Controls Integration Technician- Suffolk,VA

Apex Systems; Suffolk (VA); On-site; USD 45,000 - 107,000; Full time

Job summary

Apex Systems in Suffolk, VA is seeking a PLC Controls Technician to support deployment, installation, integration, commissioning, and startup of material handling equipment in large-scale fulfillment environments. You will configure controls hardware, deploy PLC code, and troubleshoot during startup on site at multiple sites nationwide.

The role requires hands-on PLC experience, field commissioning, and the ability to travel to project sites for a fast-paced 6-week deployment window.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience as a Controls Technician or related role.
• Experience with PLC programming software and PLC code deployment.
• Experience downloading, commissioning, and troubleshooting PLC-controlled systems.
• Experience with Allen-Bradley/Rockwell PLC platforms, Industrial Ethernet networks, HMI/SCADA, and Field I/O devices.

Responsibilities

• Deploy and debug PLC code during site installations.
• Install and integrate controls hardware for conveyor and sortation systems.
• Support electrical installation activities and network infrastructure.
• Execute commissioning and startup including device checkout, I/O verification, functional testing.
• Troubleshoot PLC communication and device configuration issues; perform root-cause analysis.
• Maintain installation and commissioning records and turnover documentation.

Skills

PLC Code Deployment

PLC Troubleshooting & Debugging

Commissioning & Startup

I/O Checkout

Allen-Bradley / Rockwell Automation

Industrial Controls

Conveyor & Sortation Systems

Ethernet/IP Networking

HMI & SCADA Systems

Electrical Troubleshooting

Material Handling Equipment (MHE)

