Controls Technician (Robotics & Automation)
Location: Lawrence, KS (occasional travel within ~30m to sister sites)
Pay: $40.00/hr + 3rd Shift Differential | Overtime Potential
Shift: 3rd Shift | Mon-Friday, 10:00 PM - 6:30 AM (Weekends Off!)
Ready to step beyond routine repairs? Representing an industry-leading snack food manufacturer, we are hiring a Controls Technician in Lawrence, KS. In this high-impact role, you will be the on-shift automation expert - programming robotics, debugging Allen-Bradley PLCs, and optimizing packaging lines.
Why You’ll Love This Role
- Top-Tier Pay: $40.00/hr base + night differential, predictable OT, and incentive bonus eligibility.
- Day-1 Benefits: Medical, dental, and vision coverage begins Day 1-no waiting period.
- Advanced Automation: Work hands-on with ABB spider pickers, Fanuc robotic palletizers, vision inspection cameras, and high-speed packaging equipment.
- Work-Life Balance: Consistent Monday-Friday schedule with weekends open.
- Sponsored Upskilling: Company-paid OEM training and certifications (Allen-Bradley, ABB).
Perks & Total Rewards
- $40.00/hr Base + Night Shift Differential
- Day-1 Comprehensive Medical, Dental & Vision
- 401(k) Retirement Plan with Generous Match
- Plant Performance Incentive Bonus Potential
- Paid Time Off (PTO) & Company Holidays
- Company-Paid Life & Disability Insurance
- Sponsored Technical Training & Product Discounts
What You’ll Do
- Program, calibrate, and troubleshoot ABB (PickMaster) and Fanuc robotic systems.
- Debug and modify Allen-Bradley PLC logic, VFDs, ladder logic, and electrical relays.
- Maintain machine vision cameras, photo-eyes, proximity sensors, and signal loops.
- Support interfaces between automation hardware and plant IT networks.
- Coach technicians on controls diagnostics and develop asset repair plans.
What You Bring
- 3+ years with ABB and/or Fanuc robotics (PickMaster a plus).
- 5+ years with Allen-Bradley PLCs, conveyors, and reading schematics/blueprints.
- 4+ years industrial electrical/mechanical background or formal apprenticeship.
- Low-voltage signal tracing and industrial networking troubleshooting skills.
- Flexibility to support nearby sister sites (~30 mins away) as needed.
- HS diploma required; Associate degree or trade certification preferred.
salary: $83,200 - $86,000 per year
shift: Third
work hours: 10 PM - 6:30 AM
education: High School
Responsibilities
- Master the Robotics: Program, calibrate, troubleshoot, and optimize ABB spider pickers and Fanuc robotic palletizers using ABB PickMaster and related tools.
- PLC & Control Diagnostics: Diagnose, debug, and modify Allen-Bradley PLC programs, ladder logic, relay logic, and variable frequency drives (VFDs).
- Instrumentation & Vision: Maintain, inspect, and fine-tune machine vision systems, photo-eyes, proximity sensors, solenoids, cameras, and feedback loops.
- Bridge Controls & Plant IT: Support industrial networking hardware and interfaces to ensure seamless communication between manufacturing automation and data systems.
- Mentor & Lead: Develop technical training plans and coach shift technicians and operators on automation recovery and safety protocols.
- Continuous Improvement: Spearhead planned audits, preventative maintenance routines, and emergency repair plans for critical plant assets.
The essential functions of this role include:
- working in a smoke free environment
- wearing steel toe shoes
- manual lifting up to 40lbs
- standing for 6 hours at one time
Skills
- Electronic Maintenance
- PLC
Qualifications
- Years of experience: 5 years
- Experience level: Experienced
Equal Opportunity Employer
Race, Color, Religion, Sex, Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, National Origin, Age, Genetic Information, Disability, Protected Veteran Status, or any other legally protected group status.
Accommodation Statement
At Randstad, we welcome people of all abilities and want to ensure that our hiring and interview process meets the needs of all applicants. If you require a reasonable accommodation to make your application or interview experience a great one, please contact HRsupport@randstadusa.com.
Experience
Education