Industrial PLC Technician

Job Summary:

We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Industrial PLC Technician to join our dynamic maintenance team. The ideal candidate will be responsible for the installation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair of electrical systems and equipment within our industrial facility. This role requires a strong understanding of electrical motors, PLC systems, Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs), and preventative maintenance practices, particularly concerning rotating equipment. The successful candidate will play a critical role in ensuring the safe and efficient operation of our production processes.

Responsibilities:

• Electrical Maintenance and Repair:

• - Perform routine and emergency maintenance and repairs on industrial electrical systems, including power distribution, lighting, and control circuits.

  • Diagnose and troubleshoot electrical faults in machinery and equipment, including motors, sensors, and control systems.
  • Install and maintain electrical wiring, conduit, and other electrical components according to codes and standards.
  • Calibrate and test electrical equipment to ensure proper functionality.

• Electrical Motor Expertise:

• - Install, maintain, and troubleshoot various types of industrial electric motors (AC/DC, single-phase, three-phase).

  • Perform motor testing, including insulation resistance testing (megger), winding resistance measurements, and vibration analysis.
  • Replace motor bearings, seals, and other components.
  • Align motors and couplings to ensure proper operation and prevent premature wear.

• PLC Troubleshooting and Maintenance:

• - Troubleshoot and diagnose issues with Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) and associated input/output (I/O) devices (e.g., Allen-Bradley, Siemens, etc. - specify if needed).

  • Understand and interpret PLC ladder logic and other programming languages.
  • Assist in PLC programming modifications and upgrades as needed.
  • Perform backups and restores of PLC programs.

• Variable Frequency Drive (VFD) Expertise:

• - Install, program, troubleshoot, and maintain VFDs and related components.

  • Adjust VFD parameters to optimize motor performance and energy efficiency.
  • Diagnose and repair VFD faults.

• Preventative Maintenance (PM) on Rotating Equipment:

• - Develop and implement preventative maintenance schedules for rotating equipment such as pumps, fans, compressors, and conveyors.

  • Perform routine inspections, lubrication, and adjustments on rotating equipment.
  • Identify potential issues with rotating equipment through vibration analysis, thermal imaging, and other predictive maintenance techniques.
  • Document all maintenance activities and findings accurately.

• Safety and Compliance:

• - Adhere to all company safety policies and procedures, including Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) procedures.

  • Work safely with electrical equipment and ensure compliance with electrical codes and regulations (e.g., NEC).
  • Participate in safety training and meetings.

• Documentation and Reporting:

• - Maintain accurate records of maintenance activities, repairs, and inspections.

  • Document changes to electrical drawings and schematics.
  • Communicate effectively with other maintenance personnel, production staff, and management.

• Problem Solving and Continuous Improvement:

• - Identify and analyze recurring electrical issues and implement solutions to prevent future occurrences.

  • Participate in continuous improvement initiatives to enhance equipment reliability and efficiency.

• Other Duties:

• - Assist with other maintenance tasks as needed.

  • Maintain a clean and organized work area.

Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Completion of a technical school program or apprenticeship in electrical maintenance or a related field is highly preferred.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience as an Industrial Electrical Maintenance Technician, with a strong focus on electrical motors, PLC troubleshooting, VFDs, and preventative maintenance of rotating equipment.
• Demonstrated proficiency in troubleshooting and repairing industrial electrical systems and equipment.
• Solid understanding of electrical theory, schematics, and wiring diagrams.
• Proven ability to troubleshoot and maintain PLC systems (specify specific PLC brands if necessary).
• Experience with the installation, programming, and troubleshooting of Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs).
• Strong knowledge of preventative maintenance practices for rotating equipment, including lubrication, alignment, and basic condition monitoring.
• Familiarity with electrical testing equipment (e.g., multimeter, megger, oscilloscope).
• Knowledge of relevant electrical codes and safety regulations (e.g., NEC).
• Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Physical ability to perform the essential duties of the job, including lifting, bending, and working in confined spaces.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Journeyman or Master Electrician license.
• Experience with specific CMMS (Computerized Maintenance Management System) software.
• Certifications in specific PLC brands or VFD technologies.
• Experience with vibration analysis or other predictive maintenance techniques.

Working Conditions:

• Manufacturing or industrial environment.
• Exposure to noise, dust, and varying temperatures.
• May be required to work occasional overtime, weekends, or holidays.
• May involve working at heights or in confined spaces.

You should be proficient in:

• PLC Troubleshooting Skills
• Electrical Troubleshooting Skills
• Electrical Troubleshooting
• PLC Programming Experience
• PLC Wiring Experience
• Industrial Electrical Experience

Machines & technologies you'll use:

• Variable Frequency Drives (VFD)
• Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) (Fanuc, Allen Bradley, Siemens, Modicon, B&R Industrial Automation)
• HMI (Sigmatek)
• Servo Motors