Controls Technician

Kubota•Gainesville, GA

21d

About The Position

We are seeking a driven and results-oriented Controls Technician to support and improve automation systems in a fast-paced manufacturing environment. The role installs, maintains, troubleshoots, and supports PLC-based automation systems, HMIs, industrial networks, and vision systems to improve operator safety, equipment reliability, product quality, and manufacturing efficiency. The technician partners with Engineering, Maintenance, and Production teams and supports continuous improvement and digital manufacturing initiatives. The position includes PLC programming and system integration, electrical controls troubleshooting, equipment reliability, computer vision and advanced automation support, process optimization, technical documentation and training, and quality, safety, and compliance. The role also supports equipment commissioning and startup, preventive and predictive maintenance, and the evaluation of emerging automation, sensing, vision, and robotics technologies. The work environment is a manufacturing setting. The employee must be able to work in extreme hot or cold conditions and stand for the duration of the shift. Physical duties include handling tools and controls, reaching, ascending stairs, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, and occasionally lifting a stated but unspecified amount of weight. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Requirements

Strong technical troubleshooting, root cause analysis, and problem-solving skills.
Ability to diagnose and resolve electrical, controls, and automation system issues in a manufacturing environment.
Proficiency with PLC programming and troubleshooting.
Effective communication skills, including the ability to present technical information to engineering, maintenance, and operations teams.
Ability to support multiple projects and priorities in a fast-paced production environment.
Knowledge of manufacturing methods, quality systems, and continuous improvement principles.
Understanding of industrial automation systems, electrical controls, and machine integration.
High school diploma or GED.
Ability to read, write, understand, and communicate effectively in English.

Nice To Haves

Experience with Allen-Bradley/Rockwell Automation platforms.
Experience with HMIs, VFDs, servo systems, industrial sensors, and safety control systems.
Knowledge of industrial communication networks, including Ethernet/IP and related automation protocols.
Experience integrating automated equipment, robotics, vision systems, and manufacturing controls.
Familiarity with computer vision systems and their integration with PLC-controlled manufacturing processes.
Experience with industrial connectivity tools such as Kepware, OPC, or similar communication platforms.
Experience supporting Manufacturing DX initiatives, data collection systems, and production monitoring solutions.
Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, and control panel documentation.
Experience with robot programming, commissioning, and system integration.

Responsibilities

Install, program, troubleshoot, and maintain PLC-based automation systems.
Develop, modify, and optimize control logic using Allen-Bradley/Rockwell Automation platforms, including ladder logic, tag structures, HMI development, and networked control systems.
Support commissioning, startup, and integration of new equipment, automation systems, and production line improvements.
Collaborate with engineering and production teams to implement automation solutions that improve productivity, quality, and operational performance.
Troubleshoot electrical, controls, and automation issues to minimize downtime and improve equipment reliability.
Maintain and support PLCs, HMIs, VFDs, sensors, safety devices, servos, and industrial communication networks.
Perform root cause analysis of equipment failures and implement corrective actions.
Support preventive and predictive maintenance for automated manufacturing systems.
Support integration and maintenance of computer vision inspection systems and interface them with PLCs, HMIs, and production equipment.
Troubleshoot communication, hardware, and operational issues associated with vision-guided automation systems.
Assist in evaluating and deploying automation, vision, sensing, and robotics technologies.
Develop and implement automation improvements to enhance operator safety, product quality, throughput, and manufacturing efficiency.
Lead or support continuous improvement initiatives involving automation, controls, and digital manufacturing technologies.
Use operational data and production metrics to identify process optimization and waste reduction opportunities.
Support lean manufacturing objectives through automation and controls improvements.
Provide technical support for controls, automation, and manufacturing system troubleshooting.
Create and maintain electrical schematics, control system documentation, program backups, and operating procedures.
Train and support maintenance, engineering, and production personnel on automation systems and best practices.
Contribute to cross-functional projects and knowledge sharing across departments.
Ensure compliance with company standards, customer requirements, safety regulations, electrical safety standards, machine safety requirements, and plant policies.
Support quality initiatives through controls design, process monitoring, and error-proofing solutions.