Controls Technician / PLC Programmer

Tusco, Inc.; Alabama; On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Life insurance

401(k)

Paid time off

Job summary

Tusco, Inc. is seeking a Controls Technician II to install, wire, troubleshoot, and support physical security control systems on construction projects nationwide. The role involves extensive travel (75%), with field work centered in Cottondale, AL and shop support in Alabama.

Qualifications include 2–4+ years in controls or low-voltage systems, and a high school diploma (Assoc. degree preferred). Strong reading of schematics and PLC familiarity are needed.

Qualifications

• 2-4+ years experience in controls, low-voltage systems or related field.
• Experience with physical security systems, industrial controls, or construction projects preferred.
• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Associate degree in robotics, automation, mechatronics, or related field preferred.
• Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics and prints.
• Knowledge of PLC hardware and basic networking.
• Experience using multimeters and basic networking tools.
• Ability to troubleshoot independently and work in the field.
• Willingness to travel overnight and out-of-state (approximately 75%).

Responsibilities

• Independently install and support physical security control systems, including panels, PLCs, power supplies, and field devices.
• Perform low-voltage wiring and connect networked devices.
• Interpret electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, and control drawings.
• Assist with system commissioning, testing, and startup activities.
• Troubleshoot installation-related electrical and control issues.
• Coordinate with the Senior PLC Programmer during commissioning.
• Move between field projects nationwide and the Cottondale, AL shop as needed.
• Document work performed and resolutions accurately.
• Maintain safety and environmental compliance on sites.
• Provide professional on-site representation of the company.
• Support Service & Maintenance when workload allows.

Skills

Controls systems

Low-voltage

Electrical schematics

Troubleshooting

Reading prints

Communication

Education

High school diploma

Associate degree in Robotics/Automation/Mechatronics/Industrial Controls/Programming

Tools

Multimeters

Networking tools

Job description

When you join Tusco, you not only become a member of one of the most respected perimeter security solutions teams, but you also become a member of the Tusco family. If you are motivated to achieve success with a rapidly growing security solutions leader Tusco is interested in you!

Tusco has become an award-winning organization through PERFORMANCE excellence, shared EXPERIENCE, a positive ATTITUDE and trusting RELATIONSHIPS which define our Core Values. If you feel you align with these attributes let’s talk!

We are currently seeking:Controls Technician II

The Controls Technician II performs advanced installation, wiring, troubleshooting, and support of physical security control systems on construction projects nationwide. This role reports to the Director of Project Operations and receives primary technical direction from the Senior PLC Programmer. The Controls Technician II works more independently than a Level I technician and may provide guidance to junior technicians on-site.

Our Field Controls Technician teams travel extensively throughout the region. Travel is typically Monday–Friday based on project needs, with occasional weekend work required.

When not assigned to field projects, this role assists with building, wiring, and testing control systems in the Cottondale, AL shop and may support the Service & Maintenance Department as needed.

Responsibilities

• Independently install and support physical security control systems, including:
• Control panels, PLCs, power supplies, and field devices
• Low-voltage and limited high-voltage wiring
• Networked devices and basic communications hardware
• Interpret and work from electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, and control drawings.
• Assist with system commissioning, testing, and startup activities.
• Troubleshoot and resolve installation-related electrical, wiring, and device issues.
• Coordinate closely with the Senior PLC Programmer during commissioning and debugging.
• Support shop operations in Cottondale, AL, including:
• Panel wiring and assembly
• System staging and functional testing
• Identifying and correcting build issues prior to shipment
• Accurately document work performed, issues identified, and resolutions.
• Maintain compliance with all safety, environmental, and site-specific requirements.
• Provide professional customer interaction and on-site representation of the company.
• Support Service & Maintenance operations when project workload allows.
• Travel extensively (approximately 75%) to job sites across the United States.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• 2-4+ years experience in controls, low-voltage systems or related field.
• Prior experience with physical security systems, industrial controls, or construction projects strongly preferred.
• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Associate’s Degree in Robotics, Automation, Mechatronics, Industrial Controls, Programming, or a related technical field preferred.
• Strong ability to read and interpret electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, and prints.
• Working knowledge of low-voltage control systems and basic PLC hardware.
• Experience using test equipment such as multimeters and basic networking tools.
• Ability to troubleshoot electrical and control-related issues independently.
• Basic understanding of networking concepts (Ethernet, fiber vs. copper, distance limitations).
• Ability to work independently and make sound decisions in the field.
• High level of integrity and accountability
• Strong communication and teamwork skills.
• Flexibility to adapt to changing priorities, environments, and weather conditions
• Ability to travel overnight and out-of-state
• Ability drive company vehicles (valid driver's license and acceptable driving record)
• Ability to pass DoT drug test, physical, and background checks

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand, walk, climb, and work on job sites for extended periods.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 100 lbs.
• Ability to work indoors and outdoors in varying weather conditions.
• Ability to travel extensively and work flexible hours as required by project schedules.

What we offer

Tusco employees have access to medical, dental, vision, life insurance, 401(k), career development classes, paid time off and many more benefits.

About Tusco, Inc.

Established in 1974, Tusco, Inc. has become one of the nation’s leading and most respected perimeter security solutions contractors, providing sales and installation of crash rated fencing and gates, wedge barriers, bollards, drop arms, structured cabling, video surveillance, and access control systems. Tusco also provides services in systems integration and perimeter security site assessments and consulting.

Our performance history includes job locations that span from West coast to East coast as well as select international sites where we have provided state of the art perimeter security solutions to clients such as government agencies, including the FBI, DEA, and EPA, military bases, data centers, state capitol and federal buildings, universities, industrial facilities, spectator sports venues, office complexes, multifamily unit developments, churches, schools, and many others.

Equal Opportunity Employer, including disabled and veterans.