Controls Technician - 3rd Shift GCH

Gestamp Automoción S.A.; Chattanooga (TN); On-site; USD 52,000 - 76,000; Full time

Job summary

Gestamp Automoción S.A. in Chattanooga, TN is seeking an entry-level Controls Technician I to support automation, PLCs, HMIs, and industrial networks.

You will work with maintenance, engineering, production, quality, and IT teams to ensure reliable operation and help meet safety, quality, and productivity goals. The role focuses on developing technical expertise in Allen-Bradley PLCs, Studio 5000, FactoryTalk, VFDs, servo systems, vision, robotics, and preventive maintenance while contributing

Qualifications

• Associate or Bachelor’s degree in Electrical/Mechatronics/Automation/Industrial Engineering with Automation focus.
• Experience: 0-3 years in industrial automation or manufacturing environments is acceptable for entry level.

Responsibilities

• Support troubleshooting of PLC, HMI, VFD, servo, vision, and network issues.
• Contribute to machine startups, commissioning, and validation activities.
• Assist with automation enhancements and process improvements.

Skills

Allen-Bradley PLC Programming

EtherNet/IP Networks

I/O Configuration

Electrical Schematics

Sensors & Instrumentation

Servo Motion Systems

VFDs

Robotics Troubleshooting

Root Cause Analysis

Preventive & Predictive Maintenance

Analytical Thinking

Problem Solving

Teamwork

Communication

Initiative & Learning

Adaptability

Customer Focus

Safety Leadership

Education

Electrical Engineering

Mechatronics Engineering

Automation Engineering

Industrial Engineering (Automation Focus)

Tools

Studio 5000

FactoryTalk View

Job description

The Controls Technician I is responsible for supporting the design, implementation, troubleshooting, maintenance, and continuous improvement of industrial automation and control systems. This role works closely with Maintenance, Manufacturing Engineering, Production, Quality, and IT teams to ensure reliable operation of automated equipment and support plant goals related to safety, quality, productivity, and operational excellence.

This position serves as an entry-level controls engineering role focused on developing technical expertise in PLCs, HMIs, industrial networking, motion control, robotics, and manufacturing automation.

Main Activities and Areas of Responsibility

1. Automation and Controls Support

• Troubleshoot PLC, HMI, VFD, servo, vision, and industrial network issues.
• Support production by diagnosing and correcting controls-related equipment failures.
• Assist with machine startups, commissioning, and validation activities.

2. System Development and Continuous Improvement

• Support PLC and HMI programming modifications using Allen-Bradley Studio 5000 and FactoryTalk software.
• Participate in continuous improvement projects focused on safety, quality, productivity, and equipment reliability.
• Assist with implementation of automation enhancements and process optimization initiatives.

3. Documentation and Technical Compliance

• Maintain electrical schematics, network architecture documentation, control narratives, and maintenance records.
• Support adherence to company safety standards, Lockout/Tagout (LOTO), and electrical safety requirements.
• Participate in root cause analysis and corrective action activities.

Qualifications Required

Education

• Associate Degree or Bachelor's Degree in:
• Electrical Engineering
• Mechatronics Engineering
• Automation Engineering
• Industrial Engineering with Automation Focus

Technical Knowledge

• Electrical Control Systems
• Industrial Safety Systems
• Preventive and Predictive Maintenance

Competencies and Skills

• Allen-Bradley PLC Programming and Troubleshooting
• FactoryTalk View SE/ME
• EtherNet/IP Communication Networks
• I/O Configuration and Diagnostics
• Electrical Schematics Interpretation
• Industrial Sensors and Instrumentation
• Servo Motion Systems
• Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs)
• Basic Robotics Troubleshooting
• Root Cause Analysis (RCA)
• Preventive and Predictive Maintenance
• Analytical Thinking
• Problem Solving
• Teamwork and Collaboration
• Accountability
• Effective Communication
• Initiative and Learning Agility
• Adaptability to a Fast-Paced Manufacturing Environment
• Customer Focus (Internal Customers)
• Safety Leadership

Professional Experience Required

• 0-3 years of experience in industrial automation, controls, maintenance, or manufacturing engineering environments.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and seek to hire the best candidate regardless of age, beliefs, disability, ethnicity, gender or sexual orientation.

About us

We are a multi-technology company present in over 20 countries and our team of over 40,000 is made up of 90 different nationalities. They are the driving force of our company, which designs, develops and produces parts for over 900 models of the leading vehicle manufacturers, and enable us to be one of the top suppliers worldwide.

Do you have what it takes to build the future of mobility with us?

• You will be joining a leading international group in the automotive sector with a clear commitment to innovation, a trail-blazer in Industry 4.0 and engaged with ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) criteria.
• This is an opening to build a career in a global environment with many opportunities to grow both professionally and personally by participating and leading innovative and international projects.
• You will find a supportive and friendly environment where the emphasis is on team work, continuous improvement, trust, a dynamic spirit and thinking outside the box, and a passion for a job well done.
• You will be working with highly qualified professionals as Gestamp is committed to the ongoing training of our teams.