Controls Technician

Redwood Materials; Reno (NV); On-site; USD 75,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Redwood Materials in McCarran, NV is seeking a skilled Controls Technician to strengthen our industrial automation capabilities across battery materials production lines.

You will troubleshoot PLCs, design and wire control panels, and collaborate with engineering and operations to improve system reliability, safety, and efficiency in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Qualifications

• A minimum of 4 years of experience in industrial automation or controls within a manufacturing or process environment.
• Experience diagnosing and repairing PLCs, HMIs, VFDs, and various industrial sensors.
• Proficient in reading and interpreting electrical schematics, P&IDs, and technical documentation.
• Hands‑on experience in fabricating and wiring control panels that comply with design specifications and safety standards.
• Comprehensive understanding of motor controls, instrumentation wiring, and calibration techniques.
• Familiarity with pneumatic and mechanical systems and their integration with control systems.
• Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively in a dynamic, fast‑paced team setting.
• A strong commitment to safety, quality, and continuous improvement practices.

Responsibilities

• Troubleshoot and resolve issues related to electrical, mechanical, and automated manufacturing systems to minimize downtime and improve overall efficiency.
• Design, modify, and enhance electrical control panels in accordance with engineering specifications and safety standards.
• Perform field wiring tasks for instrumentation and motor control systems, ensuring proper configuration and functionality.
• Conduct and document maintenance procedures, including calibrations, installations, fault diagnostics, and repairs for electronic, electrical, mechanical, and pneumatic systems.
• Interpret and analyze P&ID diagrams, electrical schematics, and other technical documentation to facilitate advanced troubleshooting and system assessments.
• Collaborate with engineering and operations teams to support equipment commissioning, process improvements, and system upgrades.
• Maintain accurate records of work performed, including updates to control logic, wiring diagrams, and calibration data, while adhering to safety and compliance regulations.
• Participate in continuous improvement initiatives to enhance system reliability and operational performance.

Skills

Industrial automation

PLC troubleshooting

Electrical schematics

Reading P&IDs

Field wiring

Safety compliance

Tools

PLC platforms

HMI systems

VFDs

CAD software

Job description

About the role

At Redwood Materials, our mission is to establish a sustainable battery supply chain that prioritizes the recovery, reuse, and recycling of critical materials. Since our inception in 2017, we have been at the forefront of developing large-scale energy storage solutions and producing battery materials domestically by repurposing existing batteries. We are seeking a dedicated Controls Technician to join our team and contribute to our innovative projects in McCarran, NV.

Key facts

Location: McCarran, NV Engagement: Full-time Team: Controls Team

What you'll do

• Troubleshoot and resolve issues related to electrical, mechanical, and automated manufacturing systems to minimize downtime and improve overall efficiency.
• Design, modify, and enhance electrical control panels in accordance with engineering specifications and safety standards.
• Perform field wiring tasks for instrumentation and motor control systems, ensuring proper configuration and functionality.
• Conduct and document maintenance procedures, including calibrations, installations, fault diagnostics, and repairs for electronic, electrical, mechanical, and pneumatic systems.
• Interpret and analyze P&ID diagrams, electrical schematics, and other technical documentation to facilitate advanced troubleshooting and system assessments.
• Collaborate with engineering and operations teams to support equipment commissioning, process improvements, and system upgrades.
• Maintain accurate records of work performed, including updates to control logic, wiring diagrams, and calibration data, while adhering to safety and compliance regulations.
• Participate in continuous improvement initiatives to enhance system reliability and operational performance.

Requirements

• A minimum of 4 years of experience in industrial automation, controls, or instrumentation within a manufacturing or process environment.
• Expertise in diagnosing and repairing PLCs, HMIs, VFDs, and various industrial sensors.
• Proficient in reading and interpreting electrical schematics, P&IDs, and technical documentation.
• Hands‑on experience in fabricating and wiring control panels that comply with design specifications and safety standards.
• Comprehensive understanding of motor controls, instrumentation wiring, and calibration techniques.
• Familiarity with pneumatic and mechanical systems and their integration with control systems.
• Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively in a dynamic, fast‑paced team setting.
• A strong commitment to safety, quality, and continuous improvement practices.
• Excellent analytical and problem‑solving skills with a proactive approach to overcoming challenges.

Nice to have

• Experience with programming and troubleshooting various PLC platforms.
• Knowledge of industry standards and regulations related to electrical and automation systems.
• Familiarity with data acquisition systems and process control software.
• Certification in industrial automation or related fields.
• Previous experience in the battery manufacturing or recycling industry.

Skills & tools

The ideal candidate will possess strong technical skills in industrial automation and controls, with proficiency in using tools such as multimeters, oscilloscopes, and other diagnostic equipment. Familiarity with software tools for programming PLCs and HMIs, as well as experience with CAD software for designing control systems, will be advantageous.

Practical notes

This full‑time position offers a competitive salary based on experience and qualifications. As part of the application process, we collect personal information, including identifiers, personal records, and professional details, which are utilized for employment‑related purposes. For any privacy‑related inquiries, please reach out to us at [e-mail].

Physical Requirements

Candidates must be able to wear Tyvek suits, Powered Air Purifying Respirators (PAPR), and other personal protective equipment (PPE) for extended durations. The role involves physical activities such as standing, lifting, and carrying items weighing up to 50 lbs. Work will be conducted in industrial environments, which may expose employees to noise, dust, chemicals, and varying temperatures for prolonged periods.

Working Conditions

The position entails a combination of office and production facility environments, with significant time spent in the production area. Employees must be prepared to work in challenging conditions, including exposure to noise, dust, chemicals, and temperature extremes while utilizing PPE. Flexibility in scheduling is required, as occasional weekend work or alternate shifts may be necessary to meet production demands.

Join us at Redwood Materials and be a part of a team that is dedicated to revolutionizing the battery supply chain and promoting sustainability in energy storage solutions. Your expertise as a Controls Technician will play a crucial role in our mission to create a cleaner, more sustainable future.