Controls Technician-1

First Quality King of Prussia PA; McElhattan (Clinton County); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive base salary

Bonus opportunities

Paid time off

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

401(k) with employer match

Paid parental leave

Tuition assistance

Wellness program

Job summary

First Quality is seeking a Controls Technician in McElhattan, PA to troubleshoot and maintain control components and automation systems for production equipment. You will ensure reliability, line performance, and safe operation while supporting engineers and maintenance teams.

The role requires an associate degree in electronics with 1–3 years of industrial experience, plus strong PLC/HMI programming and electrical troubleshooting skills. A team environment and ongoing training are emphasized.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma with Associates Degree in electronics or equivalent.
• Preferred 1-3 years of industrial experience.
• PC skills including basic email, word processing, and spreadsheets.
• Knowledge of electrical theory and principles of operation.
• Knowledge of all controller‑based hardware and software.

Responsibilities

• Troubleshoot, repair, replace, and calibrate electrical sensors (photoelectric, inductive, capacitive, etc.).
• Troubleshoot, repair, replace, and commission all electrical control devices (AC/DC drives, motors, relays).
• Troubleshoot and commission PLC/HMI based hardware and related interfaces.
• Perform electrical preventive maintenance and assist engineers on projects.
• Share knowledge with team and attend training seminars.

Skills

Electrical troubleshooting

PLC/HMI programming

Team collaboration

Analytical skills

Basic PC skills

Education

Associate degree in electronics

High School Diploma

Tools

PanelView

FactoryTalkView

PLC programming software

Job description

Controls Technician

Founded over 35 years ago, First Quality is a family‑owned company that has grown from a small business in McElhattan, Pennsylvania into a group of companies, employing over 5,000 team members while maintaining our family values and entrepreneurial spirit. With corporate offices in New York and Pennsylvania and eight manufacturing campuses across the U.S. and Canada, the companies within the First Quality group produce high‑quality personal care and household products for large retailers and healthcare organizations. Our portfolio includes baby diapers, wipes, feminine pads, paper towels, bath tissue, adult incontinence products, laundry detergents, fabric finishers, and dishwash solutions. In addition, we manufacture certain raw materials and components used in the manufacturing of these products, including flexible print and packaging solutions. Guided by our values of humility, unity, and integrity, we leverage advanced technology and innovation to drive growth and create new opportunities. At First Quality, you’ll find a collaborative environment focused on continuous learning, professional development, and our mission to Make Things Better.

This position is located in McElhattan, PA. It will be responsible for troubleshooting and maintaining control components and automation systems for production and associated utility equipment to ensure highest reliability, proper line performance, and safe operation.

Primary Responsibilities

• Observe all OSHA and company safety rules and use the proper safety equipment at all times.
• Notify Supervisor of potential electrical hazards and take immediate corrective action.
• Demonstrate basic National Electrical Code understanding.
• Troubleshoot, repair, replace, and calibrate electrical sensors including photoelectric, inductive, capacitive, magnetic, pressure, temperature, weight, and position sensors.
• Troubleshoot, repair, replace, and commission all electrical control devices including AC drives, DC drives, Servo Controllers, contactors, motors, breakers, solenoids, power supplies, and indicator lights.
• Troubleshoot, repair, replace, and commission all PLC/HMI based hardware including processors, discrete and analog I/O cards, power supplies, network adapters, Distributed I/O, dedicated operator interfaces such as Panelview, PC based interfaces, and message displays such as FactoryTalkView.
• Diagnose problems using laptop computers interfaced to PLCs, HMIs, and servo systems utilizing electrical schematics, meters, oscilloscopes, and any additional resources available.
• Make small program changes in PLC logic, HMI programs, and servo controller logic to aid in the diagnosis and repair of machine problems with guidance.
• Make wiring/programming changes on all production equipment as required.
• Perform electrical preventive maintenance at scheduled intervals as assigned.
• Assist Production, Maintenance, Process and Project Engineers to meet daily priorities, coverage, and special projects.
• Assist with projects and equipment installations as necessary.
• Share knowledge and techniques with team members.
• Attend all training seminars provided by the company when applicable.
• Maintain a clean and orderly work area.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma with Associates Degree in electronics or equivalent.
• Preferred 1-3 years of industrial experience.
• Personal Computer skills including specific controls programming software and basic e-mail, word processing, and spreadsheet applications.
• Knowledge of electrical theory and principles of operation.
• Knowledge of all controller‑based hardware and software.
• Standard knowledge of product specifications, quality requirements, production goals, efficiency, and waste.
• Good communication skills.
• Good analytical skills.
• With assistance, can operate production equipment.
• Make quick and accurate electrical repairs and program changes.
• Works well in a team environment.

Benefits

• Competitive base salary and bonus opportunities
• Paid time off (three‑week minimum)
• Medical, dental and vision starting day one
• 401(k) with employer match
• Paid parental leave
• Child and family care assistance (dependent care FSA with employer match up to $2500)
• Bundle of joy benefit (year's worth of free diapers to all team members with a new baby)
• Tuition assistance
• Wellness program with savings of up to $4,000 per year on insurance premiums ...and more!

Equal Opportunity Employer

First Quality is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identification, or protected Veteran status.