Controls Automation Technician

ACTalent; Durham (NC); On-site; USD 54,000 - 59,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental & vision

401(k) Retirement Plan

Life Insurance

Paid time off

Job summary

Actalent is seeking a Controls Automation Technician in Durham, NC, to design, program, document, install, and maintain electrical control systems and PLC/HMI networks in a manufacturing setting. You will partner with Manufacturing and Product Engineering to drive improvements, ensure safety, and enhance productivity.

The role emphasizes hands-on troubleshooting, detailed design work in AutoCAD, and ownership of automation projects from concept through deployment in a fully onsite environment.

Qualifications

• Hands-on automation and PLC programming experience in manufacturing.
• Proficiency with PLC ladder logic for industrial controls.
• Ability to design, program, and troubleshoot HMI systems and machine control interfaces.
• Strong troubleshooting for electrical control systems and electro‑mechanical automation equipment.
• Proficiency with AutoCAD for documenting electro‑mechanical designs.
• Excellent PC skills (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) for documentation and analysis.
• Clear written and verbal communication across levels of the organization.
• Structured problem-solving for complex technical issues.
• Experience driving process improvements to safety, quality, and productivity.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, program, document, install, troubleshoot, and maintain electrical control systems and PLCs to support manufacturing operations.
• Create electro‑mechanical interfaces with Manufacturing and Design Engineers to meet safety, quality, and productivity requirements.
• Document system designs using AutoCAD to capture layouts accurately.
• Develop PLC logic and load programs to PLCs and PCs.
• Identify, recommend, and implement changes to improve safety, product quality, and productivity.
• Maintain ISO 9001 compliant operating procedures and train teams as needed.
• Lead automation improvements driving measurable productivity gains and plant performance.
• Collaborate with Engineering and Operations to implement process improvements and tool upgrades.

Skills

Automation programming

PLC programming

HMI interfaces

AutoCAD design docs

Technical communication

Troubleshooting

Cross-functional collaboration

Documentation

Education

Two-year college degree in Electrical/Electronic Engineering

6+ years related manufacturing experience

Tools

AutoCAD

Job description

Job Title: Controls Automation Technician

The Controls Automation Technician designs, programs, documents, installs, troubleshoots, and maintains electrical control systems, PLCs, HMI interfaces, and electro‑mechanical automation equipment that support manufacturing operations. This role serves as the primary automation and controls resource in a manufacturing environment, directly impacting production efficiency, machine reliability, product quality, and employee safety. The technician partners closely with Manufacturing Engineering, Product Engineering, and Operations leadership to develop and implement controls solutions, drive continuous improvement, and shape the future of automation across the facility.

Job Description

The Controls Automation Technician designs, programs, documents, installs, troubleshoots, and maintains electrical control systems, PLCs, HMI interfaces, and electro‑mechanical automation equipment that support manufacturing operations. This role serves as the primary automation and controls resource in a manufacturing environment, directly impacting production efficiency, machine reliability, product quality, and employee safety. The technician partners closely with Manufacturing Engineering, Product Engineering, and Operations leadership to develop and implement controls solutions, drive continuous improvement, and shape the future of automation across the facility.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, program, document, install, troubleshoot, and maintain electrical control systems, PLCs, HMI interfaces, and electro‑mechanical automation equipment that support manufacturing operations.
• Create electro‑mechanical interfaces in cooperation with Manufacturing Engineers and Design Engineers to meet safety, quality, and productivity requirements.
• Specify controls, interfaces, and electro‑mechanical devices with an emphasis on standardization, selecting products that balance reliability and cost.
• Document system designs using AutoCAD or similar engineering design software to capture electro‑mechanical and controls layouts accurately.
• Design control systems compliant with all applicable federal and state regulatory requirements and industry standards.
• Develop logic for PLCs and software controls, document program steps clearly, and load programs to PLCs and PCs.
• Identify, recommend, and implement changes to improve safety, product quality, and manufacturing productivity.
• Develop and update machine operating procedures and instructions related to electronics and electro‑mechanical interfaces in compliance with the ISO 9001 quality system.
• Troubleshoot and diagnose system failures, take necessary action to repair equipment, and implement improvements to prevent recurrence.
• Recommend and maintain an appropriate inventory of spare components to minimize equipment downtime and support reliable operations.
• Recommend equipment upgrades and new purchases, and participate in the development of ROI analyses for new tooling or equipment.
• Collaborate with Manufacturing Engineering and Product Engineering to implement process improvements, introduce new products, enhance equipment reliability, and increase safety, quality, and productivity throughout the facility.
• Take direct ownership of PLC, HMI, and machine control projects from concept through implementation, ensuring successful deployment and performance.
• Lead automation improvements that drive measurable productivity gains and improve overall plant performance.
• Influence equipment upgrades, capital investments, and process improvement initiatives by providing technical expertise and data‑driven recommendations.
• Serve as a subject matter expert on controls and automation, working independently while supporting cross‑functional teams in Operations, Engineering, Maintenance, and Quality.

