Lead Controls Technician: PLC Upgrades & Uptime

ZF Group; Gray Court (SC); On-site; USD 55,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual Incentive Plan

Paid Vacation

401k Plan

Health Care Benefits

Paid Holidays

Supportive Employee Groups and社区（outre

Job summary

ZF Group in Gray Court, SC seeks a Lead Technician-Controls to serve as an internal consultant for maintenance across manufacturing equipment. You will diagnose deficiencies, implement upgrades, and improve PLC/PC-based control systems with focus on uptime and reliability.

The role requires reading electrical/mechanical drawings, ladder logic, and experience with PLCs, VFDs, and WINCC. You may work on second or third shifts as needed.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED with 2–5+ years of relevant technical or manufacturing experience.
• Experience in machining components and using standard shop measurement tools.
• Strong ability to read and interpret electrical and mechanical drawings, blueprints, and CAD prints (DIN/ISO metric standards).
• Proficient in basic math, reading, and analyzing complex machine and assembly drawings.
• Working knowledge of PLCs, control systems, ladder logic, VFDs, servo systems, and PLC program editing (e.g., WINCC).
• Ability to read logic and flow diagrams for program design, simulation, testing, and system start-up.
• Experience supporting plant-floor systems and applications, including vision systems.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office with proven problem-solving, communication, interpersonal skills, and flexibility to support varied work schedules.

Responsibilities

• Identify equipment and controls deficiencies related to operation; serve as an internal consultant for maintenance and controls troubleshooting.
• Develop and implement long-term solutions, including controls upgrades, replacements, and program revisions to improve performance and reliability.
• Modify and improve PLC- and PC-based control systems, including hardware, software, electrical, and power transmission components.
• Provide technical expertise to enhance equipment safety, uptime, throughput, cost of ownership, and operational readiness.
• Collaborate with customers and internal manufacturing/engineering teams on controls and equipment improvement initiatives.
• Support shop-floor users by addressing PLC application issues, access questions, and training needs; communicate technical solutions to both technical and non-technical personnel.
• Plan, design, and document technical solutions for corrective actions, continuous improvement efforts, and maintenance support, including program backups.
• Ensure maximum uptime across all manufacturing and facility equipment while actively participating in continuous improvement and professional development.

Skills

Reading drawings

PLC/Control systems

CAD prints

Problem-solving

Communication

Microsoft Office

Team collaboration

Reading blueprints

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

WINCC

PLC programming

Ladder logic

VFDs

Servo systems

Job description

ZF Group in Gray Court, SC seeks a Lead Technician-Controls to serve as an internal consultant for maintenance across manufacturing equipment. You will diagnose deficiencies, implement upgrades, and improve PLC/PC-based control systems with focus on uptime and reliability.

The role requires reading electrical/mechanical drawings, ladder logic, and experience with PLCs, VFDs, and WINCC. You may work on second or third shifts as needed.