PLC Technician

Circuit of The Americas; Del Valle (CA); On-site; USD 52,000 - 76,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading amusement park company in Del Valle, California, is seeking a Ride PLC Technician to install and maintain control systems for rides. The ideal candidate will have a strong technical background, experience with PLCs, and a commitment to safety. This full-time position involves hands-on troubleshooting and collaboration with ride operators to ensure optimal performance and guest safety.

Qualifications

• Experience working with PLCs in an industrial or amusement park setting.
• Proficiency in troubleshooting electrical systems and sensor controls.
• Understanding of safety standards for ride systems is a plus.
• Strong problem-solving skills; able to work under pressure in a fast-paced environment.
• Knowledge of NFPA 70E, OSHA, ASTM F24 safety standards is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Maintain and repair PLC-based ride control systems.
• Conduct routine inspections on ride electrical systems.
• Collaborate with maintenance teams for optimal ride operation.
• Work with electrical schematics, ladder logic, and HMI systems.
• Diagnose faults in sensors, motors, VFDs, and safety circuits.
• Collaborate with ride operators and maintenance teams for smooth operation.
• Document maintenance activities, programming changes, and system upgrades.
• Follow safety regulations and park policies for electrical work.
• Assist with new ride installations, commissioning, and system integrations.

Skills

Strong interpersonal skills

Problem-solving skills

Ability to read electrical schematics

Preventive maintenance

Team collaboration

Education

Associate’s degree or technical certification in Electrical Engineering

Tools

PLC systems (Allen‑Bradley, Siemens)

Job description

Overview

PLC Technician role at Circuit of The Americas (COTA). This is a Full-Time position. COTA is a 365‑day entertainment destination in Austin, TX, hosting events such as the Formula 1 US Grand Prix, NASCAR, MotoGP, and over 30 headline concerts each year. In 2026, COTA will open the amusement park, COTALAND, featuring two first‑of‑their‑kind roller coasters and 30 rides.

Job Description

We are seeking a skilled Ride PLC Technician to install, maintain, and troubleshoot Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) systems for amusement park rides and attractions. This onsite, full‑time role ensures the safety, reliability, and efficiency of ride control systems through inspections, diagnostics, and repairs on electrical and automation components.

Responsibilities

• Maintain, troubleshoot, and repair PLC‑based ride control systems to ensure optimal operation and guest safety.
• Conduct routine inspections and preventive maintenance on ride electrical and automation systems.
• Modify and update PLC programs as needed to improve ride performance and reliability.
• Work with electrical schematics, ladder logic diagrams, and HMI systems.
• Diagnose and resolve faults in control systems, including sensors, motors, VFDs, and safety circuits.
• Collaborate with ride operators and maintenance teams to ensure smooth operation.
• Document maintenance activities, programming changes, and system upgrades.
• Adhere to all safety regulations and park policies regarding electrical and automation work.
• Assist with new ride installations, commissioning, and system integrations.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong interpersonal skills; can effectively communicate and relate to all levels within and outside the organization; create and build positive and productive relationships.
• Drive the team and the organization for results to improve bottom‑line performance; able to make timely or planned decisions appropriate to the circumstances or situation.
• Ability to make tough decisions, gain input from others, and move decisions forward in the organization.
• Respond quickly and effectively to changing trends and circumstances; embrace change and welcome fresh perspectives; learn from past mistakes and adjust accordingly.
• Ability to manage appropriate steps to get projects completed; has strong abilities to organize people and processes; can create a plan for resourceful workflow.
• Can be trusted to act in a manner that is truthful and values direct, honest communication at all levels of the organization.

Required Qualifications

• Associate’s degree or technical certification in Electrical Engineering, Automation, or a related field (or equivalent work experience).
• Experience working with PLCs (Allen‑Bradley, Siemens, or similar) in an industrial or amusement park setting.
• Proficiency in troubleshooting electrical systems, sensors, and motor controls.
• Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics and wiring diagrams.
• Strong problem‑solving skills and ability to work under pressure in a fast‑paced environment.
• Understanding of safety standards (NFPA 70E, OSHA, ASTM F24) for ride systems is a plus.

Physical Demand & Work Environment

• Ability to stand, sit, use hands to handle, or feel, reach with hands and arms.
• Ability to squat, bend, twist, push/pull.
• Ability to stand/walk for long periods.
• Specific vision abilities required: close vision and distance vision.
• Work in extreme outdoor environments throughout the year.
• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate but can be loud during events.
• Must be comfortable working in outdoor conditions, at heights, and in confined spaces.
• Ability to work varied shifts, including nights, weekends, and holidays.
• Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs and perform physical tasks as required.

Salary commensurate with experience.

Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this job.

Equal Employment Opportunity

COTA strongly supports equal employment opportunity for all applicants regardless of race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, pregnancy, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, age, marital status, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, sexual orientation, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by state or federal law.