PLC Technician

NORLEE INVESTMENTS LLC; Hickory (NC); On-site; USD 65,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Norlee Group in Hickory, NC is seeking a PLC Controls Technician to install, maintain, troubleshoot, and repair industrial control systems and automation equipment. The role requires hands-on experience with PLCs, HMIs, VFDs, and related electrical systems to keep manufacturing equipment operating safely and reliably.

You will diagnose issues, implement programming/configuration changes, review electrical drawings, and collaborate with operations, maintenance, and engineering teams.

Qualifications

• Minimum of three years' experience with PLC controls, industrial automation, or electrical control systems.
• Ability to read electrical schematics and control drawings.
• Experience troubleshooting HMIs, VFDs, sensors, relays, and control panels.
• Willingness to work overtime, weekends, and travel when required.

Responsibilities

• Install, maintain, troubleshoot, and repair PLC-based control systems and industrial automation equipment.
• Diagnose electrical, control, communication, and programming issues affecting equipment performance.
• Connect to PLCs to monitor system operation, review logic, identify faults, and make authorized programming changes.
• Troubleshoot and configure HMIs, VFDs, motor controls, sensors, relays, instrumentation, and control devices.
• Install, terminate, test, and label control wiring, communication cables, instrumentation, and electrical components.
• Read and interpret electrical drawings, control schematics, ladder logic, panel layouts, process diagrams, and equipment manuals.
• Perform startup, commissioning, functional testing, and validation of new or modified control systems.
• Assist with PLC, HMI, and VFD programming, configuration, backups, and documentation.
• Troubleshoot industrial communication networks and connectivity between control-system components.
• Identify root causes of equipment failures and recommend corrective or preventive actions.
• Document programming changes, equipment settings, service activities, and completed repairs.
• Maintain current backups of PLC programs, HMI applications, and equipment configurations in accordance with company procedures.
• Coordinate work with customers, supervisors, project managers, engineering teams, electricians, and other trades.
• Provide onsite and remote technical support when required.
• Follow all company, customer, OSHA, NFPA 70E, lockout/tagout, and jobsite safety requirements.
• Participate in scheduled maintenance, emergency service, and after-hours support when needed.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Skills

PLC programming

Ladder logic

HMI troubleshooting

VFD setup

Motor controls

Industrial electrical

Instrumentation

Schematic reading

Root-cause analysis

Technical documentation

Customer communication

Education

Journeyman Electrician license

Controls certification

Technical degree/certification in automation

Tools

Allen-Bradley/Rockwell

Siemens

Schneider Electric

Mitsubishi

AutomationDirect

Rockwell Studio 5000

RSLogix 500

FactoryTalk View

Siemens TIA Portal

Job description

If you are unable to complete this application due to a disability, contact this employer to ask for an accommodation or an alternative application process.

Full Time Hickory, NC, US

20 days ago Requisition ID: 1161

Position Summary

The PLC Controls Technician is responsible for installing, maintaining, troubleshooting, and repairing industrial control systems, automation equipment, and related electrical components. This position requires hands-on experience with programmable logic controllers (PLCs), control panels, motor controls, instrumentation, and industrial electrical systems.

The ideal candidate can diagnose control-system issues, make programming and configuration adjustments, and work effectively with operations, maintenance, engineering, and project teams to minimize downtime and ensure equipment operates safely and reliably.

Key Responsibilities

• Install, maintain, troubleshoot, and repair PLC-based control systems and industrial automation equipment.
• Diagnose electrical, control, communication, and programming issues affecting equipment performance.
• Connect to PLCs to monitor system operation, review logic, identify faults, and make authorized programming changes.
• Troubleshoot and configure human-machine interfaces (HMIs), variable frequency drives (VFDs), motor controls, sensors, relays, instrumentation, and control devices.
• Install, terminate, test, and label control wiring, communication cables, instrumentation, and electrical components.
• Read and interpret electrical drawings, control schematics, ladder logic, panel layouts, process diagrams, and equipment manuals.
• Perform startup, commissioning, functional testing, and validation of new or modified control systems.
• Assist with PLC, HMI, and VFD programming, configuration, backups, and documentation.
• Troubleshoot industrial communication networks and connectivity between control-system components.
• Identify root causes of equipment failures and recommend corrective or preventive actions.
• Document programming changes, equipment settings, service activities, and completed repairs.
• Maintain current backups of PLC programs, HMI applications, and equipment configurations in accordance with company procedures.
• Coordinate work with customers, supervisors, project managers, engineering teams, electricians, and other trades.
• Provide onsite and remote technical support when required.
• Follow all company, customer, OSHA, NFPA 70E, lockout/tagout, and jobsite safety requirements.
• Participate in scheduled maintenance, emergency service, and after-hours support when needed.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Minimum of three years of experience working with PLC controls, industrial automation, or electrical control systems.
• Hands-on experience connecting to, monitoring, and troubleshooting PLC-controlled equipment.
• Working knowledge of ladder logic, control circuits, motor controls, and industrial electrical systems.
• Experience troubleshooting HMIs, VFDs, sensors, relays, motor starters, and control panels.
• Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics, control drawings, and technical documentation.
• Experience using electrical testing and diagnostic equipment, including digital multimeters.
• Understanding of industrial communication protocols and networks.
• Strong troubleshooting and root-cause analysis skills.
• Ability to work independently and communicate clearly with customers and project teams.
• Valid driver’s license and an acceptable driving record.
• Ability to pass all required pre-employment and customer-mandated screenings.
• Willingness to work overtime, weekends, alternate shifts, participate in an on-call rotation, or travel when required.

Preferred Qualifications

• Technical degree, certification, or completed apprenticeship in industrial electricity, automation, instrumentation, controls, or a related field.
• Experience with one or more major PLC platforms, such as Allen-Bradley/Rockwell Automation, Siemens, Schneider Electric, Mitsubishi, or AutomationDirect.
• Experience with Rockwell Studio 5000, RSLogix 500, FactoryTalk View, Siemens TIA Portal, or comparable programming software.
• Experience developing or modifying PLC and HMI programs.
• Experience with industrial Ethernet, EtherNet/IP, Modbus, DeviceNet, ControlNet, or similar communication protocols.
• Experience with control-panel installation, wiring, testing, and commissioning.
• Experience with distributed I/O, safety PLCs, servo systems, robotics, instrumentation, or process controls.
• Experience in manufacturing, water/wastewater, material handling, food and beverage, processing, utility, or other industrial facilities.
• Journeyman Electrician license or relevant controls certification.
• OSHA 10, OSHA 30, or NFPA 70E training.

Knowledge and Skills

• PLC programming and troubleshooting
• Ladder logic and control-system operation
• HMI configuration and troubleshooting
• VFD setup and diagnostics
• Motor controls and control circuits
• Industrial electrical systems
• Instrumentation and field devices
• Control drawings and electrical schematics
• System startup and commissioning
• Root-cause analysis
• Technical documentation
• Customer service and professional communication

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to stand, walk, bend, kneel, climb, reach, and work in confined or elevated areas for extended periods.
• Ability to climb ladders and use aerial lifts.
• Ability to work indoors and outdoors in varying temperatures and weather conditions.
• Ability to safely use hand tools, power tools, computers, and electrical testing equipment.
• Ability to wear required personal protective equipment.

This position may work in active industrial facilities, manufacturing plants, processing facilities, warehouses, utility facilities, construction sites, and other commercial or industrial environments. Work may involve exposure to heights, confined spaces, moving machinery, electrical hazards, noise, dust, and varying environmental conditions. Compliance with all company and customer safety requirements is mandatory.

Norlee Group is an equal opportunity employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable