Automation Technician

Prime Controls•Schertz, TX

About The Position

As an Automation Technician in the service department, you will troubleshoot and repair electronic instrumentation used to automate large industrial processes. You will assist with system integration, including instrument calibration; control panel and MCC troubleshooting; PLC/HMI programming modifications; VFD setup and commissioning; and installation and termination of replacement or new hardware, including instruments and PLCs. The role also involves identifying parts and components for PLC, network, computer, and software systems; programming PLCs and HMIs; testing program logic and installed equipment; and resolving software and systems issues. The position involves reading and interpreting diagrams and documentation, communicating with customers, modifying PLC and HMI programs, testing systems, diagnosing hardware and software interface problems, and coordinating with manufacturers, vendors, and colleagues. You will respond to service calls and travel to customer sites to troubleshoot, repair, calibrate, and test instrumentation. Additional work includes preventive and corrective maintenance, instrumentation and VFD installation, panel modifications, and related projects for industrial process automation. Prime Controls is a family-owned systems integration and I&C construction firm established in 2004. It has more than 1,000 employees, is headquartered in Dallas, Texas, and serves customers nationwide. The company describes its mission as delivering high-quality professional services while prioritizing employee well-being and fostering an exceptional workplace.

Requirements

At least 5 years of experience in the engineering or construction (AEC) industry or a similar field.
Bachelor of Science in Mechatronics Engineering, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related discipline; a related technical college degree; or equivalent industrial controls experience.

Nice To Haves

7 years of experience in the engineering or construction (AEC) industry or a similar field.

Responsibilities

Read and interpret diagrams and documentation, and communicate with customers to understand objectives and preferences.
Modify existing PLC programs in Ladder, Function Block, and other languages.
Modify HMIs and develop small applications.
Test installed systems to verify functionality and ensure programs operate as designed.
Troubleshoot problems caused by drawings, customer changes, instrumentation specifications, or other technical issues; diagnose and resolve software and hardware interface issues.
Work with manufacturers and vendors of software and application products to diagnose and resolve problems.
Work with others to address design problems.
Respond to service calls to troubleshoot, diagnose, and repair programming and system failures.
Travel to customer sites to perform instrumentation troubleshooting, calibration, and testing.
Troubleshoot instrumentation functionality and I/O operation.
Repair instrumentation, typically by calibrating it with meters and tools.
Set up new instrumentation and calibrate it to specifications using schematics and drawings.
Perform preventive and corrective maintenance of test apparatus and peripheral equipment.
Assist with installation and maintenance projects for automation of large industrial processes.
Use computerized equipment and software to perform testing and produce reports.
Install instrumentation and VFDs, and perform panel modifications.