Controls Engineering Technician

UNION; Dallas (TX); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Union Technologies in Dallas, TX, is seeking a Controls Engineering Technician to support installation, maintenance, and optimization of automation and control systems across manufacturing operations. You will work with the Staff Electrical and Control Engineer to ensure reliable operation of PLC-based systems, HMIs, and industrial equipment.

The role demands hands-on troubleshooting, strong technical aptitude, and commitment to safe, efficient operations, with collaboration across maintenance,

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• 2–5 years electrical experience in manufacturing/industrial settings.
• Ability to read electrical schematics and wiring diagrams.
• Familiarity with PLC systems (AB, Siemens) preferred.
• Willingness to work overtime, weekends, and on-call rotation.

Responsibilities

• Support installation, wiring, and commissioning of PLC-based control systems.
• Troubleshoot and resolve electrical and controls issues on manufacturing equipment.
• Perform routine maintenance and diagnostics on control systems.
• Assist in building and modifying electrical panels and control systems.
• Read diagrams and panel layouts; update documentation.
• Support integration with MES/ERP and data collection systems.
• Ensure safe operations per lockout/tagout and electrical safety procedures.
• Collaborate with maintenance and production teams to improve reliability.
• Assist in debugging PLC programs under direction of Controls Engineers.

Skills

Electrical troubleshooting

PLC control knowledge

Schematic & wiring diagrams

Industrial networks

Microsoft Office

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Technical certificate or degree in electrical/electromechanical/industrial controls

Tools

Allen-Bradley

Siemens

Job description

Union Technologies is reindustrializing America’s defense manufacturing base with a first-of-its-kind Factories-as-a-Stockpile™ model, integrating advanced robotics, manufacturing, and software into sovereign factory systems at scale. Headquartered in Dallas, Texas, UNION is dedicated to restoring America’s industrial strength and guaranteeing deterrence for the century ahead.

We recently emerged from stealth with $50M in funding led by top-tier venture investors and strategic partners. Read more in our Press Release

Job Summary:

You are Controls Engineering Technician at Union Factory 1, your primary responsibility is to support the installation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and optimization of automation and control systems across manufacturing operations. This role works closely with the Staff Electrical and Control Engineer and cross-functional teams to ensure reliable operation of PLC-based systems, HMIs, and industrial automation equipment. A successful Controls Engineering Technician will demonstrate strong technical aptitude, hands on troubleshooting skills, and a commitment to maintaining safe and efficient operations.

Key Responsibilities:

• Support installation, wiring, and commissioning of PLC-based control systems, HMIs, and industrial automation equipment
• Assist in troubleshooting and resolving electrical and controls-related issues on manufacturing equipment
• Perform routine maintenance and diagnostics on control systems, sensors, drives, and instrumentation
• Support debugging and minor modifications to PLC programs under the direction of Controls Engineers
• Read and interpret electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, and panel layouts
• Assist in building and modifying electrical panels and control systems
• Support integration of control systems with MES, ERP, and data collection systems as needed
• Maintain and update controls documentation including wiring diagrams, I/O lists, and system configurations
• Perform system checks to ensure proper operation of automation equipment
• Support equipment startups, testing, and commissioning activities
• Follow all safety procedures including lockout/tagout and electrical safety requirements
• Collaborate with maintenance, engineering, and production teams to support equipment reliability
• Assist in identifying and implementing improvements to control systems and processes

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• 2 to 5 years of electrical experience in a manufacturing or industrial environment.
• Demonstrated experience troubleshooting industrial motor circuits and basic controls.
• Ability to work flexible hours including overtime, weekends, and an on call rotation.
• Strong understanding of electrical systems and industrial controls
• Basic knowledge of PLC systems (Allen-Bradley, Siemens, or equivalent)
• Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics and wiring diagrams
• Familiarity with industrial network protocols (EtherNet/IP, Modbus, etc.) preferred
• Experience with sensors, drives, and instrumentation
• Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills
• Hands on experience with tools and electrical equipment
• Good communication and teamwork abilities
• Ability to work in industrial environments with exposure to machinery and electrical systems
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Outlook)

Preferred / Bonus Skills

• Associate/ B.S. degree or technical certificate in electrical, electromechanical, or industrial controls.

Physical Demands

• Walk, stand, sit, bend, reach, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, and move continually throughout the shift.
• Lift and carry up to 50 pounds. Occasional overhead lifting required.
• Climb ladders and work from elevated platforms. Work in confined spaces when permitted.
• Vision adequate for reading nameplates, drawings, and instrument displays, including peripheral vision, depth perception, and color discrimination for wire identification.
• Tolerate plant floor conditions: heat near forging operations, noise, vibration, hot metal, moving heavy equipment, and exposure to cutting fluids and oils.
• Work flexible hours including overtime and weekends to meet customer demands.

Personal Protective Equipment typically required to perform the essential functions of this job will be provided.