Industrial Automation Controls Technician

Accelera; Murphysboro (IL); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Accelera is seeking an Industrial Automation Controls Technician to optimize PLC-based systems, troubleshoot electrical issues, and support the installation and validation of new controls in a high-volume manufacturing environment.

You will work with HMIs, VFDs, and servo-driven automation, performing programming updates and detailed diagnostics to maximize uptime while adhering to strict safety standards and documentation practices.

Qualifications

• Associate degree or equivalent in automation, electrical, or industrial maintenance is required.
• Proven experience troubleshooting and programming industrial PLC platforms (Allen-Bradley/Rockwell).
• Strong ability to interpret electrical schematics, blueprints, and control drawings.
• Hands-on experience with VFDs, HMIs, and Ethernet/IP or similar protocols.
• Experience using multimeters and diagnostic software to resolve electrical issues.
• Commitment to safety standards including LOTO and electrical safety practices.

Responsibilities

• Maintain and optimize PLC-controlled systems, HMIs, VFDs, and servo-driven automation components.
• Analyze ladder logic, electrical schematics, and documentation to diagnose faults.
• Execute programming updates, backups, and logic modifications.
• Provide rapid-response support to production lines to minimize downtime.
• Oversee installation, commissioning, and validation of new control systems.
• Conduct preventive maintenance on electrical panels, instrumentation, and field devices.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams on safety and process reliability improvements.
• Document all system changes, repairs, and maintenance activities.

Skills

Allen-Bradley PLC troubleshooting

Electrical schematics reading

VFDs & HMIs

Electrical safety (LOTO)

Multimeters & diagnostic software

Safety standards (LOTO)

Education

Associate degree or equivalent in automation/electrical/industrial maintenance

Tools

Multimeters

Diagnostic software

Job description

About the Role

As an Industrial Automation Controls Technician, you will serve as a vital technical resource for our production facility, focusing on the optimization and reliability of complex automated systems. Your expertise in PLC programming and electrical troubleshooting will directly impact operational uptime and the efficiency of our manufacturing processes.

Responsibilities

• Maintain and optimize PLC-controlled systems, HMIs, VFDs, and servo-driven automation components to ensure peak performance.
• Analyze ladder logic, electrical schematics, and technical documentation to rapidly diagnose and resolve equipment malfunctions.
• Execute programming updates, system backups, and logic modifications to enhance machine functionality.
• Provide rapid-response support to production lines, minimizing downtime through effective root-cause analysis.
• Oversee the installation, commissioning, and validation of new control systems and automated hardware.
• Conduct rigorous preventive maintenance on electrical panels, instrumentation, and field devices to prevent unexpected failures.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on safety and process reliability.
• Maintain comprehensive documentation of all system changes, repairs, and maintenance activities.

Qualifications

Required Skills

• Associate degree or equivalent technical certification in automation, electrical, or industrial maintenance.
• Proven experience troubleshooting and programming industrial PLC platforms (e.g., Allen-Bradley/Rockwell).
• Strong proficiency in interpreting electrical schematics, blueprints, and industrial control drawings.
• Hands-on experience with VFDs, HMI interfaces, and industrial communication protocols like Ethernet/IP.
• Demonstrated ability to use multimeters and diagnostic software to resolve complex electrical issues.
• Commitment to strict safety standards, including LOTO and electrical safety practices.

Preferred Skills

• Experience with alternative PLC platforms such as Siemens, Omron, or Mitsubishi.
• Familiarity with Fanuc robotics programming and integration.
• Working knowledge of mechanical systems, including hydraulics and pneumatics.
• Background in high-volume industrial or manufacturing environments.