Controls Technician

Tenneco Inc.; Athens (AL); On-site; USD 55,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Tenneco Inc. is seeking a Controls Technician to work under the Controls Engineer in Athens, Alabama. You will train staff, lead improvement projects, and back up the Controls Engineer while updating legacy equipment and programming.

Expect to handle PLCs, HMIs, and control networks while maintaining safety and compliance. The role requires strong electrical/automation skills, PLC programming (Allen Bradley preferred), and the ability to teach others.

Qualifications

• Proficient with electrical/hydraulic drawings and equipment manuals.
• Experience with PLC programming and motion control troubleshooting.
• Ability to teach and train maintenance staff in controls.
• Familiar with SQL databases and CMMS systems.

Responsibilities

• Review, repair, and redesign legacy PLC code to update obsolete equipment.
• Make and document PLC programming changes for upgrades.
• Learn Siemens STEP 5/7, Omron, and Mitsubishi PLCs.
• Troubleshoot motion control systems (IAI, Allen Bradley, SEW, Emerson).
• Create and update AutoCAD electrical and programming prints.
• Setup communications between PLCs and other automation systems.
• Configure and design HMI systems.
• Ensure compliance with UL and CE standards.
• Coordinate with outside contractors for PM or service work.
• Source parts via vendors for projects.
• Troubleshoot control systems and industrial networks (Ethernet/IP, Modbus, Profibus).
• Write procedures for maintenance personnel.
• Teach classes to maintenance techs on controls troubleshooting and PLC programming.
• Certified in Arc Flash safety.
• Follow lockout/tagout and electrical safety training.
• Familiar with SQL and databases or programming languages.
• Backup for the Controls Engineer.
• Ensure customer requirements are met.
• Handle hazardous waste per federal/state/local regulations.

Skills

Allen Bradley PLC programming

Troubleshooting motion control systems

Reading electrical/hydraulic/pneumatic

Teaching/train technicians

Multi-tasking

Independent work

SQL/database familiarity

CMMS system usage

Laser marking/welding familiarity

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Technical/Vocational Training Certificate in Welding, Electrical, Hydraulics & Mechanical

10+ years’ experience as Maintenance Mechanic

Tools

AutoCAD

Siemens STEP 5/7

KUKA robot programming

Motoman robot programming

Job description

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The Controls Technician is to work under the Controls Engineer to train, complete improvement projects, and lead improvement projects. The Controls Tech essential duties are listed below. This position will be backup for the Controls Engineer position. Typical duties will include but not limited to the following:

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following

Other duties may be assigned.

• Review, repair, and redesign legacy code as required and approved by controls engineer to update obsolete equipment.
• Make and properly document PLC programming changes necessary for machine upgrades or process changes by engineering.
• Learn other PLC programming such as Siemen’s steps 5 & 7, Omron, and Mitsubishi
• Troubleshoot and update/replace motion control systems (IAI, Allen Bradley, SEW, Emerson, etc.)
• Create and update electrical and programming prints/documentation in AutoCAD.
• Setup communications between PLC’s and other needed automation (camera’s, marking systems, safety devices, etc.)
• Configuring and designing HMI systems
• Checking/updating equipment for compliance with industry standards UL and CE
• Organizes outside contractors as needed for PM or other service work.
• Work with outside vendors to identify and source parts needed for various projects.
• Troubleshooting control system issues, and industrial communication protocols (Ethernet/IP, RS-232/485, Modbus, Profibus, etc.)
• Write procedures for the maintenance personnel.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office
• Teach classes to maintenance techs on controls troubleshooting/upgrading.
• Teach classes to maintenance techs on PLC programming.
• Certified in Arc Flash safety.
• Follow lockout tag out procedures and give electrical safety training to others.
• Desired Skill – familiar with SQL databases, servers, or computer programming languages
• Backup for the Controls Engineer
• Responsible for ensuring customer requirements are met.
• Handle/store hazardous waste in a complaint manner with all federal, state, and local regulations.

Qualification Requirements:

• Proficient in the use of computers – required.
• Use of Microsoft Word, Excel – required.
• Use of Microsoft Outlook – preferred.
• Use of a CMMS system – preferred.
• Experience with laser systems (marking or welding) - preferred.
• Proficient at Allen Bradley PLC programming – required (Siemens preferred but not required)
• Experience with teaching/programming KUKA or Motoman robots – required.
• Familiarity with SQL and databases or computer programming – preferred.
• Familiarity with troubleshooting motion control systems - required.
• 5+ years’ experience as Maintenance Mechanic – preferred.

Education and/or Experience:

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Technical/Vocational Training Certificate in Welding, Electrical, Hydraulics & Mechanical preferred
• 10+ years’ experience as Maintenance Mechanic preferred

Reasoning Ability:

• Ability to read and understand electrical, hydraulic, pneumatic and basic mechanical drawings.
• Ability to read and understand equipment manuals.
• Ability to read and understand reports, purchase orders, bill of ladings, shipment tracking documents and other CMMS related documentation.
• Ability to identify changes needed to improve reliability of a controls system or PLC programming of automation.

Other Skills and Abilities:

• Must be able to perform job functions in parallel. (Multi-tasking)
• Must be able to work independently with minimum of direct supervision or other guidance.
• Must be able to report up to plant management in professional manner.
• Must be able to teach/train technicians in an effective manner.

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. While performing this job the employee will be:

• Sitting at Computer, Standing, Walking, Bending, Lifting and using Stairs to issue items to employees
• Standing, Walking, Bending, Lifting and using Stairs to place replacement stock in Supply Crib
• Maximum lifting will be 40 pounds.
• All Work will be on concrete floor.
• Will be required to wear hearing protection, eye protection and safety shoes.
• The facility is temperature controlled; the normal temperature is approximately 68F during the winter and 85F during the summer.
• Daily work involves working with manufacturing related chemicals, electrical components, robotics, automated equipment, hydraulic systems, pneumatic systems, and various other hazards.