Controls & Automation Technician

Hydro; Elkhart (IN); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Rx, Dental, Disability, Life

Retirement Savings Plan

Education Assistance

Bonus Plan Eligibility

Parental Leave

Job summary

Hydro in North America is seeking a PLC Programmer to support our rotating shift operations in Indiana. You will program, troubleshoot, and maintain PLC-controlled equipment, focusing on ladder logic and integration with HMIs and sensors to ensure safe, reliable production.

The ideal candidate has 3–5 years hands-on experience with Allen-Bradley Logix/Studio 5000, FactoryTalk View Studio, and Ethernet/IP. You will collaborate with engineering, train junior technicians, and help drive continuous

Qualifications

• 3–5 years of hands-on professional experience programming, troubleshooting, and supporting PLC‑controlled equipment.
• Ability to modify, troubleshoot, and validate PLC ladder logic for enhancements, process improvements, and reliability.

Responsibilities

• Program and configure PLC systems and safety controls.
• Develop, modify, and troubleshoot PLC logic (ladder logic, function block).
• Install, program, and troubleshoot PLC systems in industrial settings with minimal supervision.
• Troubleshoot and repair PLC-controlled systems and components.
• Integrate PLCs with HMIs, sensors, and actuators.
• Collaborate with engineering on system upgrades and improvements.
• Train junior technicians and provide technical support.
• Improve equipment reliability through CRI initiatives.
• Support continuous reliability improvement standards and practices.
• Provide role coverage for mechanical technicians as needed (≈30%).

Tools

Allen-Bradley Logix/Studio 5000

FactoryTalk View Studio

Ladder logic

Structured text

Add-on instructions

User defined tags

Ethernet/IP

Job description

Hydro Extrusions is a world-leading aluminium extrusion business counting around 100 production sites in 40 countries and employing 20,000 people. Through our unique combination of local expertise, global network, and unmatched R&D capabilities, we can offer everything from standards profiles to advanced development and manufacturing for most industries.Since 1905, Hydro has turned natural resources into valuable products for people and businesses with focus on a safe and good workplace for our 30,000 employees in more than 140 locations.

What we offer you

• Medical, Rx, Dental, Disability, Life Insurance, Flexible Spending Accounts
• Retirement Savings Plan
• Education Assistance
• Bonus Plan Eligibility
• Parental Leave

Shift hours: Rotating Shift 6pm - 6am

3 days on and 3 days off, then 4 days on and 4 days off

What you will be doing

Essential Job Responsibilities:

• Perform intermediate programming and safety configuration of PLC-controlled systems.
• Independently develop, modify, and troubleshoot PLC logic using standard programming languages (e.g., ladder logic and function block).
• Independently perform installation, programming, and troubleshooting of PLC systems in industrial environments with minimal supervision.
• Troubleshoot and repair PLC-controlled systems and related components.
• Integrate PLCs with HMIs, sensors, and actuators.
• Collaborate with engineering teams on system upgrades and improvements.
• Train junior technicians and provide technical support.
• Utilize predictive measures to enhance equipment reliability through Continuous Reliability Improvement (CRI) initiatives.
• Implement and support continuous reliability improvement standards and practices.
• This position is a multi-craft role and will be required to support mechanical technicians as needed, approximately 30% of the time in role.
• Respond to equipment breakdowns and other suddenly developed conditions requiring immediate action to restore operations.

What will make you successful?

Required Education/Experience:

• 3-5 years of hands‑on professional experience independently programming, troubleshooting and supporting PLC‑controlled equipment.
• Demonstrated ability to independently modify, troubleshoot, and validate PLC ladder logic to support equipment enhancements, process improvements, and operational reliability.

Preferred Skills/Qualifications:

• Experience in Ladder logic programming in Allen Bradley Logix/Studio 5000 Software.
• Proficient in programming User defined Tags, Add‑on instructions, and Structured text programming.
• Experience with industrial communication protocols (e.g. Ethernet/IP).
• Experience in editing HMI applications in Factory talk view studio.

Equal opportunities

Hydro in North America is an Equal Opportunity Employer where all phases of employment are based strictly upon the qualifications of the individual as related to the work requirements of the position. This policy is applied without regard to race, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, veteran status, marital status or any other category protected by law. We strive to provide equal opportunities for all to contribute and succeed with us.

As part of our recruitment process, we may use job‑related assessments in selected roles. These tools help us better understand work‑related strengths and support a fair and consistent hiring process. Any assessment results are reviewed together with your experience, qualifications, and interviews, and are never used as the sole basis for hiring decisions.