Controls Technician

Aerotek; Hartselle (AL); On-site; USD 52,000 - 58,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental & vision

401(k) Retirement Plan

Life Insurance

Job summary

Aerotek in Hartselle, AL seeks a hands-on Controls Technician to support PLC-based control systems and automated machinery in a fast-paced plant environment. You will connect to PLCs via laptop, diagnose faults, and implement corrective actions while ensuring reliable operation of production equipment.

The role requires strong electrical and automation skills, hands-on wiring and troubleshooting, and collaboration with maintenance and production teams to improve machine performance.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience troubleshooting PLC-controlled production equipment in an industrial setting.
• Ability to connect to PLCs via laptop, interpret logic, and implement corrective actions.
• Hands-on background in electrical, controls, automation, and machine troubleshooting.
• Experience with Rockwell Automation platforms and Siemens/Mitsubishi/Omron toolchains.
• Familiarity with industrial networking protocols and motion control components.

Responsibilities

• Connect to PLCs to monitor, adjust, and support production operations.
• Interpret ladder logic to diagnose issues and optimize performance.
• Troubleshoot controls on automated equipment and restore operation quickly.
• Respond to faults in control systems, drives, and automation gear.
• Support PLC-controlled machines across the facility for reliability.
• Perform wiring, component replacement, and system adjustments.
• Collaborate with production and maintenance to improve machine reliability.
• Configure and troubleshoot Ethernet/IP, Profibus, and DeviceNet networks.
• Assist in programming and modifying PLC/HMI programs across platforms.
• Document changes to control programs and equipment settings.

Skills

PLC troubleshooting

Electrical & automation

Independent worker

Tools

RSLogix 500

RSLogix 5000

Studio 5000

ControlLogix

CompactLogix

Siemens TIA Portal

Siemens S7

Omron PLCs

Mitsubishi PLCs

GE Fanuc

Ethernet/IP

Profibus

DeviceNet

VFDs & servo systems

HMI programming

Job description

Job Title: Controls Technician Job Description

The Controls Technician supports production and manufacturing equipment in a fast-paced industrial environment, focusing on PLC-based control systems and automated machinery. This hands-on role requires strong electrical, controls, automation, and troubleshooting experience, with the ability to work independently while supporting a variety of PLC-controlled machines and manufacturing systems across the facility. The technician connects to PLCs via laptop, interprets PLC logic, identifies and resolves fault conditions, and ensures reliable operation of automated production equipment.

Responsibilities

• Connect to PLCs via laptop to access, monitor, and adjust control programs as needed to support production operations.
• Interpret PLC logic and ladder diagrams to diagnose issues, optimize performance, and implement corrective actions.
• Troubleshoot controls issues on automated production equipment, identifying root causes and restoring equipment to normal operation in a timely manner.
• Identify and respond to fault conditions in control systems, drives, and automation equipment to minimize downtime.
• Support a variety of PLC-controlled machines and manufacturing systems throughout the facility, ensuring consistent and reliable operation.
• Perform hands-on work on electrical, controls, and automation systems, including wiring, component replacement, and system adjustments.
• Collaborate with production and maintenance teams to resolve equipment problems and improve machine reliability and performance.
• Work with industrial control systems, including variable frequency drives, servo motors, servo drives, and motion controls, to maintain and enhance machine functionality.
• Configure, maintain, and troubleshoot industrial networking and communication protocols such as Ethernet/IP, Profibus, and DeviceNet.
• Support machine controls and automated equipment, including robotics and machine automation systems, to ensure safe and efficient operation.
• Assist in programming, modifying, and optimizing PLC and HMI programs across multiple platforms to meet production requirements.
• Document changes to control programs and equipment settings to maintain accurate records of system configurations.
• Follow established safety procedures and best practices when working on electrical and control systems to maintain a safe work environment.

Essential Skills

• Demonstrated experience troubleshooting PLC-controlled production and manufacturing equipment in an industrial environment.
• Ability to connect to PLCs via laptop and confidently access, interpret, and adjust PLC logic and programs.
• Strong hands-on background in electrical, controls, automation, and machine troubleshooting.
• Proficiency with Rockwell Automation platforms, including RSLogix 500, RSLogix 5000, Studio 5000, ControlLogix, and CompactLogix.
• Experience working with Siemens PLCs and tools such as Siemens TIA Portal and S7.
• Familiarity with additional PLC platforms including Omron, Mitsubishi, and GE Fanuc.
• Solid understanding of industrial controls and machine controls in a manufacturing setting.
• Experience working with variable frequency drives (VFDs), servo motors, servo drives, and motion control systems.
• Ability to troubleshoot and maintain industrial networking and communication protocols such as Ethernet/IP, Profibus, and DeviceNet.
• Hands-on experience with automated equipment, robotics, and machine automation systems.
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to work independently with minimal supervision.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience supporting a variety of PLC-controlled machines and manufacturing systems in a fast-paced production environment.
• background in both electrical and mechanical aspects of industrial equipment and automation systems.
• Familiarity with HMI programming and configuration for operator interfaces on automated equipment.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams, including production and maintenance personnel.
• Comfort working with multiple control system platforms and adapting to new technologies and equipment.
• Strong attention to detail when interpreting control logic and documenting program changes.

Why Work Here?

You will join a dynamic industrial environment that values technical expertise, problem-solving, and continuous improvement. The organization emphasizes safety, reliability, and teamwork, providing opportunities to work with advanced automation technologies and diverse control systems. You will have the chance to grow your skills across multiple PLC platforms and robotics systems while contributing directly to efficient, high-performing manufacturing operations.

Work Environment

The role is based in a fast-paced industrial manufacturing facility with extensive automated and PLC-controlled equipment. You will work hands-on with production machinery, control panels, drives, robotics, and industrial networks, frequently using a laptop to connect to and program PLCs and HMIs. The environment involves working around moving equipment, electrical systems, and automated machinery, following established safety procedures and best practices. Work is typically performed on the production floor and in equipment areas, requiring practical, safety-conscious attire suitable for an industrial setting.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Hartselle, AL.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $38.00 - $42.00/hr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your jobclassification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may besubject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefitsavailable for this temporary role may include the following:

Medical, dental & visionCritical Illness, Accident, and Hospital401(k) Retirement Plan Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions availableLife Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)Short and long-term disabilityHealth Spending Account (HSA)Transportation benefitsEmployee Assistance ProgramTime Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Hartselle,AL.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Oct 23, 2026.

About Aerotek

Aerotek® Inc. provides staffing and services solutions in manufacturing, logistics, construction, aviation, facilities and maintenance. We provide the expertise, solutions and people required to rise to the challenges of North American industry. Headquartered in Hanover, Md., Aerotek operates a unified network of over 200 offices across North America, supporting more than 18,000 clients each year. Aerotek is an Allegis Group company, the global leader in workforce and business solutions. To learn more, visit: Aerotek.com | 1-888-AEROTEK.

Aerotek offers weekly pay, employee benefits including medical, dental & vision, life insurance, health advocacy and employee assistance programs, a 401(k) plan, and employee discounts.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regards to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance:

Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector:

It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI):

We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.