Controls and Automation Technician

Aleron; Richmond (VA); On-site; USD 44,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

Aleron is seeking a diligent Controls and Automation Technician to join our client in Richmond, VA. This onsite role focuses on maintaining and repairing automated equipment, PLCs, HMIs, and sensors to keep production running smoothly.

You will perform preventive maintenance, diagnose control systems, work with engineers and maintenance staff, and support safety and 5S standards while pursuing continuous improvements in coil manufacturing environments.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED.
• 3-5 years of experience in manufacturing, industrial, or commercial field environment.
• Experience with PLCs, HMIs, sensors, and automation equipment.
• Proficiency with maintenance and troubleshooting of PLC controlled systems.
• Familiarity with ladder logic, function block, and structured text PLC programming.
• Familiarity with industrial networking (Modbus, Profibus, PROFINET).
• Strong problem-solving and communication skills.
• Team player with a proactive attitude.

Responsibilities

• Install, troubleshoot, repair, and maintain automated equipment and control systems.
• Perform preventive maintenance and TPM-driven repairs.
• Diagnose issues with PLCs, HMIs, VFDs, servos, sensors, and electronics.
• Conduct Root Cause Failure Analysis and recommend fixes.
• Coordinate with contractors and manage onsite work.
• Read and interpret manuals, schematics, and work orders.

Skills

Mechanical knowledge

Electrical knowledge

Controls & automation

Troubleshooting

PLC expertise

HMI experience

Education

Journeyman Electrician

ISA CST/CCST/CAP credentials

AutoCAD/SOLIDWORKS

Tools

AutoCAD

SOLIDWORKS

PLC programming tools

Job description

Are you a Controls and Automation Technician looking to join one of the top companies in the Industrial Machinery Manufacturing industry?

Are you looking to further your career and grow?

Do you have experience in manufacturing, industrial, or commercial field environment?

If you answered yes to those three questions, then apply today!

Acara Solutions seeks highly qualified candidates to work onsite with our client in Richmond, VA. Interested?

Here’s what you’ll do:

• The controls and automation technician position is responsible for performing highly diversified duties to install, troubleshoot, repair, and maintain automated equipment, including their control systems and sensors.
• These duties are to be conducted in accordance with safety, predictive, and productive maintenance systems and processes to support the achievement of business goals and objectives.
• Perform highly diversified duties to install, test, and maintain production equipment, PLCs, HMIs, sensors, and other automation and controls components.
• Diagnose and fix issues with PLCs, HMI's, VFDs, servo motors, sensors, and other electronic components.
• Perform Root Cause Failure Analysis to identify the true cause of a failure, fix the problem, and prevent the issue from recurring.
• Determine repair vs replace options and clearly communicate the pros and cons of each option.
• Identify and specify suitable alternative components when original parts become obsolete, ensuring electrical and functional equivalence.
• Perform regular preventive maintenance on machines, equipment, and plant facilities.
• Perform scheduled component repairs of production equipment during machine TPM outages.
• Document maintenance, repairs, part replacements, or other changes to equipment and software.
• Provide emergency/unscheduled repairs of production equipment on off hours.
• Coordinate with contractors, obtain quotes, and manage contractors during onsite work.
• Read and interpret equipment documents (i.e., manuals, schematics, diagrams, etc.) as well as internal work orders to perform the necessary service.
• Detect faulty operations, defective material, or other abnormal situations and report observations to proper supervision or intervening immediately if personnel or equipment safety is at risk.
• Comply with safety regulations and maintain clean and orderly work areas to 5S standards.
• Take on other duties or assist in other departments as business needs change.
• Receive directions from supervisor and execute all tasks as directed.
• Work well in a team, collaborating with and supporting maintenance technicians, operators, engineers, and other SRC employees to perform daily duties.
• Work well alone, without any supervision, and still execute efficiently at a high level.
• Flex break and lunch schedules to accommodate production and facility needs.

Here’s what you’ll get:

• Hours: 1st shift: 6am-2:30pm and 2nd shift: 2:30pm-11:00pm
• Hourly Pay Range: $32-$36, plus $1.25 Shift Differential and an additional $0.75 off-shift seniority premium after 2 years of service
• Length: Direct Hire

Job Requirements

Required Skills / Qualifications:

• High School Diploma or GED.
• 3-5 years of experience in manufacturing, industrial, or commercial field environment.

Preferred Skills / Qualifications:

• Strong mechanical, electrical, controls, and automation understanding.
• Proficiency with maintenance and troubleshooting of PLC controlled systems.
• Familiarity with PLC programming including ladder diagram, function block diagram, and structured text.
• Familiarity with industrial networking (i.e., Modbus, Profibus, industrial ethernet, PROFINET, i/o link, and others).
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Embodies SRC values (i.e., Teamwork, Problem Solving, Integrity, Relationships, and Excellence).
• Clear and effective communication skills -verbal, written, and typed - across full Production Support Team and Operation Floor Leadership.
• Possess a basic understanding of math.
• Able to follow directions of supervisor.
• Open to constructive criticism and makes proper adjustments to feedback.
• Team player, possessing a positive attitude in the face of challenges.
• Resourceful and finds a way to safely solve new or unique challenges.
• Eager to learn new information and techniques to improve craft as well as understand all aspects of coil manufacturing process.
• ISA Control System Technician Associate (CST) or similar.
• ISA Certified Control Systems Technician (CCST) or similar.
• ISA Certified Automation Professional (CAP) or similar.
• Rockwell, Allen-Bradley, or Siemens, certifications.
• Proficiency with drafting software (AutoCAD or SOLIDWORKS).
• Pneumatic certifications.
• Hydraulic certifications.
• Welding (TIG, MIG, and stick).
• Journeyman Electrician.

Additional Information:

• Upon offer of employment, the individual will be subject to a background check and a drug screen.
• In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the necessary employment eligibility verification form upon hire.
• Able to safely lift objects weighing up to 50lbs unassisted.
• Able to stand for long periods & stoop/bend/push/pull frequently.

Aleron companies (Acara Solutions, Aleron Shared Resources, Broadleaf Results, Lume Strategies, TalentRise, Viaduct) are an Equal Opportunity Employer. Race/Color/Gender/Religion/National Origin/Disability/Veteran.

Applicants for this position must be legally authorized to work in the United States. This position does not meet the employment requirements for individuals with F-1 OPT STEM work authorization status.