Controls Apprentice

Magna International; Muncie (IL); On-site; USD 65,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Magna Powertrain in the United States is seeking a skilled Controls Technician to support and maintain automated manufacturing equipment and control systems. You will diagnose electrical, pneumatic, hydraulic, and robotic issues, focusing on uptime and reliability in a high‑volume automotive setting.

Responsibilities include preventive and corrective maintenance, assisting with installation and commissioning, and documenting all activities.

Qualifications

• Completion of an approved apprenticeship or equivalent education in controls/electrical areas.
• Minimum 3 years in a manufacturing environment, preferably automotive.
• Strong knowledge of electrical safety standards (NEC/NFPA 79).
• Experience troubleshooting PLCs, robotics, HMIs, drives, and CNC controls.
• Hands-on with AB PLC platforms (ControlLogix/CompactLogix/Logix 500).
• Knowledge of Siemens Step 7 and TIA Portal is preferred.
• Experience with FANUC robotics and automation components.

Responsibilities

• Troubleshoot, repair, and maintain PLC‑controlled equipment and robotic systems.
• Diagnose electrical, pneumatic, hydraulic, and mechanical issues to minimize downtime.
• Support preventative and corrective maintenance and continuous improvement.
• Assist installation, startup, testing, and commissioning of systems.
• Document troubleshooting steps, maintenance records, and operator manuals.
• Collaborate with Engineering, Maintenance, and Production teams to resolve issues.

Skills

PLC troubleshooting

Robotics

Electrical systems

Industrial automation

HMI interfaces

Pneumatic systems

Hydraulic systems

Ethernet/IP

Profinet

Profibus

IO-Link

Electrical schematics reading

Teamwork

Troubleshooting

Education

Approved apprenticeship in Controls Systems / Electrical Technology / Industrial Automation or related field

Tools

Allen-Bradley ControlLogix / CompactLogix / Logix 500

Siemens Step 7 / TIA Portal

FANUC robotics

CNC controls

Cognex / Keyence vision systems

Atlas Copco tools

Job description

Job descriptions may display in multiple languages based on your language selection.

What we offer:

At Magna, you can expect an engaging and dynamic environment where you can help to develop industry‑leading automotive technologies. We invest in our employees, providing them with the support and resources they need to succeed. As a member of our global team, you can expect exciting, varied responsibilities as well as a wide range of development prospects. Because we believe that your career path should be as unique as you are.

Group Summary:

Transforming mobility. Making automotive technology that is smarter, cleaner, safer and lighter. That’s what we’re passionate about at Magna Powertrain, and we do it by creating world‑class powertrain systems. We are a premier supplier for the global automotive industry with full capabilities in design, development, testing and manufacturing of complex powertrain systems. Our name stands for quality, environmental consciousness, and safety. Innovation is what drives us and we drive innovation. Dream big and create the future of mobility at Magna Powertrain.

Job Responsibilities:

Scope of Position

• The Controls Technician is responsible for supporting, troubleshooting, repairing, and maintaining automated manufacturing equipment and control systems within the production environment.
• This position supports production uptime by diagnosing and resolving electrical, controls, pneumatic, hydraulic, robotic, and automation‑related issues while working closely with Maintenance and Production teams.
• This role is primarily hand‑on and maintenance‑focused, with responsibilities centered around equipment reliability, downtime reduction, and continuous improvement initiatives.

Minimum Qualifications

• Completion of an approved apprenticeship program in Controls Systems, Instrumentation, Electrical Technology, Industrial Automation, Industrial Maintenance or a related technical field; or an equivalent combination of education and related experience.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in a manufacturing environment, preferably high‑volume automotive manufacturing.
• Strong understanding of industrial electrical systems and safety standards including NEC and NFPA 79.
• Experience troubleshooting manufacturing equipment and controlled devices including PLCs, robotics, HMIs, drives, and CNC controls.
• Hands‑on experience with Allen‑Bradley PLC platforms including ControlLogix 5000, CompactLogix, and Logix 500 systems.
• Working knowledge of Siemens PLC systems (Step 7 and TIA Portal) preferred.
• Experience with industrial robotics, preferably FANUC.
• Familiarity with Atlas Copco nut runners, vision systems, barcode readers, Cognex, and Keyence systems preferred.
• Strong knowledge of pneumatic and hydraulic systems.
• Understanding of industrial communication networks including Ethernet/IP, Profinet, Profibus, and IO‑Link.
• Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics, control drawings, and technical documentation.
• Strong troubleshooting, communication, and teamwork skills.
• Ability to work overtime, and respond to equipment breakdowns as required.

Key Responsibilities

• Troubleshoot, repair, and maintain PLC‑controlled manufacturing equipment, robotic systems, HMIs, CNC controls, and associated automation devices.
• Diagnose and resolve electrical, controls, pneumatic, hydraulic, and mechanical issues to minimize production downtime.
• Support production equipment uptime through preventative maintenance, corrective maintenance, and continuous improvement activities.
• Assist in the installation, startup, testing, and troubleshooting of manufacturing equipment and control systems.
• Support hardware and software modifications to automated systems under the direction of Engineering or Controls personnel.
• Write and maintain basic documentation including troubleshooting notes, operator instructions, and maintenance records.
• Assist with equipment acceptance testing, validation activities, and system commissioning as required.
• Interface with Maintenance, Production, Quality, and Engineering teams to resolve equipment and process‑related issues.
• Support maintenance technicians by providing technical assistance related to controls and automation systems.
• Identify opportunities to improve equipment reliability, safety, cycle time, and overall equipment effectiveness (OEE).
• Ensure all work is performed in accordance with plant safety policies, electrical standards, and lockout/tagout procedures.
• Maintain spare parts inventories and communicate equipment concerns to leadership as necessary.
• Follow all company safety, environmental, and quality procedures.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Awareness, Unity, Empowerment:

At Magna, we believe that a diverse workforce is critical to our success. That’s why we are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We hire on the basis of experience and qualifications, and in consideration of job requirements, regardless of, in particular, color, ancestry, religion, gender, origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability or gender identity. Magna takes the privacy of your personal information seriously. We discourage you from sending applications via email or traditional mail to comply with GDPR requirements and your local Data Privacy Law.

AI‑Assisted Screening Disclosure

As part of our commitment to a fair, consistent, and efficient recruitment process, we may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to assist in the initial screening of applications submitted through our Workday system. These tools help identify qualifications and experience that align with the role requirements. Please note that AI is used solely to support our recruiters. Final decisions are always made by the hiring manager and the hiring team. Importantly, no applicant data is shared externally through these AI tools. All information remains securely within our systems and is handled in accordance with our privacy and data protection policies.

Under conditions defined by applicable law, you may have the right to request an explanation of how AI is used to support decision‑making.

If you have any questions or concerns about this process, feel free to contact our Talent Attraction team.

Worker Type:

Regular / Permanent

Group:

Magna Powertrain