Controls Technician (prefer 3rd shift)

Grand Rapids Controls

Michigan

On-site

USD 60,000 - 90,000

Full time

14 days+

Get more replies from employers

Send a job-specific resume in minutes.

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay
Long-term opportunities
Hands-on environment
Career growth

Job summary

Grand Rapids Controls is seeking an Automation / Controls Technician to maintain and optimize motion control systems on the shop floor. You’ll program, troubleshoot, and support PLCs, HMIs, robotics, and related equipment while working closely with engineering and operations.

You'll contribute to continuous improvement, safety, and reliability, with opportunities to advance your skills in automation technologies and integration across production lines.

Qualifications

  • Technical degree or 10+ years hands-on experience in automation/controls.
  • Journeyman or equivalent preferred.
  • Strong experience with PLC programming and troubleshooting.
  • Experience with electrical, hydraulic, and pneumatic systems.
  • Experience with robotics integration and automation projects.

Responsibilities

  • Program and troubleshoot PLC systems (Rockwell / Allen-Bradley).
  • Integrate and support HMIs, servo motors/drives, vision systems, and robotics (Fanuc, Epson, Universal).
  • Modify and improve PLC programs for production efficiency.
  • Build and support electrical enclosures, wiring, and control systems.
  • Research and recommend electrical components for new and existing equipment.
  • Diagnose and repair electrical, mechanical, hydraulic, and pneumatic systems.
  • Troubleshoot injection molding and diecast equipment (a plus).
  • Disassemble, repair, and rebuild machinery as needed.
  • Test equipment after repairs for safe, reliable operation.
  • Identify root causes and implement long-term solutions.
  • Assist with installation and startup of new automation equipment.
  • Support new machine builds, BOMs, and launches with Engineering.
  • Program and troubleshoot robotic systems using teach pendants and controllers.
  • Connect power supplies, motors, transformers, and wiring systems.
  • Partner with operators and leadership to solve problems quickly.
  • Identify opportunities to improve equipment performance and reliability.
  • Document repairs and changes clearly.

Skills

PLC programming
Troubleshooting
Electrical systems
Hydraulics & pneumatics
Automation & robotics integration
Schematic reading
Injection molding equipment (nice to)
Diagnostics programming on laptops
Teamwork

Education

Technical degree or 10+ years hands-on automation/controls

Job description

Job Description

At Grand Rapids Controls (GRC), we don’t just build mechanical components we build solutions that power motion control systems around the world. As we continue to grow under our theme of One Team. Stable Foundation. Sustainable Growth., we’re looking for a highly skilled Automation / Controls Technician who’s ready to make an impact on the floor every day.

If you enjoy programming, troubleshooting, and working with advanced automation from PLCs to robotics ... this is a role where you’ll stay challenged and keep learning.

Why This Role Matters

You’ll play a critical role in keeping our automated systems and production lines running safely and efficiently. From programming and integration to troubleshooting and continuous improvement, you’ll help minimize downtime and push our technology forward.

What You’ll Do
Automation & Controls
  • Program and troubleshoot PLC systems (Rockwell / Allen-Bradley)

  • Integrate and support HMI devices, servo motors/drives, vision systems, and robotics (Fanuc, Epson, Universal)

  • Modify and improve PLC programs to support production and efficiency

  • Build and support electrical enclosures, wiring, and control systems

  • Research and recommend electrical components for new and existing equipment

Troubleshooting & Repair
  • Diagnose and repair electrical, mechanical, hydraulic, and pneumatic systems

  • Troubleshoot injection molding and diecast equipment (a plus)

  • Disassemble, repair, and rebuild machinery and components as needed

  • Test equipment after repairs to ensure safe and reliable operation

  • Identify root causes and implement long-term solutions

Equipment Integration & Support
  • Assist with installation and startup of new automation equipment

  • Work with Engineering to support new machine builds, BOMs, and launches

  • Program and troubleshoot robotic systems using teach pendants and controllers

  • Connect power supplies, motors, transformers, and wiring systems

Continuous Improvement & Teamwork
  • Partner with operators, engineering, and leadership to solve problems quickly

  • Proactively identify opportunities to improve equipment performance and reliability

  • Support error-proofing and automation improvements

  • Document repairs, changes, and improvement actions clearly

  • Follow all safety and quality standards—and stop work when something doesn’t look right

What You Bring
  • Technical degree and 3 years hands on experience or 10+ years of hands-on experience in automation/controls

  • Skilled Trades Journeyman (or equivalent experience) preferred

  • Strong experience with:

    • PLC programming and troubleshooting

    • Electrical systems and controls

    • Hydraulics and pneumatics

    • Automation and robotics integration

  • Ability to read and interpret electrical, pneumatic, and hydraulic schematics

  • Experience working with assembly and/or injection molding equipment strongly preferred

  • Comfortable using laptops/software for diagnostics and programming

  • A proactive, team-first mindset with strong problem-solving skills

What You’ll Get
  • Competitive pay based on experience

  • Stable, growing company with long-term opportunities

  • Hands-on, team-oriented environment

  • Opportunities to work on advanced automation and expand your skillset

  • A company that values safety, accountability, and continuous improvement

Work Environment

This is a hands-on role in a manufacturing environment. You’ll be on your feet, working directly with equipment, and occasionally lifting up to 50 lbs. The environment can be loud and fast-paced—but highly rewarding for someone who enjoys solving real problems and working with advanced technology.

Get your free, confidential resume review.
or drag and drop your file here.
Similar jobs

Similar jobs worth comparing

Controls Engineer
Controls Engineer

Eightelevengroup • Grand Rapids (MI)

On-site
USD 70,000 - 95,000
Controls Maintenance Technician Level 5 3rd Shift
Controls Maintenance Technician Level 5 3rd Shift

Gold Standard Staffing • Ypsilanti (MI)

On-site
USD 90,000 - 120,000
Automation Technician
Automation Technician

Bluewater Hayes Inc. • Grand Rapids (MI)

On-site
USD 42,000 - 56,000
Controls Technician
Controls Technician

Redwood Materials • Nevada (IA)

On-site
USD 60,000 - 80,000
Engineer III, Controls
Engineer III, Controls

ICU Medical • Southington (CT)

On-site
USD 90,000 - 130,000
Controls/Robotic Engineer
Controls/Robotic Engineer

Technique Inc • Jackson (MI)

On-site
USD 70,000 - 90,000
Paid Time Off
Health Insurance
Dental Insurance
+5
Controls Technician
Controls Technician

K • San Antonio (TX)

On-site
Controls Engineer - Level 3
Controls Engineer - Level 3

HS Inc. Automation • Grand Rapids (MI)

On-site
USD 70,000 - 90,000
Two health insurance plan options
Dental insurance
Vision insurance
+4
Control's Technician
Control's Technician

IntePros • Walker (MI)

On-site
USD 52,000 - 76,000
Controls Engineer
Controls Engineer

Adecco Permanent Recruitment • Southfield (MI)

On-site
USD 72,000 - 110,000