Job Summary: The PLC Technician is responsible for troubleshooting, maintaining, programming, and improving programmable logic controller systems and related industrial automation equipment. This position supports production by minimizing downtime, improving equipment reliability, and ensuring automated systems operate safely, efficiently, and consistently.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
- Troubleshoot, repair, maintain, and modify PLC-controlled equipment, electrical control systems, HMIs, VFDs, sensors, servos, motor controls, and related automation components.
- Diagnose equipment failures by reading ladder logic, electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, equipment manuals, and technical documentation.
- Perform PLC programming, logic revisions, backups, downloads, uploads, and system documentation as needed.
- Respond to production line issues and provide timely support to reduce downtime and restore equipment operation safely.
- Assist with installation, startup, commissioning, and testing of new or modified equipment and control systems.
- Perform preventive and predictive maintenance on automation controls, electrical panels, instrumentation, and related equipment.
- Calibrate, test, and assist maintenance with replacement of: sensors, photo eyes, proximity switches, encoders, switches, valves, drives, and other field devices.
- Support continuous improvement projects focused on safety, quality, uptime, equipment reliability, and process efficiency.
- Maintain accurate records of repairs, programming changes, backups, maintenance activities, and parts used.
- Work closely with maintenance, production, engineering, and management teams to identify root causes and implement long-term corrective actions.
- Follow all company safety policies, lockout/tagout procedures, electrical safety practices, and applicable regulatory requirements.
Required Qualifications
- Associate degree, technical certification, or equivalent training in electrical, automation, industrial maintenance, instrumentation, or a related field preferred.
- Formal electrical, PLC, controls, or automation training/certification.
- Experience troubleshooting PLCs, industrial electrical systems, and automated manufacturing equipment.
- Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics, control drawings, ladder logic, blueprints, and technical manuals.
- Working knowledge of PLC platforms, HMIs, VFDs, motor controls, sensors, safety circuits, instrumentation, and industrial networks.
- Strong electrical troubleshooting skills, including use of multimeters, test equipment, and diagnostic software.
- Ability to work independently, prioritize urgent production issues, and communicate clearly with team members and supervisors.
- Must be able to follow safety procedures and work in a manufacturing environment.
- Experience with Allen-Bradley/Rockwell Automation PLCs, VFDs, servo controllers
- Experience with HMI programming, SCADA systems, Ethernet/IP, Modbus, or other industrial communication protocols.
Preferred Qualifications
- Previous experience in a manufacturing, extrusion, metals, or industrial production environment.
- Knowledge of hydraulics, pneumatics, robotics, instrumentation, and mechanical troubleshooting.
- Experience with Siemens, Omron, or Mitsubishi PLCs
- Experience with Fanuc Robot programming
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to identify root causes and develop practical solutions under time-sensitive conditions.
- Good communication skills and ability to explain technical issues to non-technical team members.
- Ability to organize work, document changes, and maintain accurate technical records.
- Commitment to safe work practices, quality standards, teamwork, and continuous improvement.
Physical Requirements and Work Environment
- Must be able to stand, walk, bend, stoop, climb, reach, and work around industrial equipment for extended periods.
- Must be able to lift and/or move items as required by the position and company policy.
- May be required to work at heights, in confined spaces, or around moving machinery, electrical systems, noise, heat, and other manufacturing conditions.
- Must be able to wear required personal protective equipment and follow all safety requirements.
Schedule and Attendance
This position may require overtime, weekends, call-ins, or schedule adjustments based on production and maintenance needs. Regular and reliable attendance is an essential function of the position.
You should be proficient in:
- PLC Troubleshooting Skills
- Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering
- PLC Programming Experience