Controls Specialist

Saigepartners; Cedar Rapids (IA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Saigepartners is seeking a Controls Specialist to provide post-launch technical support for controls, electrical, and hydraulic systems. You will diagnose issues, coordinate software changes, and work with Engineering, Manufacturing, Sales, and Service to implement solutions.

The role requires troubleshooting skills, the ability to interpret diagrams and docs, and occasional travel for field support. A technical degree and 2–4 years of related experience are preferred.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a technical or business-related discipline or equivalent experience.
• About 2–4 years in controls, electrical systems, manufacturing, or related area.
• Ability to troubleshoot electrical and hydraulic control systems.
• Proficiency interpreting wiring diagrams, schematics, and control docs.
• Familiarity with HMIs, sensors, and basic control technologies.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a primary technical resource for controls and related issues across production and fielded equipment.
• Investigate problems, identify root causes, and coordinate corrective actions to minimize downtime.
• Provide technical assistance to Sales, Service, customers, and field personnel; on-site support as needed.
• Coordinate software revisions and corrective releases for products in the field.
• Collaborate with Engineering, Manufacturing, Sales, Service, suppliers, and software developers to verify changes.
• Troubleshoot production equipment and support test stands; maintain records of issues and actions.

Skills

Controls

Electrical systems

Hydraulic systems

Troubleshooting

Root cause analysis

Technical communication

Travel willingness

Education

Bachelor's degree in a technical or business-related discipline

Tools

HMIs

Electrical diagrams

Hydraulic schematics

Control documentation

MS Office

Job description

The Controls Specialist provides technical support for controls systems after products have entered production and the field. This position plays a key role in diagnosing electrical, hydraulic, and controls-related problems, supporting customers and service teams, and coordinating software changes for existing products. Acting as a central resource for post-launch controls support, this resource partners with Engineering, Manufacturing, Sales, Service, suppliers, and software developers to identify root causes, implement solutions, and ensure issues are resolved completely. The role also contributes to the reliability and effectiveness of production test equipment and processes.

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as a primary technical resource for controls, electrical, and hydraulic issues affecting production and fielded equipment.
• Investigate system problems, determine root causes, and coordinate corrective actions to minimize equipment downtime and operational disruption.
• Provide technical assistance to Sales, Service, customers, and field personnel, including on-site support when necessary.
• Coordinate software revisions, controls updates, and corrective releases for products already in the field.
• Partner with internal engineering teams, third-party software developers, suppliers, and other technical resources to implement and verify system changes.
• Troubleshoot production equipment and support the operation, maintenance, and improvement of controls-related test stands.
• Analyze wiring diagrams, electrical schematics, hydraulic diagrams, control logic, and other technical documentation when diagnosing system issues.
• Maintain detailed records of problems, troubleshooting findings, solutions, and system behavior to strengthen organizational knowledge and improve future response.
• Work directly with customers and field personnel when additional technical investigation or troubleshooting is required.
• Take ownership of assigned issues from initial identification through final resolution, confirming that corrective actions address the underlying problem.
• Identify recurring failures or system issues and recommend improvements that reduce repeat occurrences and enhance product reliability.
• Manage priorities independently while maintaining communication and alignment with broader team and business objectives.
• Collaborate effectively across Engineering, Manufacturing, Sales, Service, and other functional groups to resolve complex technical issues.

Qualifications & Technical Skills

• Bachelor's degree in a technical or business-related discipline, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
• Approximately 2-4 years of experience in controls, electrical systems, manufacturing, or a related technical environment.
• Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot electrical and hydraulic control systems.
• Proficiency in interpreting electrical wiring diagrams, hydraulic schematics, control documentation, and other technical materials.
• Familiarity with HMIs, sensors, and fundamental control system technologies preferred.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, with a methodical approach to diagnosing complex issues.
• Highly accountable and action-oriented, with the ability to independently drive problems toward resolution.
• Effective communicator who can work comfortably with technical teams, production personnel, service organizations, field technicians, and customers.
• Ability to balance independent work with collaboration across multiple functions and organizations.
• Willingness and ability to travel periodically for field troubleshooting, customer support, and other business needs.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office applications.