Controls Technician

The Bakery Co; Pleasant Prairie (WI); On-site; USD 65,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Crown Bakeries is seeking a Controls Technician to maintain, troubleshoot, and program PLCs and other control devices in an industrial manufacturing environment. This role ensures smooth automated machinery operation, minimizes downtime, and supports production efficiency.

The ideal candidate will have strong technical skills with PLCs and automation systems and a proactive approach to problem-solving, plus 3+ years of relevant experience. This is an on-site Wisconsin position.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience with PLCs and industrial automation in manufacturing.
• Strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
• Proactive, team-oriented and able to learn new tasks quickly.
• Ability to follow instructions and maintain safety standards.

Responsibilities

• Program, modify, and troubleshoot PLC-based control systems for production equipment.
• Use software such as RSLogix and TIA Portal to update programs and diagnose issues.
• Perform routine preventative maintenance to improve system reliability.
• Inspect and repair electrical control systems and automated machinery.
• Document faults, repairs, and modifications; maintain system documentation.
• Collaborate with engineers to improve system performance and troubleshoot remotely.

Skills

PLC programming

Automation troubleshooting

Electrical systems

Team collaboration

Tools

Electrical Controls

HMI Interface

Multimeter usage

VFD programming

Reading schematics

PLC troubleshooting

Job description

Job Summary

The

The Controls Technician is responsible for maintaining, troubleshooting, and programming Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) and other control devices in an industrial manufacturing environment. This position ensures the smooth operation of automated machinery and control systems, minimizing downtime and supporting production efficiency. The ideal candidate will have strong technical skills, experience with PLCs and automation systems, and a proactive approach to problem-solving.

Responsibilities

• Program, modify, and troubleshoot PLC-based control systems for production equipment and machinery.
• Use software such as Allen-Bradley RS Logix, Siemens TIA Portal, or similar to update programs, troubleshoot issues, and ensure proper function of control systems.
• Perform routine preventative maintenance on PLCs and associated equipment to reduce downtime and improve system reliability.
• Conduct inspections, diagnostics, and repairs of electrical control systems and automated machinery.
• Identify and resolve issues with electrical, control, and automation systems, ensuring minimal disruption to production schedules.
• Diagnose and repair control circuit failures, component malfunctions, and electrical problems.
• Support the integration and commissioning of new automation systems and equipment.
• Collaborate with engineers and other technical staff to troubleshoot and improve system performance.
• Maintain accurate records of maintenance activities, repairs, and modifications to control systems.
• Update system documentation, including wiring diagrams, PLC code, and operational procedures.
• Adhere to all safety protocols and regulations when working on electrical and automated systems.
• Promote and maintain a safe work environment by following company safety standards.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience working with PLCs and industrial automation systems in a manufacturing or industrial environment.
• Strong interest in learning and developing practical technical skills.
• Good problem-solving ability and a keen attention to detail.
• Strong willingness to learn and adapt to new tasks and responsibilities.
• Ability to work well in a team environment and follow instructions.
• Basic computer skills to assist with reporting and logging tasks.
• Eagerness to learn and take on new responsibilities.
• Strong work ethic and a proactive attitude.
• Ability to communicate effectively with team members and supervisors.
• Ability to follow instructions carefully and adhere to safety guidelines.

Technical Skills

• Electrical Controls
• Interface with equipment HMI’s
• Visually identify if signaling components such as photo eyes, prox’s, limit switches, and read switchers are operating properly
• Visually Identify tripped brakers and overloads
• Document and reset faults on a VFD
• Use a multimeter to determine if a fuse is bad both while energize and deenergized
• Use a multimeter to read resistance of electrical components and wires to troubleshoot shorts in a circuit and failed electrical components
• Use a multimeter to troubleshoot faulty contacts
• Use a multimeter to understand the state of a relay
• Replace faulty push buttons, switches, relays, contactors, overloads, and fuses.
• Visually identify faults on a PLC
• Use PLC input and out visual indicators for troubleshooting
• Replace signaling components
• Use a multimeter to determine if a signaling component is operating properly
• Read electrical schematics
• Replace and program a VFD
• Replace a PLC output or input card
• Plug a laptop into a PLC and read logic for basic troubleshooting purposes
• Coordinate and communicate with OEM or other resources to resolve PLC issues remotely
• Access programs in PLC and identify faults and issues
• Modify existing programs in a PLC
• Write new logic lines in a PLC program
• Upload programs into a PLC
• Update software’s used to communicate with PLC as needed
• Write complex logic from scratch in a PLC
• Install and program new PLC components
• Assign IP addresses to electrical components
• Set up live tags and monitor systems

Motors

• Identify the power source of a motor
• Look, listen and smell to determine possible issues with and electric motor
• Identify a motor by reading and deciphering a nameplate
• Remove, install, and wire and electric motor
• Reverse the polarity of an electric motor
• Use a multimeter to determine if a motor has failed
• Operate a meager to determine if a motor has failed
• Identify rout cause failure and implement improvements

Work Environment

This job operates in a production office environment. The employee is occasionally exposed to facility elements such as noise, dust, fumes and odors. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, and filing cabinets

EEO Statement

Crown Bakeries is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to providing a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment. It is our policy to recruit, hire, train and promote individuals without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or any other characteristic protected by law. We prohibit any such discrimination or harassment in our workplace and strive to foster a diverse and inclusive workforce. This EEO policy applies to all aspects of employment, including recruitment, hiring, training, promotion, compensation, benefits and other terms and conditions.