PLC programmer / controls Specialist - Controls (2nd shift)

ZF Group; Gray Court (SC); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual Incentive Plan

Paid Vacation

401k Plan

Health Care Benefits

Paid Holidays

Job summary

ZF Group in Gray Court, SC is seeking a Lead Technician-Controls to ensure reliability of manufacturing equipment. You will serve as an internal consultant to the maintenance department, diagnosing control system failures and implementing long-term corrective actions across start-ups, breakdowns and improvements.

You will design PLC programs, work with Ethernet/Profibus networks, read CAD drawings, and support 3rd shift while helping improve safety, uptime and performance across production lines.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED with 2–5+ years related experience.
• Experience with machining components and reading drawings.
• 2+ years in electrical engineering, control system design and installation using PLCs, ladder logic, VFDs, and servo systems.
• Working knowledge of vision systems; able to work 3rd shift.
• Ability to read logic/flow diagrams and CAD drawings in DIN/ISO metric format.
• Ability to analyze blueprints and edit PLC programs (WINCC).

Responsibilities

• Diagnose and resolve equipment control system failures by identifying deficiencies in operation, design, and maintenance controls.
• Design and implement long-term corrective actions, including control system upgrades and program revisions to improve reliability.
• Develop, modify, and optimize PLC and PC-based control system programs to enhance equipment performance.
• Provide expertise in hardware, software, electrical and power transmission control systems to improve safety and uptime.
• Collaborate with manufacturing engineering and customers to improve automation and equipment control systems.
• Support shop floor users through troubleshooting, training, and technical assistance for PLC applications and manufacturing control systems.
• Maintain control system documentation, backups, and continuous improvement initiatives to maximize uptime.

Skills

Industrial automation

PLC programming

Electrical engineering

Team collaboration

Problem solving

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

PLC ladder logic

Variable frequency drives

Servo control systems

WINCC

CAD

Job description

About the team:

Join the team in Gray Court, SC to ensure the reliability and availability of manufacturing equipment. This position serves as an internal consultant to the maintenance department, across all areas for maintaining production equipment during start-ups, breakdowns, and continuous improvement activities on electrical/controls process issues. This position may be on second or third shift.

What you can look forward to as a Lead Technician- Controls:

• Diagnose and resolve equipment control system failures by identifying deficiencies in operation, design, and maintenance controls.
• Design and implement long-term corrective actions, including control system upgrades, equipment replacement strategies, and program revisions to improve reliability.
• Basic knowledge of industrial communication networks such as Ethernet, Profibus, and related protocols.
• Develop, modify, and optimize PLC and PC-based control system programs to enhance equipment performance.
• Provide expertise in hardware, software, electrical, and power transmission control systems, improving safety, reliability, and operational efficiency.
• Collaborate with manufacturing engineering and customers to improve automation and equipment control systems.
• Support shop floor users through troubleshooting, training, and technical assistance for PLC applications and manufacturing control systems.
• Maintain control system documentation, backups, and continuous improvement initiatives to maximize manufacturing equipment uptime.

Your profile as a Lead Technician- Controls:

• High school diploma or GED equivalent / 2-5+ years of related experience
• Experience in machining components / Ability to use standard shop measurement tools/ Familiarity with engineering assembly and component drawings.
• 2+ years of experience in electrical engineering, control system design and installation utilizing PLC’s ladder logic, variable frequency drives and servo control systems
• Working knowledge of vision systems. This positions will be working in 3rd shift
• Ability to work flexible hours for production, development and training needs.
• Experience with supporting plant floor systems and applications.
• Ability to read logic/flow diagrams for program design, programming simulation, testing and start-up / Ability to read drawing/prints (i. e. CAD)- in both electrical and mechanical – in DIN/ISO standard format (in metrics)
• Ability to analyze blueprints and use mathematics to evaluate/understand complex machine drawings /Ability to understand/edit PLC programs for machine and process applications (WINCC)

Why you should choose ZF in Gray Court:

• A supportive collaborative team environment
• Annual Incentive Plan
• Paid Vacation
• 401k Plan
• Health Care Benefits
• Paid Holidays
• A strong diversity culture
• Supportive Employee Groups and community outreach activities

Competencies Analytical Thinking Communication Creative Thinking Embracing Change Life-Long Learning Resilience Team Collaboration