Controls Technician

Tenneco; Athens (AL); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Tenneco in Alabama seeks a Controls Technician to support the Controls Engineer, lead improvement projects, and train maintenance staff in PLC programming and controls troubleshooting.

The role requires strong hardware/software skills, including Allen Bradley PLCs, HMIs, AutoCAD documentation, and safety procedures such as lockout/tagout; collaboration with vendors and contractors is expected.

Qualifications

• Proficient computer use required.
• Microsoft Word and Excel required.
• Outlook preferred; CMMS experience preferred.
• Experience with Allen Bradley PLC programming and robot programming/teaching required.
• Familiarity with SQL/databases preferred.

Responsibilities

• Review, repair, and redesign legacy code for obsolete equipment upgrades.
• Make PLC programming changes for machine upgrades or process changes.
• Learn additional PLC programming (Siemens, Omron, Mitsubishi).
• Troubleshoot and update motion control systems; interface with automation components.
• Create/update electrical and programming prints in AutoCAD.
• Configure communications between PLCs and peripherals (cameras, safety devices, etc.).
• Design and configure HMIs; ensure equipment meets UL/CE standards.
• Coordinate with outside contractors/vendors for PM and service work.
• Teach controls troubleshooting/upgrading and PLC programming to maintenance staff.

Skills

Computers

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Outlook

CMMS

Allen Bradley PLC programming

SQL/databases

Robot programming/teaching

PLC programming

Motion control troubleshooting

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Technical/Vocational Training Certificate

Tools

AutoCAD

CMMS

HMI software

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

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 not temperature controlled.
• Daily work involves working with manufacturing related chemicals, electrical components, robotics, automated equipment, hydraulic systems, pneumatic systems, and various other hazards