Automation Technician

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This range is provided by Kelly Professional & Industrial. Your actual pay will be based on your skills and experience — talk with your recruiter to learn more.

$38.00/hr - $40.00/hr

Direct message the job poster from Kelly Professional & Industrial

Pay: $38 - $40/hr

Shift: 1st Shift | Monday – Friday | 8a-5p

We’re looking for a skilled Controls Technician to support, maintain, and improve all plant electrical and control systems—including electrical, pneumatic, hydraulic, mechanical, and network subsystems. In this role, you’ll act as a technical subject‑matter expert, providing troubleshooting support, leading root‑cause analysis, training maintenance techs across all shifts, and ensuring smooth operation of all production and facility systems.

You’ll work closely with the Maintenance Supervisor, Planner, and Manager to keep production on track, equipment running safely, and documentation up to date.

• Inspect, troubleshoot, repair, and maintain food processing and packaging equipment.
• Perform corrective, preventive, and scheduled maintenance on a wide variety of automated equipment.
• Diagnose and repair mechanical, electrical, pneumatic, hydraulic, and control‑system issues.
• Install, program, and troubleshoot PLCs, HMIs, servo drives, VFDs, and related systems.
• Support and coordinate mechanical technicians during breakdowns and major repairs.
• Maintain accurate documentation on all controls systems—including hardware, software, and changes.
• Work safely using proper PPE and adhere to all HACCP, Allergen, Food Defense, and GMP policies.
• Perform inspections and repairs while equipment is operating on a live production schedule.
• Lead troubleshooting efforts during downtime and expedite equipment recovery.
• Maintain secondary plant systems (steam, chilled water, pneumatics, HVAC, electrical distribution, refrigeration, etc.).
• Write and update job procedures and frequencies within the CMMS (SAP).
• Train technicians on PLC/VFD/HMI troubleshooting using laptops and plant software tools.
• Occasionally travel for training, equipment work, or parts procurement.
• Keep the work area clean and report any potential contamination or unsafe conditions immediately.

• Skilled electrical troubleshooting (120V–480V).
• Strong understanding of PLC programming (RSLogix, Factory Talk View, ladder logic).
• Experience with servo systems, VFDs, motor controls, HMIs, pneumatics, and hydraulics.
• Ability to read and interpret P&IDs, electrical single‑line diagrams, loop drawings, termination diagrams, and mechanical layouts.
• Experience maintaining batching or continuous process systems and their networks.
• Ability to perform mechanical, plumbing, and instrumentation work at a semi‑skilled level.

• Previous experience as a Controls Technician, Automation Technician, or similar role in manufacturing (food industry experience preferred).
• Strong troubleshooting aptitude—electrical, mechanical, and automation.
• Ability to work in a fast‑paced production environment under pressure.
• Excellent communication skills and teamwork mindset.
• Regular, predictable attendance.
• CMMS experience (SAP preferred):
• Create work order notifications
• Write job‑specific procedures and task frequencies

Apply now for immediate consideration for this Controls Tech position in Chicago Heights, IL. We Look forward to connecting with you!

Associate

Full‑time

Manufacturing

Food and Beverage Manufacturing

• Medical insurance
• Vision insurance
• 401(k)