Controls Technician

Atlantica Sustainable Infrastructure Plc; Ridgecrest (CA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Atlantica Sustainable Infrastructure Plc is seeking a Controls Technician to ensure the reliable operation of plant automation systems. This full-time role involves troubleshooting industrial control systems and providing support to maintenance teams.

The ideal candidate should have over 4 years of experience in power generation, strong SQL skills, and familiarity with ABB platforms. Responsibilities includes maintaining DCS, HMI, and associated hardware in accordance with safety procedures.

Qualifications

• 4+ years of experience working with industrial control systems in a power generation or industrial environment.
• Familiarity with ABB AC460 controllers and S800 I/O hardware architecture.
• Strong computer skills with experience in troubleshooting and maintenance of virtual machines.

Responsibilities

• Maintain, troubleshoot, and repair plant control systems.
• Support and maintain ABB 800xA systems.
• Collaborate with plant operators to troubleshoot process and equipment issues.

Skills

Troubleshooting and analytical skills

Experience with SQL databases

Basic networking

Experience with ABB 800xA HMI/DCS platforms

Advanced Microsoft Excel skills

Tools

Microsoft Access

Microsoft Visio

VMware

Windows Server

Job description

Reports To: Instrumentation & Controls Supervisor / Plant Manager

Employment Type: Full-Time

Position Summary

The Controls Technician is responsible for maintaining, troubleshooting, and optimizing the plant’s distributed control systems (DCS), human‑machine interfaces (HMI), servers, databases, and supporting network infrastructure. This role ensures the reliable operation of plant automation systems and provides technical support to plant operations and maintenance teams.

Key Responsibilities

• Maintain, troubleshoot, and repair plant control systems, including DCS, PLCs, HMIs, and associated hardware.
• Support and maintain ABB 800xA systems, including AC 460 controllers and S800 I/O architecture.
• Diagnose and resolve issues related to servers, virtual machines, databases, and industrial networks.
• Perform system backups, software updates, preventative maintenance, and hardware replacements.
• Develop and modify HMI graphics, reports, and control logic as needed.
• Support SQL databases, OPC DA communications, and data historians.
• Create and maintain technical documentation, including system drawings, network diagrams, and operating procedures.
• Collaborate with plant operators and maintenance personnel to troubleshoot process and equipment issues.
• Participate in plant outages, commissioning activities, and emergency call‑outs.
• Ensure all work is performed in accordance with plant safety procedures and regulatory requirements.

Minimum Qualifications

• 4+ years of experience working with industrial control systems in a power generation or industrial environment.
• Experience with ABB 800xA HMI/DCS platforms.
• Familiarity with ABB AC460 controllers and S800 I/O hardware architecture.
• Strong computer skills with experience in:
• SQL databases
• OPC DA communications
• Microsoft Excel
• Microsoft Access
• Microsoft Visio
• Windows Server
• VMware
• Virtual machines and server maintenance
• Basic networking
• Strong troubleshooting and analytical skills.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working in a power plant or other industrial operations environment.
• Knowledge of industrial cybersecurity best practices.
• Experience supporting control room operations and understanding equipment permissive logic.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills, including formulas and macros.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to work in an industrial power plant environment.
• Ability to climb stairs and ladders and work in varying weather conditions.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to respond to after‑hours call‑outs and work overtime during outages and emergencies.