Controls & Automation Technician

OSCO Industries, Inc.; Portsmouth (OH); On-site; USD 52,000 - 78,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) Plan

Comprehensive health insurance

Paid time off and holidays

Opportunities for career advancement

Job summary

A leading manufacturing firm in Portsmouth seeks a Controls & Automation Technician to design, maintain, and troubleshoot electrical and control systems. Key responsibilities include PLC programming, electrical design for capital improvement projects, and ensuring machine uptime through effective troubleshooting. Candidates should have a two-year engineering degree or equivalent experience, strong skills in PLCs, and excellent communication abilities. This position offers comprehensive benefits, including healthcare, a 401(k) plan, and significant growth opportunities.

Qualifications

• Strong understanding of PLCs, including programming and troubleshooting.
• Ability to write or modify user interface programs.
• Familiarity with electrical systems and pneumatics.
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills.
• Ability to work independently or in teams and manage projects.

Responsibilities

• Create and maintain PLC programs in manufacturing plants.
• Design and support electrical and control systems.
• Assist in new equipment start-up and technical specifications.
• Troubleshoot and improve machine uptime with electrical support.
• Support plant infrastructure and in-plant computer systems.
• Perform hands-on field work including equipment installations.
• Coordinate with contractors and vendors to ensure project success.
• Plan for future trends with OSCO personnel.

Skills

PLC programming

Electrical systems knowledge

Communication skills

Problem-solving skills

Microsoft Office proficiency

Independent work

Field work

Documentation

Education

Two-year Engineering degree or equivalent experience

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Portsmouth, United States | Posted on 03/04/2026

We seek a dedicated and proactive individual to join our Plant Engineering Department as a Controls & Automation Technician. This role is vital in managing electrical and control systems across OSCO’s manufacturing plants in Portsmouth, New Boston, and Jackson. As a key member of our engineering team, you will assist in designing, maintaining, and troubleshooting the electrical and control areas of our operation, ranging from PLC programming to physical infrastructure support. This position offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to the success of our manufacturing operations within a dynamic and innovative company.

Duties

• Automation & Programming: Create, revise, and maintain PLC programs and user interfaces throughout the manufacturing plants.
• Electrical Design: Design and maintain all electrical and control systems throughout the facilities and assist the Plant Engineering Department with electrical needs for capital improvement projects.
• Equipment Support: Determine technical specifications and assist in the start-up of new equipment, including the development of parts lists and maintenance documentation.
• Troubleshooting & Maintenance: Work closely with production and maintenance departments to improve machine uptime through troubleshooting and electrical support.
• Infrastructure Management: Assist in maintaining plant physical infrastructure, including in-plant computer systems and telephone networks.
• Field Work: Perform hands‑on field work such as new equipment installations, system troubleshooting, and data collection.
• Relationship Management: Generate and maintain professional relationships with contractors, suppliers, and equipment builders to ensure effective execution of job responsibilities.
• Future Planning: Collaborate with OSCO personnel to anticipate future industry trends so that current projects position processes and equipment to meet long‑term goals.

Requirements

• Technical Expertise: Strong understanding of PLCs, including the ability to create new programs and troubleshoot or revise existing code.
• Interface Development: Ability to write or modify programs for user interfaces and information logging.
• Systems Knowledge: Familiarity with electrical systems (including high‑voltage), pneumatics, and hydraulics.
• Education: Minimum of a two (2) year Engineering degree or equivalent professional experience.
• Software Proficiency: Proficient with the use of Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Communication: Excellent written, listening, and verbal communication skills with the ability to clearly communicate with leadership, contractors, and vendors.
• Problem Solving: Effective critical thinking and problem‑solving skills with an attention to detail.
• Work Style: Ability to work independently or cooperatively to deliver required results and take ownership of projects through to completion.
• Physical Stamina: Ability to independently function inside a plant environment, including walking up/down stairs and climbing ladders as required.
• 401(k) Plan: Includes Retirement and Profit‑Sharing contributions.
• Healthcare: Comprehensive health insurance, including reimbursement for dental and vision.
• Time Off: Eligibility for paid time off, holidays, and sick pay.
• Growth: Significant opportunities for career advancement and professional development.