleshootingElectrical troubleshootingMechanical troubleshootingPneumatics troubleshootingAC/DC drivesBlueprints and schematicsHydraulics and pneumaticsPreventive maintenance