Controls Technician

ThompsonFirstGroup; Morrisville (Bucks County); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Thompson First Group is seeking an Industrial Automation & Controls Technician for a direct hire opportunity. Candidates should have strong troubleshooting skills for PLCs, HMIs, and VFDs, and experience in maintaining control systems.

This position supports critical manufacturing operations and requires the ability to read technical documentation and maintain safety standards. A High School Diploma is essential, while an associate's degree is preferred.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent required.
• Technical Certificate or Associate Degree in a relevant field preferred.
• Previous experience in industrial automation and control systems.

Responsibilities

• Troubleshoot and repair automation and control system components.
• Perform routine inspections and preventive maintenance on equipment.
• Read and interpret electrical schematics and technical documentation.

Skills

Troubleshooting PLCs

Experience with HMIs

Troubleshooting VFDs

Instrumentation calibration

Analytical skills

Knowledge of control circuits

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Technical Certificate or Associate Degree in Industrial Automation or related field

Tools

Allen-Bradley PLC

Siemens PLC

Job description

Thompson First Group is seeking an Industrial Automation & Controls Technician for a direct hire opportunity with a local manufacturing client.

Candidates with experience troubleshooting PLCs, HMIs, VFDs, instrumentation, control systems, and industrial automation equipment are encouraged to apply. This is a hands‑on maintenance position supporting critical manufacturing operations in a heavy industrial environment.

Responsibilities

• Accident prevention – actively identify, correct, and/or report safety hazards to prevent accidents.
• Troubleshoot and repair automation and control system components including PLCs, HMIs, sensors, transmitters, control valves, and Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs).
• Diagnose and resolve faults within control panels, I/O systems, instrumentation loops, and industrial communication networks.
• Perform routine inspections, testing, and preventive maintenance on automation and instrumentation equipment.
• Calibrate process instrumentation including pressure, temperature, flow, and level devices.
• Conduct loop checks, signal tracing, and input/output verification to ensure proper system operation.
• Support electrical and mechanical maintenance teams during equipment breakdowns involving automation and control systems.
• Maintain accurate documentation including wiring diagrams, control system drawings, logic documentation, and instrumentation records.
• Assist with installation, commissioning, and startup of new control equipment and field instrumentation.
• Participate in root cause analysis and continuous improvement initiatives to improve equipment reliability and plant performance.
• Read and interpret electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, P&IDs, and technical documentation.
• Communicate equipment status, repairs, and corrective actions with maintenance personnel, operators, engineers, and supervisors.
• Maintain a safe and clean work environment by complying with company policies, procedures, and regulations.
• Complete maintenance records, calibration reports, and work orders accurately.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
• Must be able to fulfill essential job functions in a consistent state of alertness and in a safe manner.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or equivalent required.
• Technical Certificate or Associate Degree in Industrial Automation, Instrumentation, Electrical Technology, or a related field preferred.
• Previous experience maintaining industrial automation, instrumentation, and control systems.
• Working knowledge of Allen-Bradley, Siemens, or similar PLC and HMI platforms.
• Experience with instrumentation calibration and troubleshooting.
• Familiarity with analog and digital control circuits, motor controls, and industrial communication networks.
• Experience troubleshooting VFDs and process control equipment.
• Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, and P&IDs.
• Strong troubleshooting, analytical, and problem‑solving skills.
• Ability to work safely in an industrial manufacturing environment that includes exposure to moving equipment, high temperatures, noise, and confined spaces.

Thompson First Group is an equal opportunity employer and participates in E‑Verify. All applicants will be considered for employment regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity