Controls Technician Apprentice - PLC

Hoffman & Hoffman Inc; Atlanta (GA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

Hoffman Building Technologies in the United States is seeking a Controls Technician Apprentice - PLC to assist on installation, programming, commissioning, troubleshooting, and maintenance of building automation systems. You will learn BAS platforms, PLC programming, and SCADA under an experienced technician.

The role emphasizes learning, travel up to 75% to job sites, collaboration with cross-functional teams, and contributing to reliable, optimized building performances.

Qualifications

• Classwork or work experience with building automation, controls, or a related field.
• Ability to learn PLC programming software such as Studio 5000, RsLogix 5000, Siemens STEP 7.
• Ability to learn SCADA systems including Tridium, Ignition, VT SCADA, Wonderware, Distech GFX, Alerton Compass, ICONICS.
• Exposure with Python for scripting and automation a plus.
• Ability to learn SQL for database management and reporting.
• Ability to learn building systems within the HVAC industry.
• Ability to troubleshoot complex system integration and programming issues.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to work collaboratively across teams.

Responsibilities

• Assist with the installation, configuration, and programming of building automation systems using various platforms including Allen Bradley Studio 5000, Rs Logix 5000, Siemens SIMATIC STEP 7 (TIA Portal), and other PLC environments.
• Work with experienced Control Technicians on the SCADA systems such as Tridium, Ignition, VT SCADA, Wonderware, Distech GFX, Alerton Compass, and ICONICS to monitor, control, and optimize building performance.
• Assist with troubleshooting and resolving issues with PLCs, controllers, and automation software, ensuring minimal downtime and peak performance.
• Assist with the program, analyzing, and optimizing SQL databases to support BAS data collection, storage, and reporting.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to design and implement new automation strategies, ensuring systems are integrated and functioning efficiently.
• Assist with conducting preventive maintenance and regular system checks to ensure all building systems are running smoothly.
• Assist with maintaining detailed documentation for programming, configurations, and procedures for all automated systems.
• Upwards of 75% of travel to job sites is required and expected for this role.

Skills

PLC programming

SCADA systems

Python scripting

SQL databases

Communication skills

Learning mindset

Tools

Allen Bradley Studio 5000

RsLogix 5000

Siemens STEP 7 (TIA Portal)

Tridium

Ignition

VT SCADA

Wonderware

Distech GFX

Alerton Compass

ICONICS

Job description

The Controls Technician Apprentice - PLC will assist on the installation, programming, commissioning, troubleshooting, and maintenance of building automation systems (BAS). The ideal candidate will be eager to learn and have taken relevant classwork. In this role you will work closely with an experienced Controls Technician, and you will learn about building automation platforms, PLC programming, and SCADA systems.

Key Responsibilities:

• Assist with the installation, configuration, and programming of building automation systems using various platforms including Allen Bradley Studio 5000, Rs Logix 5000, Siemens SIMATIC STEP 7 (TIA Portal), and other PLC environments.
• Work with experienced Control Technicians on the SCADA systems such as Tridium, Ignition, VT SCADA, Wonderware, Distech GFX, Alerton Compass, and ICONICS to monitor, control, and optimize building performance.
• Assist with troubleshooting and resolving issues with PLCs, controllers, and automation software, ensuring minimal downtime and peak performance.
• Assist with the program, analyzing, and optimizing SQL databases to support BAS data collection, storage, and reporting.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to design and implement new automation strategies, ensuring systems are integrated and functioning efficiently.
• Assist with conducting preventive maintenance and regular system checks to ensure all building systems are running smoothly.
• Assist with maintaining detailed documentation for programming, configurations, and procedures for all automated systems.
• Upwards of 75% of travel to job sites is required and expected for this role.

Preferred Skills and Experience:

• Classwork or work experience with building automation, controls, or a related field required.
• Ability to learn Allen Bradley Studio 5000, RsLogix 5000, Siemens SIMATIC STEP 7 (TIA Portal), or other PLC programming software.
• Ability to learn SCADA systems such as Tridium, Ignition, VT SCADA, Wonderware, Distech GFX, Alerton Compass, and ICONICS.
• Exposure with Python for scripting and automation a plus.
• Ability to learn SQL for database management and reporting.
• Ability to learn building systems within the HVAC industry.
• Ability to troubleshoot complex system integration and programming issues.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to work collaboratively across teams.

This job description is intended to provide information regarding the essential functions and basic duties of this position. It is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all functions, responsibilities, skills and duties that could be assigned. Additional functions and requirements may be assigned by management as it deems appropriate. This document does not constitute a contract and is subject to change at the discretion of Hoffman Building Technologies.