Controls Technician

Niowave Inc. • Lansing, MI

5d

About The Position

The Controls Technician supports the safe, reliable operation, maintenance, and improvement of industrial control systems for accelerator and beamline systems. This role requires strong technical ownership, advanced troubleshooting capability, and the ability to lead system improvements Performs routine preventive maintenance, inspection, and calibration of high-voltage power supplies, pulsed modulators, tetrodes, waveguide systems, and RF distribution components
Installs, configures, and maintains advanced industrial control systems for accelerator and beamline operations
Performs real-time troubleshooting and root-cause analysis of complex hardware, software, and network issues to minimize downtime
Programs and optimizes PLC logic (Allen-Bradley or Productivity series) for robust sequencing, interlocks, and data acquisition
Maintains and improves Python-based tools and SQL databases for data analysis, automation, and system monitoring
Designs and updates GUI/HMI interfaces for operational efficiency and usability
Supports the development of and verify revision control using proper documentation, backups, and GIT

Requirements

• Embraces and models the Niowave Core Values of Teamwork, Courage, Integrity, and Upright Zeal
• Develops and maintains good relationships, gains the confidence of others, and works effectively in a multidisciplinary matrix environment
• Understands how to integrate into a new team/organization
• Appreciates the history of current state of systems and processes and exercises sound judgment in proposing and implementing improvements
• Understands personal communication and learning styles and adapts approach to connect effectively with others
• Displays excellent interpersonal, written, and oral communication skills
• Possesses sound organizational skills
• Associate’s degree in electrical/electronic technology, automation/mechatronics, instrumentation & controls or equivalent experience
• 4+ years of hands-on experience with industrial controls and automation, including:
• Strong troubleshooting skills in electrical and automated systems
• Working knowledge of PLC systems (Allen-Bradley or Productivity preferred)
• Basic to intermediate Python programming experience
• Ability to read electrical schematics, P&IDs, and control diagrams
• Strong working knowledge of high-voltage safety practices and lockout/tagout procedures
• Demonstrates creative and excellent problem solving and decision-making skills with ability to critically interpret and use data to manage risk
• Demonstrates skilled electrical aptitude & technical documentation skills
• Is a resilient self-starter, who learns and acts quickly, and has keen attention to detail

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor’s degree in electrical/electronic technology, automation/mechatronics, instrumentation & controls or equivalent experience
• 8+ years of hands-on experience with industrial controls and automation, including:
• GUI/HMI development
• troubleshooting complex electrical and control systems (industrial networking and SCADA systems)
• PLC programming and system design (Allen-Bradley or Productivity preferred)
• Reading and interpreting detailed electrical schematics, single-line diagrams, and P&IDs
• Proficiency with Python libraries (NumPy, pandas, PyQt, Dash, etc.)
• Experience leading installation or commissioning projects
• Familiarity with high-voltage, RF, vacuum, or motion-control systems
• Experience with linear accelerators, cyclotrons, or other particle beam systems
• Previous work supporting medical isotope production or radiopharmaceutical manufacturing
• Experience working in radiation-controlled environments

Responsibilities

• Performs routine preventive maintenance, inspection, and calibration of high-voltage power supplies, pulsed modulators, tetrodes, waveguide systems, and RF distribution components
• Installs, configures, and maintains advanced industrial control systems for accelerator and beamline operations
• Performs real-time troubleshooting and root-cause analysis of complex hardware, software, and network issues to minimize downtime
• Programs and optimizes PLC logic (Allen-Bradley or Productivity series) for robust sequencing, interlocks, and data acquisition
• Maintains and improves Python-based tools and SQL databases for data analysis, automation, and system monitoring
• Designs and updates GUI/HMI interfaces for operational efficiency and usability
• Supports the development of and verify revision control using proper documentation, backups, and GIT

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Associate degree
• Number of Employees: 11-50 employees