Automation Integration

Job description

# Controls Integration Technician- Suffolk,VAApply**Job#: 3051839****Job Description:**PLC Controls TechnicianLooking for Controls Technicians who enjoy startup environments, travel, and solving complex automation challenges. You'll be on-site deploying PLC code, commissioning new equipment, troubleshooting controls issues, and supporting conveyor system go-lives at fulfillment centers across the country during a fast-paced 6-week projectPosition OverviewWe are seeking a PLC Controls Technician to support the deployment, installation, integration, commissioning, and startup of material handling equipment (MHE) and controls systems in large-scale industrial and fulfillment environments.This role will be responsible for configuring controls hardware, deploying PLC code, performing system checkout activities, troubleshooting controls and communication issues, and supporting qualification testing through operational turnover. The technician will work closely with engineering teams and customer controls groups to successfully commission automated conveyor and sortation systems.The ideal candidate has hands-on experience with PLCs, industrial controls, material handling systems, field commissioning, and startup support.Key ResponsibilitiesPLC Deployment & Debugging* Prepare PLC deployment packages for site installations.* Download and deploy PLC code to production equipment.* Support PLC startup and commissioning activities.* Debug PLC-related issues during installation and startup.* Validate controller communications and system functionality after deployment.* Collaborate with customer Controls Engineers to understand control sequences, deployment requirements, and startup procedures.* Escalate software defects, logic issues, and performance concerns when required.Controls Installation & Integration* Install and integrate controls hardware associated with conveyor and sortation systems.* Configure and validate: + PLC hardware + Field I/O devices + MDR controllers + Ai2 devices + ECCs and ECGs + Sensors and photoeyes + Network communication devices* Install controls panels, communication devices, and associated infrastructure.* Integrate newly installed controls equipment with existing legacy conveyor and automation systems.* Verify all controls devices are properly communicating across the network.Mechanical & Electrical Support* Support installation and retrofit of material handling equipment and conveyor systems.* Assist with electrical installation activities including controls panels, field devices, and communications infrastructure.* Install and verify data cabling, conduit, and network hardware associated with controls systems.* Support demolition and replacement of existing equipment during retrofit projects.Commissioning & Startup* Execute commissioning activities using: + PLC software platforms + HMI interfaces + SCADA systems + I/O checkout tools* Perform: + Device checkout + I/O verification + Functional testing + Startup testing + Qualification testing* Validate proper operation of conveyors, sensors, drives, motors, and controls devices.* Support planned handovers and operational readiness activities.Troubleshooting & Issue Resolution* Troubleshoot: + PLC communication issues + Device configuration issues + Network communication failures + Hardware integration issues + I/O faults + Equipment startup problems* Perform root-cause analysis and corrective actions during commissioning activities.* Serve as the first-line technical resource during startup and commissioning events.* Work cross-functionally with engineering, operations, and maintenance teams to resolve system issues.Documentation & Turnover* Maintain installation and commissioning records.* Document configuration changes, test results, and troubleshooting efforts.* Assist in developing turnover documentation and as-built records.* Support equipment qualification and customer acceptance processes.* Ensure all work is performed in accordance with site safety and installation standards.Required Qualifications* 3+ years of experience as a Controls Technician, Automation Technician, Commissioning Technician, Field Service Technician, or related role.* Experience with PLC programming software and PLC code deployment.* Experience downloading, commissioning, and troubleshooting PLC-controlled systems.* Experience working with: + Allen-Bradley/Rockwell PLC platforms + Industrial Ethernet networks + HMI systems + SCADA systems + Field I/O devices* Ability to read and interpret: + Electrical schematics + Controls drawings + Network diagrams + Mechanical layouts* Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills.* Ability to support startup and commissioning activities in active industrial environments.* Willingness and ability to travel to project sites as needed.Preferred Qualifications* Experience with material handling equipment (MHE), conveyor systems, or sortation systems.* Experience commissioning automated conveyor equipment.* Familiarity with MDR conveyor technology, conveyor controls, and industrial automation systems.* Experience performing I/O checkout and startup testing.* OSHA 10 or OSHA 30 certification.* Experience supporting fulfillment centers, logistics facilities, manufacturing plants, or distribution centers.Key Skills* PLC Code Deployment* PLC Troubleshooting & Debugging* Commissioning & Startup* I/O Checkout* Allen-Bradley / Rockwell Automation* Industrial Controls* Conveyor & Sortation Systems* Ethernet/IP Networking* HMI & SCADA Systems* Electrical Troubleshooting* Material Handling Equipment (MHE)* Automation Integration *Everforth Apex is a world-class IT services company that serves thousands of clients across the globe. When you join Everforth Apex, you become part of a team that values innovation, collaboration, and continuous learning. We offer quality career resources, training, certifications, development opportunities, and a comprehensive benefits package. Our commitment to excellence is reflected in many awards, including ClearlyRateds Best of Staffing in Talent Satisfaction in the United States and Great Place to Work in the United Kingdom and Mexico.**Everforth Apex uses a virtual recruiter as part of the application process. Click here for more details. By applying for this job, you agree to receive calls, AI-generated calls, text messages, or emails from Everforth Apex and its affiliates, and contracted partners. Frequency varies for text messages. Message and data rates may apply. Carriers are not liable for delayed or undelivered messages. You can reply STOP to cancel and HELP for help. You can access our privacy policy at https://www.apexsystems.com/privacy-policy**Everforth Apex Benefits Overview: Everforth Apex offers a range of supplemental benefits, including medical, dental, vision, life, disability, and other insurance plans that offer an optional layer of financial protection. We offer an ESPP (employee stock purchase program) and a 401K program which allows you to contribute typically within 30 days of starting, with a company match after 12 months of tenure. Everforth Apex also offers a HSA (Health Savings Account on the HDHP plan), a SupportLinc Employee Assistance Program (EAP) with up to 8 free counseling sessions, a corporate discount savings program and other discounts. In terms of professional development, Everforth Apex hosts an on-demand training program, provides access to certification prep and a library of technical and leadership courses/books/seminars once you have 6+ months of tenure, and certification discounts and other perks to associations that include CompTIA and IIBA. Everforth Apex has a dedicated customer service team for our Consultants that can address questions around benefits and other resources, as well as a certified Career Coach. You can access a full list of our benefits, programs, support teams and resources within our ‘Welcome Packet’ as well, which an Everforth Apex team member can provide.**Everforth Apex Systems is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate or allow discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions), age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, genetic information, registered domestic partner status, marital status, disability, status as a crime victim, protected veteran status, political affiliation, union membership, or any other characteristic protected by law. Everforth Apex will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable law.**If you require an accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act to participate in an interview with a virtual recruiter or to use our website for a search or application, please contact our Benefits Department at [e-mail] or 804-523-8228. Please note that this contact information is strictly to be used for medical ADA accommodations and that no other inquiries will be answered.**UnitedHealthcare creates and publishes the Transparency in Coverage Machine-Readable Files on behalf of Everforth Apex Systems.***Employee Type:** Contract**Location:** Suffolk, VA, US**Job Type:** Engineering and Technicians**Date Posted:** September 11, 2026**Pay Range:** $33 - $78 per hour