Controls and Automation Technician - 3rd Shift

U.S. Pipe; Bessemer (AL); On-site; USD 55,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

U.S. Pipe in the United States is seeking a Controls and Automation Technician for the 3rd shift to support maintenance in a modern manufacturing facility.

You will train hourly staff, program PLCs and HMIs, troubleshoot electrical and control systems, and help configure plant computer systems driving operations.

This role emphasizes project management, documentation, and continuous improvement within a cross-functional team.

Qualifications

• Associate degree or equivalent in electronics, electrical engineering, or computer science.
• Minimum 5 years of industrial electrical experience.
• Minimum 3 years of project management or plant engineering experience.
• Strong PLC programming and installation experience; proficiency with electrical control systems.
• Ability to diagnose and troubleshoot hydraulic, pneumatic, and electrical systems.

Responsibilities

• Lead installation, configuration, and upgrades of controls and automation systems; manage electrical work orders, contractors, and internal technician assignments.
• Communicate downtime issues and project status updates to operations and maintenance management; keep leadership informed of impact, progress, and resolution timelines.
• Design, program, and troubleshoot programmable logic controllers (PLCs) and human machine interfaces (HMIs); configure and optimize control systems for plant operations.
• Provide troubleshooting assistance to maintenance personnel on electrical, electronic, hydraulic, and controls issues; diagnose and repair defective components and network devices; apply root cause analysis to prevent recurring failures.
• Train and mentor maintenance staff on electrical systems, controls, and automation; develop and maintain technical documentation including work instructions, standard operating procedures, and energy isolation checklists.
• Monitor emerging technologies relevant to plant equipment; review preventative and predictive maintenance programs to identify improvement opportunities; provide input to capital project planning.

Skills

Electrical troubleshooting

Project management

Cross-functional teamwork

Verbal and written communication

Shift work flexibility

Education

Associate degree in Electronics, Electrical Engineering, or Computer Science (or equivalent industrial electrical experience)

Tools

PLC programming

HMIs

SCADA

Microsoft Office

Job description

Why Join Our Team?

Do you want to be part of a team that is making a positive difference in lives all across the globe? Do you want to be part of a culture where you are recognized, respected, and rewarded for a job well done? U.S. Pipe has been providing quality water and wastewater products since 1899, and for the past 120 years we have proudly supported local governments, municipalities, water departments, and businesses all across the United States, and the world.

What We Offer:

• Team Collaboration: Join a team-oriented environment where collaboration is not just a buzzword but a priority.
• Career Growth: Be part of an industry leader renowned for world-class design, manufacturing, sourcing, and distribution, and take your career to the next level.
• Comprehensive Benefits: We provide a comprehensive benefits package with options tailored to meet your needs and those of your family.

About the Role

U.S. Pipe is seeking a Controls and Automation Technician - 3rd Shift. This position will provide electrical support to the maintenance department by training and mentoring hourly craft personnel, completing, and programing PLC and assist with the configuration, troubleshooting and maintenance of the plant electronic and electrical components, electrical distribution and computer systems driving the electrical and mechanical portion of the operation.

Specific Responsibilities

• Project Management — Lead installation, configuration, and upgrades of controls and automation systems; manage electrical work orders, contractors, and internal technician assignments.
• Operational Communication — Communicate downtime issues and project status updates to operations and maintenance management; keep leadership informed of impact, progress, and resolution timelines.
• PLC & HMI Programming — Design, program, and troubleshoot programmable logic controllers (PLCs) and human machine interfaces (HMIs); configure and optimize control systems for plant operations.
• Technical Support & Troubleshooting — Provide troubleshooting assistance to maintenance personnel on electrical, electronic, hydraulic, and controls issues; diagnose and repair defective components and network devices; apply root cause analysis to prevent recurring failures.
• Training & Documentation — Train and mentor maintenance staff on electrical systems, controls, and automation; develop and maintain technical documentation including work instructions, standard operating procedures, and energy isolation checklists.
• Continuous Improvement — Monitor emerging technologies relevant to plant equipment; review preventative and predictive maintenance programs to identify improvement opportunities; provide input to capital project planning.

Skills and Other Qualifications:

• Associate degree in Electronics, Electrical Engineering, or Computer Science (or equivalent industrial electrical experience).
• Minimum 5 years of industrial electrical experience, preferably in manufacturing, foundry, or heavy metals industry.
• Minimum 3 years of project management or plant engineering experience.
• Strong PLC programming and installation experience; proficiency with electrical and electronic control systems.
• Proven ability to diagnose and troubleshoot hydraulic, pneumatic, and electrical systems.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and industrial software/programming tools.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills; ability to interpret and present technical data.
• Willingness to work any shift, including on-call, overtime, and weekends.
• Ability to work effectively in a cross-functional, diverse, fast-paced manufacturing environment.