PLC/Controls Technician--1st Shift

Jordan Aluminum Company; Memphis (TN); On-site; USD 65,000 - 86,000; Full time

Job summary

Jordan Aluminum is seeking a Controls Technician to support automation, electrical controls, and instrumentation across our extrusion operations. You will troubleshoot, repair, and optimize automated systems, ensuring uptime and safe, reliable operation in a high-temperature/high-pressure process.

You will work with maintenance, production, and engineering teams to drive improvements, update PLC programs, calibrate sensors, and uphold safety standards.

Qualifications

• 3–5+ years of experience in industrial controls, automation, or electrical maintenance; extrusion or metals manufacturing preferred.
• Strong working knowledge of PLCs (Allen‑Bradley, Siemens, Omron, etc.).
• Experience with HMIs, VFDs, servo drives, and industrial networks.
• Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics, ladder logic, and wiring diagrams.
• Strong troubleshooting skills, especially under production pressure.
• Understanding of hydraulic and pneumatic controls is a plus.
• Ability to work independently and communicate clearly across departments.

Responsibilities

• Provide controls and automation support across extrusion operations.
• Troubleshoot, repair, and optimize automated systems including press controls, billet heaters, puller, stretcher, and die ovens.
• Diagnose PLC/HMI issues and maintain PLC programs.
• Calibrate and maintain sensors, temperature controls, encoders, and flow instrumentation.
• Support process reliability, safety, and documentation in CMMS and PM/PdM activities.

Skills

Industrial controls

Automation troubleshooting

PLC programming

HMI & drive systems

Electrical schematics

Lockout/tagout safety

Tools

Allen-Bradley PLCs

Siemens PLCs

Omron PLCs

Job description

At Jordan Aluminum, we are committed to excellence in aluminum extrusion and finishing. As an ISO 9001:2015 certified company we pride ourselves on delivering high-quality products and innovative solutions to a diverse range of industries. Our team thrives in a collaborative and supportive environment where integrity, teamwork, and continuous improvement are at the heart of everything we do.

We offer competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits, and opportunities for professional growth and development. Our employees are empowered to contribute to our mission of providing exceptional customer service and sustainable practices. Join us and be part of a company that values your expertise and dedication, and together, let’s shape the future of aluminum manufacturing.

TheControls Technician supports automation, electrical controls, and instrumentation systems throughout our aluminum extrusion operations. The ideal candidate has strong troubleshooting ability, understands the demands of high‑temperature/high‑pressure extrusion processes, and can ensure equipment operates safely, efficiently, and reliably. This role is key to maintaining uptime, improving process consistency, and supporting continuous improvement initiatives across the plant.

Key Responsibilities

Controls & Automation Support

• Troubleshoot, repair, and optimize automated systems including:
  • Extrusion press control systems
  • Billet heaters and furnaces
  • Puller, stretcher, and saw controls
  • Handling system automation
  • Aging ovens, quench systems, and die ovens
• Diagnose issues with PLCs, HMIs, drive systems, and control circuits.
• Maintain and update PLC programs (Allen‑Bradley/Siemens or plant‑specific systems).

Instrumentation & Electrical Systems

• Calibrate, troubleshoot, and maintain sensors, temperature controls, pressure systems, encoders, and flow instrumentation.
• Inspect and repair electrical components including motor starters, VFDs, relays, and control panels.
• Assist in maintaining accurate electrical prints, schematics, and wiring diagrams.

Process Reliability & Optimization

• Work with maintenance, production, and engineering teams to improve process consistency and reliability.
• Identify automation improvements that reduce downtime or improve product quality.
• Implement modifications, upgrades, and safety improvements to equipment controls.

Safety & Compliance

• Ensure all work complies with electrical codes, plant safety standards, and lockout/tagout procedures.
• Support machine guarding and safety interlock systems, including troubleshooting and upgrading safety relays or safety PLCs.
• Maintain clean and organized control cabinets and electrical work areas.

Documentation & CMMS

• Document program changes, maintenance actions, and control modifications.
• Support PM/PdM activities to ensure reliability of critical automation components.

Qualifications

• 3–5+ years of experience in industrial controls, automation, or electrical maintenance; extrusion or metals manufacturing preferred.
• Strong working knowledge of PLCs (Allen‑Bradley, Siemens, Omron, etc.).
• Experience with HMIs, VFDs, servo drives, and industrial networks.
• Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics, ladder logic, and wiring diagrams.
• Strong troubleshooting skills, especially under production pressure.
• Understanding of hydraulic and pneumatic controls is a plus.
• Ability to work independently and communicate clearly across departments.
• Advanced Troubleshooting – Quick and accurate diagnosis of automation and electrical issues.
• Attention to Detail – Strong documentation practices and safe electrical work.
• Collaboration – Works effectively with maintenance, engineering, and operations teams.
• Process‑Focused Mindset – Seeks long‑term reliability and improvement, not just short‑term fixes.
• Technical Growth – Eagerness to stay current with automation technologies.