Essential Skills

• Hands‑on experience with automation and PLC programming in a manufacturing environment.
• Proficiency in PLC ladder logic programming for industrial control applications.
• Ability to design, program, and troubleshoot HMI systems and machine control interfaces.
• Strong troubleshooting skills for electrical control systems and electro‑mechanical automation equipment.
• Proficiency with AutoCAD or similar engineering design software for documenting electro‑mechanical system designs.
• Excellent PC skills, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, for documentation, analysis, and communication.
• Outstanding oral and written communication skills, with the ability to communicate effectively at all levels of the organization.
• Strong problem‑solving skills with a structured approach to diagnosing and resolving complex technical issues.
• Demonstrated process improvement skills and experience implementing changes that enhance safety, quality, and productivity.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Degree from a two‑year college in Electrical or Electronic Engineering, or a minimum of 6 years of related experience in a manufacturing operation.
• Experience designing and documenting electro‑mechanical interfaces for automated manufacturing equipment.
• Experience in machine design, reliability engineering, and equipment performance optimization.
• Familiarity with ISO 9001 quality systems and developing operating procedures in compliance with quality standards.
• Experience participating in or developing ROI analyses for new tooling, equipment upgrades, and capital investments.
• Comfort working as a primary automation and controls resource, providing guidance and technical leadership across the facility.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with cross‑functional engineering and operations teams.
• Continuous improvement mindset with a track record of identifying and implementing productivity and automation enhancements.

Work Environment

This role operates within a manufacturing and production environment that combines office, engineering, and production floor responsibilities. The Controls Automation Technician works hands‑on with automated manufacturing equipment and electrical control systems, frequently interacting with PLCs, HMI systems, electro‑mechanical automation equipment, and AutoCAD or similar design software. The position involves close collaboration with Operations, Engineering, Maintenance, and Quality teams in a team‑oriented culture where engineering solutions have a direct and visible impact on plant performance. The organization promotes a continuous improvement mindset, encouraging employees to identify and implement productivity and automation enhancements. The technician has the opportunity to work independently, serving as the site's subject matter expert on controls and automation, while contributing to equipment upgrades, manufacturing process improvements, and long‑term reliability initiatives in a stable manufacturing environment with opportunities for growth and career advancement.

Job Type & Location

This is a Permanent position based out of Durham, NC.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $39.00 - $43.00/hr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job‑related factors.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your jobclassification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:Medical, dental & visionCritical Illness, Accident, and Hospital401(k) Retirement Plan Pre‑tax and Roth post‑tax contributions availableLife Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)Short and long‑term disabilityHealth Spending Account (HSA)Transportation benefitsEmployee Assistance ProgramTime Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Nov 23, 2026.

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Durham,NC.

About Actalent

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email [e-mail] for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.