Controls Specialist

Sherwin-Williams; Waco (TX); On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus program

On-call compensation

Travel contingency (5% travel)

Job summary

Sherwin-Williams in Texas is seeking a Controls Specialist to maintain and improve electrical, PLC, and instrumentation systems across the facility.

You will troubleshoot and repair automation equipment, collaborate with IT and maintenance, and support predictive maintenance; on-call 24/7 with occasional travel.

Qualifications include electrical certification and 5 years of experience in automated environments; a bachelor’s is preferred.

Qualifications

• Certification in Electrical, Mechatronics, or related field (or equivalent experience).
• 5+ years of directly relevant experience in automated distribution centers, manufacturing environments, or with material handling systems.
• Experience troubleshooting & Recovery on Integrated Systems, Instrumentation, PLC/HMI, Electrical Systems, Industrial Networks and Warehouse Management Systems.
• Bachelor’s degree or higher in Electrical, Mechatronics, or related field preferred.

Responsibilities

• Troubleshoot and repair all equipment, automation systems, and process-related issues across production.
• Utilize PLC/HMI knowledge to resolve problems, support new process development, and improve existing automation systems.
• Demonstrate working knowledge of PLC programming, HMI development, and integrated production systems.
• Optimize processes to reduce costs, improve productivity, and decrease cycle times.
• Troubleshoot, maintain, calibrate, and repair electrical, electronic, pneumatic, hydraulic, and automated systems.
• Assemble, install, test, and maintain instrumentation, wiring, and control equipment using appropriate tools and standards.
• Diagnose system malfunctions using test equipment and lead corrective actions to restore functionality quickly with minimal operational impact.
• Lead troubleshooting of complex system issues, including PLC faults, sensor failures, and network or communication problems.
• Interface with OEMs, system integrators, and cross-functional teams to resolve advanced technical issues and support system performance.
• Provide on-floor operational support, monitor system performance in real time, and respond to faults to maintain uptime.
• Support reliability initiatives by developing solutions to prevent recurrence and leveraging data to transition from reactive to predictive maintenance.
• Support systems integration by identifying and resolving software/interface issues, diagnosing communication failures, and validating system updates (including WMS platforms such as EXACTA/AWCS).
• Maintain control systems through proper backups, documentation, version control, and adherence to cybersecurity best practices.
• Identify training needs and develop SOPs; train, mentor, and support AMTs and operations personnel while serving as an SME for assigned automation areas.
• Analyze system performance data, identify improvement opportunities, and provide actionable insights; design and implement simple enhancements to improve system performance.
• Inspect and test electrical systems and components to ensure safety, code compliance, and operational reliability.
• Promote a clean, safe work environment and proactively identify and remove barriers to meeting production requirements.
• Demonstrate adaptability, strong communication, continuous learning, and a proactive mindset while supporting additional duties and evolving business needs.

Skills

PLC programming

HMI development

Automation systems

Electrical troubleshooting

Industrial networks

Education

Electrical certification

Bachelor’s degree (preferred)

Tools

Exacta/AWCS

ASRS (robotic systems)

Job description

Job Description

In this position, you will be expected to maintain basic mechanical operations and systems as well as higher level electrical and PLC functions. This individual will be accountable for the efficient operation of all the electrical-related equipment and instrumentation throughout the facility, both inside and outside of the building. Tasks may include pneumatic pump repair and installation, PVC pipe installation and repair, machine trouble shooting and other tasks as identified to support the achievement of the site’s business goals and objectives.

Additional Information

5% Travel
Monday - Friday, 7:00AM - 3:00PM
The Controls Specialist will be on call 24/7.
This position is also eligible for bonus based on performance and subject to the terms of the Company’s applicable plans.
Job duties include contact with other employees and access to confidential and proprietary information and/or other items of value, and such access may be supervised or unsupervised. The Company therefore has determined that a review of criminal history is necessary to protect the business and its operations and reputation and is necessary to protect the safety of the Company’s staff, employees, and business relationships.

