Senior Controls Technician – PLC & Automation

Drive; Charlotte (MI); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Drive is seeking a Controls Technician to troubleshoot, maintain, and improve electrical control systems and automated manufacturing equipment on the production floor. You will work closely with maintenance, engineering, and production teams to minimize downtime and boost equipment reliability.

The role requires hands-on problem solving, interpretation of schematics, and experience with PLCs, HMIs, sensors, relays, drives, and robotic systems. Shift work and safety compliance are expected.

Qualifications

• Technical diploma, certificate, or equivalent experience in industrial automation, electrical technology, mechatronics, or a related field.
• Experience troubleshooting industrial electrical and automated manufacturing systems.
• Working knowledge of PLCs, HMIs, industrial controls, sensors, and electrical circuits.
• Familiarity with Allen-Bradley/Rockwell Automation systems and industrial robotics is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Troubleshoot, diagnose, and repair PLCs, electrical control systems, sensors, relays, motors, drives, and other automation components.
• Maintain and troubleshoot injection molding machines, robotic systems, conveyors, automated assembly equipment, and auxiliary machinery.
• Diagnose machine faults, electrical failures, communication issues, and automation-related production interruptions.
• Read and interpret electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, control-panel drawings, and equipment manuals.
• Troubleshoot and modify PLC programs and HMI interfaces as authorized and required.
• Support industrial robots, vision inspection systems, safety circuits, variable frequency drives (VFDs), and servo systems.
• Perform preventive maintenance and equipment inspections to reduce unplanned downtime.
• Assist with installation, setup, commissioning, and startup of new or upgraded production equipment.
• Work with maintenance, engineering, and production personnel to identify root causes and implement permanent corrective actions.
• Maintain accurate records of repairs, machine faults, program changes, and preventive maintenance activities.
• Follow electrical safety procedures, lockout/tagout (LOTO) requirements, and applicable workplace safety standards.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives to improve equipment reliability, cycle times, product quality, and production efficiency.

Skills

Industrial automation

Electrical systems

PLC/HMI

Robotics

Education

Technical diploma in automation

Job description

Drive is seeking a Controls Technician to troubleshoot, maintain, and improve electrical control systems and automated manufacturing equipment on the production floor. You will work closely with maintenance, engineering, and production teams to minimize downtime and boost equipment reliability.

The role requires hands-on problem solving, interpretation of schematics, and experience with PLCs, HMIs, sensors, relays, drives, and robotic systems. Shift work and safety compliance are expected.