Industrial Control Technician

Stoughton Trailers; Brodhead (WI); On-site; USD 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Stoughton Trailers in Brodhead, Wisconsin is seeking an Industrial Controls Technician I to support and improve automation systems. The role involves troubleshooting, maintaining equipment, and ensuring safety compliance.

Candidates should have a two-year degree in relevant fields and at least 1 year of experience. The company values a continuous learning mindset and offers training opportunities.

Qualifications

• Preferred: Two-year degree in a related field.
• Required: 1+ year of experience in automation, robotics, or industrial controls.
• NFPA 70E Certification is required.

Responsibilities

• Support production and facility equipment through maintenance.
• Assist with diagnosing and repairing equipment failures.
• Follow all safety requirements including Lockout/Tagout.

Skills

Troubleshooting and analytical thinking

Ability to read and interpret electrical prints and schematics

Strong communication skills

Basic computer skills

Basic math skills

Education

Two-year degree in Automation, Robotics, Controls, Electrical, or related field

1+ year of experience in automation, robotics, or industrial controls

Tools

Multimeters

HMI and PLC programming tools

Hand and power tools

Job description

Overview

Position Details

Schedule: Monday - Friday

1st Shift: 5:30 am - 4:00 pm

2nd Shift: 4:30 pm - 3:00 am

Overtime: Required as business needs

What You'll Do

You will support the maintenance and improvement of industrial automation and controls systems while maintaining a strong focus on safety, reliability, and learning.

Responsibilities

• Controls, Automation & Equipment Support:
  • Support production and facility equipment through emergency, routine, and preventive maintenance
  • Work with a wide variety of equipment, including:
  • • CNC machines, robotics, PLC and control systems
    • Pumps, welders, presses, punches, shears, conveyors, cranes, and hoists
    • HVAC systems, electrical systems, hydraulic, pneumatic, and paint equipment
  • Work with electrical components such as relays, sensors, AC/DC motors, servo systems, drives, and pneumatic systems
  • Assist with PLC and HMI program creation and modification
  • Troubleshoot electrical and control systems operating from 5 VAC up to 600 VAC

• Reliability, Troubleshooting & Continuous Improvement:
  • Provide troubleshooting and production reliability support in collaboration with Maintenance, Production, and Engineering
  • Assist with diagnosing, locating, and repairing complex equipment failures using rootcause analysis tools
  • Calibrate, align, troubleshoot, and repair equipment using:
    • Electrical schematics and prints
    • Diagrams, manuals, and engineering specifications
  • Monitor equipment performance and help reduce downtime using sound maintenance practices
  • Identify and support improvement opportunities to enhance safety, quality, OEE, delivery, and productivity

• Documentation, Systems & Coordination:
  • Serve as a support resource for maintaining electrical and controls documentation
  • Assist in maintaining PLC and HMI backups and control drawings
  • Coordinate with OEM and trade contractors to ensure work is completed safely and correctly
  • Support CMMS usage, maintenance inventory tracking, and database updates
  • Provide technical support to engineers and project managers on automation projects

• Safety, Training & Teamwork:
  • Follow all job and environmental safety requirements, including:
    • Lockout/Tagout (LOTO)
    • Electrical safety and Arc Flash prevention
    • Confined space, fall protection, and hazardous material handling
  • Safely operate tools and equipment, including:
    • Multimeters, hand and power tools
    • Forklifts, aerial lifts, and overhead cranes
  • Perform assigned tasks in a safe, efficient, timely, and accurate manner
  • Maintain reliable attendance and support mandatory overtime
  • Provide own tools and complete required training
  • Perform other duties as assigned

What You Bring

• Education & Experience:
  • Preferred: Twoyear degree in Automation, Robotics, Controls, Electrical, or related field
  • Required: 1+ year of experience in automation, robotics, or industrial controls

• Licenses & Certifications:
  • NFPA 70E Certification (Required)
  • OSHA Certification (Preferred)

• Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:
  • Ability to create, modify, and troubleshoot PLC and HMI programs
  • Ability to read and interpret electrical prints and schematics
  • Willingness to learn advanced automation, control, electrical, hydraulic, and pneumatic systems
  • Basic computer and multimeter skills
  • Ability to work in a fastpaced manufacturing environment and accept feedback
  • Strong communication skills (verbal and written)
  • Basic math skills, including fractions
  • Willingness to participate in additional trade or technical education

• Core Competencies:
  • Troubleshooting and analytical thinking
  • Followership and engagement
  • Safety awareness
  • Continuous learning mindset

Training & Development

• Required and ongoing safety and technical training, which may include:
• • Lockout/Tagout (LOTO)
  • Forklift and crane operation
  • Aerial lift training
  • Arc Flash, special LOTO, confined space
  • Respirator and spiro testing

Work Environment & Physical Expectations

This position requires the ability to perform essential job functions with or without reasonable accommodation. Work is performed in an industrial manufacturing environment with exposure to electrical systems, machinery, heights, and physical demands. Additional requirements are outlined in the Maintenance Physical Demands Checklist.

Why This Role Matters

The Industrial Controls Technician I plays a foundational role in supporting Stoughton Trailers' automation strategy and Industry 4.0 initiatives. By maintaining and improving control systems, this role helps prevent downtime, protect equipment, and enable efficient, datadriven manufacturing. It is an ideal entry point for technicians seeking to grow into advanced controls, automation, or electrical leadership roles within Stoughton Trailers.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities. This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.