Responsibilities

• Troubleshoot and repair all equipment, automation systems, and process-related issues across production
• Utilize PLC/HMI knowledge to resolve problems, support new process development, and improve existing automation systems
• Demonstrate working knowledge of PLC programming, HMI development, and integrated production systems
• Optimize processes to reduce costs, improve productivity, and decrease cycle times
• Troubleshoot, maintain, calibrate, and repair electrical, electronic, pneumatic, hydraulic, and automated systems
• Assemble, install, test, and maintain instrumentation, wiring, and control equipment using appropriate tools and standards
• Diagnose system malfunctions using test equipment and lead corrective actions to restore functionality quickly with minimal operational impact
• Lead troubleshooting of complex system issues, including PLC faults, sensor failures, and network or communication problems
• Interface with OEMs, system integrators, and cross-functional teams (Operations, IT, Maintenance) to resolve advanced technical issues and support system performance
• Provide on-floor operational support, monitor system performance in real time, and respond to faults to maintain uptime (~85% floor-based support)
• Support reliability initiatives by developing solutions to prevent recurrence and leveraging data to transition from reactive to predictive maintenance
• Support systems integration by identifying and resolving software/interface issues, diagnosing communication failures, and validating system updates (including WMS platforms such as EXACTA/AWCS)
• Maintain control systems through proper backups, documentation, version control, and adherence to cybersecurity best practices
• Identify training needs and develop SOPs; train, mentor, and support AMTs and operations personnel while serving as an SME for assigned automation areas
• Analyze system performance data, identify improvement opportunities, and provide actionable insights; design and implement simple enhancements to improve system performance
• Inspect and test electrical systems and components to ensure safety, code compliance, and operational reliability
• Promote a clean, safe work environment and proactively identify and remove barriers to meeting production requirements
• Demonstrate adaptability, strong communication, continuous learning, and a proactive “can-do” mindset while supporting additional duties, after-hours escalation, and evolving business needs

Qualifications

Minimum Requirements

• Must be at least eighteen (18) years of age
• Must be legally authorized to work in the country of employment without needing sponsorship for employment work visa status now or in the future
• Must have certification in Electrical, Mechatronics, or related field (or equivalent experience)
• Must have 5 years of directly relevant experience in automated distribution centers, manufacturing environments, or with material handling systems
• Must have 5 years of Experience troubleshooting & Recovery on the following systems:
• Integrated Systems
• Instrumentation
• PLC / HMI
• Electrical Systems
• Industrial Networks and communications
• Warehouse Management Systems

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in Electrical, Mechatronics, or related field (or equivalent experience)
• 8 Years of directly relevant experience in automated distribution centers, manufacturing environments, or with material handling systems
• Highly Automated Material Handling System Experience / Expertise
• Experience with Installation, Commissioning, & Aftercare support
• Experience with ASRS, ADAPTO, Conveyance Systems, Fanuc Robotics

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About Us

At Sherwin-Williams, our purpose is to inspire and improve the world by coloring and protecting what matters. Our paints, coatings and innovative solutions make the places and spaces in our world brighter and stronger. Your skills, talent and passion make it possible to live this purpose, and for customers and our business to achieve great results. Sherwin-Williams is a place that takes its stability, growth and momentum and translates it to possibility for our people. Our people are behind the strength of our success, and we invest and support you in:
Life … with rewards, benefits and the flexibility to enhance your health and well-being
Career … with opportunities to learn, develop new skills and grow your contribution
Connection … with an inclusive team and commitment to our own and broader communities
It's all here for you... let's Create Your Possible
At Sherwin-Williams, part of our mission is to help our employees and their families live healthier, save smarter and feel better. This starts with a wide range of world-class benefits designed for you. From retirement to health care, from total well-being to your daily commute—it matters to us. A general description of benefits offered can be found at http://www.myswbenefits.com/ . Compensation decisions are dependent on the facts and circumstances of each case and will impact where actual compensation may fall within the stated wage range. The wage range listed for this role takes into account the wide range of factors considered in making compensation decisions including skill sets; experience and training; licensure and certifications; and other business and organizational needs. The disclosed range estimate has not been adjusted for the applicable geographic differential associated with the location at which the position may be filled. The wage range, other compensation, and benefits information listed is accurate as of the date of this posting. The Company reserves the right to modify this information at any time, with or without notice, subject to applicable law.
Qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws including with the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers and the California Fair Chance Act where applicable.
Sherwin-Williams is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, age, pregnancy, genetic information, creed, marital status or any other consideration prohibited by law or by contract.
As a VEVRAA Federal Contractor, Sherwin-Williams requests state and local employment services delivery systems to provide priority referral of Protected Veterans.
Please be aware, Sherwin-Williams recruiting team members will never request a candidate to provide a payment, ask for financial information, or sensitive personal information like national identification numbers, date of birth, or bank account numbers during the application process.