Automation & Controls Technician

Mueller Water Products•Albertville, AL

About The Position

Thank you for your interest in Mueller Water Products, Inc. For more than 165 years, Mueller Water Products, Inc. has been building the future of water infrastructure. From lifesaving fire protection to data intelligence, we are committed to developing products and solutions that help cities and utilities deliver clean, safe drinking water to hundreds of millions of people across North America. Our purpose is to connect communities to water, life’s most essential resource, with exceptional, people solutions and products. Behind that purpose is a dedicated team, united by our shared values of respect, integrity, trust, inclusion and safety. With a vision to be the leader in water infrastructure solutions—solving challenges, enriching lives and safeguarding the future—we are making a positive impact that will last for generations. By joining Mueller, you become part of a dynamic team dedicated to excellence and innovation, working collaboratively to achieve meaningful results. We champion our people because when they succeed, our communities thrive. We invite you to learn more about career opportunities with us and consider submitting your application. Automation & Controls Technician Key Responsibilities Automation & Controls Support Troubleshoot, repair, and maintain PLCs, HMIs, VFDs, servo systems, safety PLCs, and industrial networks (EtherNet/IP, Profibus, Profinet, etc.). Support with automation systems for: Melting and pouring systems Sand handling and molding lines Induction furnaces CNC machines, robots, conveyors, and material handling systems Perform root cause troubleshooting of recurring automation and control failures—not just “reset and run.” Reliability & Preventive Maintenance Develop, improve, and execute preventive and predictive maintenance tasks for automation and controls assets. Partner with reliability and maintenance teams to eliminate chronic failures through: Failure mode understanding Standardized troubleshooting Better environmental protection (heat, dust, vibration, moisture) Ensure backups of PLC programs, HMI applications, and configuration files are maintained and controlled. Continuous Improvement & Standardization Identify automation-related sources of downtime, defects, or safety risk and recommend improvements. Support equipment upgrades, control system modernization, and obsolescence mitigation. Participate in RCAs and improvement teams, contributing controls expertise and factual data. Help standardize hardware, software, and programming practices where appropriate. Safety, Quality & Compliance Maintain and troubleshoot machine safety systems (light curtains, safety relays, interlocks, e-stops). Ensure automation systems comply with applicable safety, electrical, and environmental standards. Support quality systems by ensuring controls reliably support process repeatability and traceability. Collaboration & Change Enablement (Critical) Work closely with operators, electricians, mechanics, engineers, and supervisors to: Explain system behavior in practical terms Reduce fear or misuse of automation Improve adherence to standard operating and maintenance practices Provide coaching and informal training to maintenance and operations personnel on automation systems. Document changes clearly to support long-term sustainability and reduce tribal knowledge dependency.

Requirements

Strong experience with industrial automation and controls in heavy manufacturing environments
Working knowledge of: PLC platforms (Allen-Bradley, Siemens, or similar) HMIs and SCADA systems Electrical schematics and panel troubleshooting Instrumentation (sensors, encoders, temperature, pressure, flow)
Ability to troubleshoot logically under time pressure in production environments
Associate degree or technical certification in Automation, Controls, Electrical Technology, or related field or equivalent hands-on experience
3–5+ years of automation or controls experience in manufacturing (foundry or machining preferred)
Demonstrates calm, methodical problem-solving under pressure
Respects the realities of production while maintaining technical discipline
Communicates clearly with both technical and non-technical audiences
Understands that technology only delivers value when people trust and use it correctly
Supports a culture of learning, standard work, and continuous improvement
Ability to work in hot, dusty, and noisy environments
Ability to climb, lift, and work around industrial equipment
Willingness to support off-shift or emergency work as needed

Nice To Haves

Experience in foundry operations (melting, molding, heat treat, sand systems)
Experience supporting CNC machines, robotics, or motion control systems
Familiarity with CMMS/EAM systems and disciplined work management
Exposure to reliability concepts such as RCAs, PM optimization, and asset criticality

Responsibilities

Troubleshoot, repair, and maintain PLCs, HMIs, VFDs, servo systems, safety PLCs, and industrial networks (EtherNet/IP, Profibus, Profinet, etc.).
Support with automation systems for: Melting and pouring systems Sand handling and molding lines Induction furnaces CNC machines, robots, conveyors, and material handling systems
Perform root cause troubleshooting of recurring automation and control failures—not just “reset and run.”
Develop, improve, and execute preventive and predictive maintenance tasks for automation and controls assets.
Partner with reliability and maintenance teams to eliminate chronic failures through: Failure mode understanding Standardized troubleshooting Better environmental protection (heat, dust, vibration, moisture)
Ensure backups of PLC programs, HMI applications, and configuration files are maintained and controlled.
Identify automation-related sources of downtime, defects, or safety risk and recommend improvements.
Support equipment upgrades, control system modernization, and obsolescence mitigation.
Participate in RCAs and improvement teams, contributing controls expertise and factual data.
Help standardize hardware, software, and programming practices where appropriate.
Maintain and troubleshoot machine safety systems (light curtains, safety relays, interlocks, e-stops).
Ensure automation systems comply with applicable safety, electrical, and environmental standards.
Support quality systems by ensuring controls reliably support process repeatability and traceability.
Work closely with operators, electricians, mechanics, engineers, and supervisors to: Explain system behavior in practical terms Reduce fear or misuse of automation Improve adherence to standard operating and maintenance practices Provide coaching and informal training to maintenance and operations personnel on automation systems.
Document changes clearly to support long-term sustainability and reduce tribal knowledge dependency.

Benefits

Mueller offers an excellent salary and benefits package.
Current benefit offerings include medical, dental, and vision insurance, 401k plan with 5% Company match, Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP), short-term and long-term disability benefits, vacation, 100% paid parental leave, tuition reimbursement program, student debt retirement matching, well-being program, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), company-provided life insurance, supplemental insurance at group rates, and more.

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