Controls Technician

Saigepartners; Cedar Rapids (IA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Saigepartners seeks a proactive Controls Technician to support automated production equipment and testing systems on the production floor. You will troubleshoot, install, start up, and optimize equipment in collaboration with Engineering, Maintenance, and Operations teams.

The role emphasizes hands-on electrical and control systems, PLC/HMI experience, and a methodical approach to diagnosing issues and improving reliability, safety, and quality on manufacturing lines.

Qualifications

• Experience troubleshooting PLC-controlled equipment and HMIs.
• Ability to read electrical schematics and wiring diagrams.
• Hands-on experience in industrial environments.

Responsibilities

• Support installation, startup, testing and validation of automated equipment.
• Troubleshoot electrical, controls, sensors, and fixtures.
• Diagnose PLC and HMI faults and perform minor programming changes.
• Collaborate with Engineering, Maintenance and Operations to minimize downtime.
• Assist with preventive maintenance and calibration activities.
• Maintain and back up PLC/HMI configurations and related documentation.
• Support equipment reliability, safety, and process improvements.

Skills

Electrical troubleshooting

PLC/HMI experience

Schematic reading

Team collaboration

Documentation

Safety awareness

Education

Associate degree in Electrical Engineering Technology

Equivalent relevant experience

Tools

PLC programming tools

HMI platforms

VFDs/servo basics

Job description

Job Overview

Our client is a growing manufacturing organization seeking a Controls Technician to support automated production equipment and manufacturing test systems. This is a highly hands-on technical position ideal for someone who enjoys troubleshooting and improving equipment directly on the production floor. The Controls Technician will work closely with Engineering, Maintenance, Operations, and other technical teams to support equipment installation, startup, troubleshooting, optimization, and ongoing production needs. The ideal candidate will have a strong foundation in electrical systems and industrial controls, experience with PLC-controlled equipment, and the ability to systematically diagnose issues involving electrical components, controls, sensors, instrumentation, and automated systems. This is a direct-hire position.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the installation, setup, testing, startup, and validation of automated manufacturing equipment and production test systems.
• Troubleshoot electrical, controls, instrumentation, sensor, fixture, and equipment-related issues.
• Diagnose PLC and HMI faults and assist with minor programming, configuration, or parameter changes as appropriate.
• Partner with Engineering, Operations, Maintenance, and Production teams to resolve equipment issues and minimize downtime.
• Support equipment startup and commissioning activities and assist with transitioning new or modified equipment into regular production.
• Analyze recurring equipment and test-system failures to identify root causes and recommend corrective actions.
• Monitor equipment and test-system performance to identify opportunities for improved reliability, quality, safety, and efficiency.
• Assist with hardware and controls improvements designed to increase equipment reliability, safety, and production performance.
• Maintain PLC/HMI configurations, system backups, equipment documentation, and engineering/change records.
• Support preventive maintenance, equipment verification, and calibration activities.
• Troubleshoot and support sensors, I/O devices, variable frequency drives (VFDs), servos, instrumentation, fixtures, and machine vision components.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams on equipment improvements, error-proofing, process optimization, and standardized work.
• Provide technical guidance and basic troubleshooting support to production personnel.
• Maintain a strong commitment to workplace safety, equipment reliability, product quality, and continuous improvement.

Qualifications

Required

• Associate degree in Electrical Engineering Technology, Automation Technology, Industrial Technology, or a related technical discipline; equivalent relevant experience may be considered.
• 2+ years of experience supporting automated equipment, industrial controls systems, or manufacturing test equipment in a manufacturing or industrial environment.
• Hands-on experience troubleshooting PLC-controlled equipment and HMI systems.
• Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, and technical documentation.
• Working knowledge of sensors, electrical I/O, industrial controls, VFDs, and basic servo applications.
• Experience using electrical diagnostic and testing equipment.
• Strong mechanical and electrical troubleshooting skills.
• Demonstrated ability to identify root causes and approach technical problems in a structured, methodical manner.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to collaborate effectively with Engineering, Operations, Maintenance, and Production teams.
• Comfortable working the majority of the day in an active manufacturing environment.

Preferred

• Experience supporting the installation, commissioning, or startup of automated manufacturing equipment.
• Familiarity with Rockwell/Allen-Bradley, Siemens, or similar industrial control platforms.
• Exposure to manufacturing execution systems (MES), industrial data collection, or equipment-monitoring platforms.
• Experience with automated test equipment, machine vision, instrumentation, or test software.
• Familiarity with structured problem-solving and continuous-improvement methodologies.
• Experience with equipment calibration, verification, preventive maintenance, or reliability programs.