Junior Controls Technician - PLC & Automation

Upstate Niagara Cooperative, Inc.; Buffalo (NY); On-site; USD 37,000 - 44,000; Full time

Job summary

Upstate Niagara Cooperative, Inc. is seeking a Junior Controls Technician to assist in installation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair of industrial control systems.

You will support PLC-controlled equipment, read schematics, and help ensure reliability and safety of production lines. You will work under supervision with senior technicians to calibrate sensors, modify PLC/HMI programs, and document maintenance.

Qualifications

• Associate degree or technical certification in Electrical Technology, Automation, Mechatronics, Industrial Controls, or related field.
• Basic understanding of electrical systems, PLCs, HMIs, and industrial automation.
• Ability to read electrical prints and schematics.
• Familiarity with troubleshooting electrical circuits using multimeters and testing equipment.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Responsibilities

• Assist with troubleshooting electrical and control system issues on manufacturing equipment.
• Support installation, testing, and commissioning of PLC-controlled equipment and automation systems.
• Perform preventive and predictive maintenance on control panels, sensors, drives, motors, and instrumentation.
• Read/interpret/revise electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, and technical manuals.
• Maintain and update control system documentation and maintenance records.
• Assist with programming modifications to PLCs, HMIs, and VFDs under supervision.
• Install and terminate wiring for control panels and field devices.
• Calibrate sensors, transmitters, and instrumentation equipment.
• Support continuous improvement and automation projects.
• Follow all plant safety procedures, lockout/tagout (LOTO) requirements, and electrical safety standards.
• Coordinate with production, maintenance, and engineering teams to minimize downtime.
• Maintain inventory of spare parts and control system components.

Skills

Electrical troubleshooting

PLC fundamentals

Automation systems

Technical documentation

Preventive maintenance

Communication and teamwork

Attention to detail

Safety awareness

Continuous improvement mindset

Education

Associate degree or technical cert in Electrical Technology/Automation

Tools

Allen-Bradley

Siemens

Mitsubishi

Schneider Electric

VFDs

Servo systems

Ethernet/IP

Profinet

Modbus

Job description

Upstate Niagara Cooperative, Inc. is seeking a Junior Controls Technician to assist in installation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair of industrial control systems.

You will support PLC-controlled equipment, read schematics, and help ensure reliability and safety of production lines. You will work under supervision with senior technicians to calibrate sensors, modify PLC/HMI programs, and document maintenance.