Senior Controls Technician

Locked In Talent; Birmingham (AL); On-site; USD 65,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Locked In Talent client in Birmingham, AL seeks a Senior Controls Technician to own complex automation projects from programming through startup and support. This role is hands-on and requires independent fieldwork, strong problem-solving, and a commitment to safety and quality.

You will work with PLCs (Allen-Bradley/Rockwell, Siemens), HMIs, and field devices to deliver reliable control solutions on site, collaborating with engineers, technicians, and customers to drive projects to completion.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in industrial controls or related field.
• Hands-on PLC programming and troubleshooting experience.
• Experience with PLC platforms such as Allen-Bradley/Rockwell Automation or Siemens.

Responsibilities

• Program, troubleshoot, modify, and support PLC-based control systems.
• Develop and modify PLC logic using major PLC platforms.
• Configure, program, and troubleshoot HMI systems.
• Perform startup, testing, and commissioning of automated equipment.
• Troubleshoot electrical, controls, instrumentation, and communication issues.
• Read and interpret electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, P&IDs.

Skills

PLC programming

Troubleshooting

Industrial automation

Electrical controls

HMI programming

VFDs and motors

Schematic reading

Education

Associate degree or technical training in electrical technology/industrial automation

Tools

Allen-Bradley/Rockwell Automation

Siemens

EtherNet/IP/Modbus/Profinet

Job description

Our client is seeking an experienced Senior Controls Technician to join its growing team in Birmingham, Alabama. This position is ideal for a hands-on controls professional with strong experience in industrial automation, PLC programming, electrical controls, troubleshooting, and equipment commissioning.

The Senior Controls Technician will work with automated equipment and control systems from initial programming and installation through startup, troubleshooting, and ongoing support. The ideal candidate is comfortable working independently in the field, solving complex controls issues, and taking ownership of projects through completion.

Responsibilities

• Program, troubleshoot, modify, and support PLC-based control systems.
• Develop and modify PLC logic using platforms such as Allen-Bradley/Rockwell Automation, Siemens, or similar systems.
• Configure, program, and troubleshoot HMI and operator interface systems.
• Perform startup, testing, and commissioning of automated equipment and control systems.
• Troubleshoot electrical, controls, instrumentation, communication, and automation issues.
• Work with VFDs, motors, sensors, relays, safety devices, instrumentation, and other industrial control components.
• Read and interpret electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, P&IDs, and technical documentation.
• Diagnose PLC, HMI, network, and field-device issues and implement effective solutions.
• Make modifications and improvements to existing automation systems.
• Support installation and integration of new equipment and control systems.
• Work closely with engineers, technicians, electricians, customers, and other project stakeholders.
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior controls technicians when needed.
• Document programming changes, system configurations, troubleshooting procedures, and completed work.
• Maintain a strong commitment to safety, quality, and customer service.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in industrial controls, automation, electrical controls, or a related field.
• Strong hands-on PLC programming and troubleshooting experience.
• Experience with Allen-Bradley/Rockwell Automation, Siemens, or comparable PLC platforms.
• Experience programming and troubleshooting HMI systems.
• Strong understanding of industrial electrical systems and control panels.
• Experience with VFDs, motors, instrumentation, sensors, and industrial communication networks.
• Ability to read and troubleshoot electrical schematics and control drawings.
• Experience with equipment startup and commissioning.
• Strong diagnostic and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work independently and take ownership of complex controls issues.
• Associate degree or technical training in electrical technology, industrial automation, controls, mechatronics, or a related discipline preferred; equivalent hands-on experience will also be considered.

Preferred Experience

• Advanced PLC programming, including development of programs from scratch.
• Industrial networking experience, including EtherNet/IP, Modbus, Profinet, or similar protocols.
• Servo and motion-control experience.
• Experience leading controls projects or mentoring junior technicians.
• Experience working directly with customers in an industrial or field-service environment.

What We’re Looking For

We are looking for someone who goes beyond basic maintenance and troubleshooting. The right candidate will have the technical depth to understand complex automated systems, confidently program and modify PLCs, diagnose difficult controls issues, and take a system from installation through successful startup and operation.

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced controls professional who enjoys hands-on technical work and wants to take on a senior-level role with significant responsibility and autonomy.