Electronic Controls Specialist

Hood Industries, Inc.•Hattiesburg, MS

About The Position

This corporate-level role supports, maintains, troubleshoots, and improves Operational Technology (OT) and industrial control systems across multiple mill locations. The position provides hands-on support for PLCs, SCADA systems, Ignition applications, HMIs, industrial networks, robotics, data collection systems, historians, and other plant-floor technologies. It works closely with mill maintenance, operations, engineering, IT, equipment vendors, and system integrators to resolve equipment and system issues, improve reliability, support automation, and help standardize OT technologies across the organization. The position is based out of the Hattiesburg office and includes day trips to local mills as needed. Hood Industries offers a competitive salary and benefits including medical, employee assistance program, dental, vision, cancer, flexible spending account, life insurance, 401(k), and LTD. These benefits are available on the first of the month following completion of one month of continuous full-time employment. Applicants must consent to a background check and drug screen to continue in the selection process. Employment offers are contingent on meeting background check standards and passing the required drug test. If hired, candidates must provide documentation of their legal right to work in the U.S.

Requirements

At least 5 years of experience supporting industrial automation, controls, robotics, SCADA, manufacturing systems, or related OT technologies.
Knowledge of PLC-based automation and machine control systems, particularly Allen-Bradley/Rockwell ControlLogix.
Knowledge of SCADA and industrial visualization platforms, with an emphasis on Ignition by Inductive Automation.
Knowledge of HMI platforms, including FactoryTalk View SE/ME or similar systems.
Knowledge of industrial robotics, including FANUC and ABB robot programming, troubleshooting, and PLC integration.
Knowledge of industrial control systems, including sensors, instrumentation, VFDs, motor controls, safety circuits, and machine I/O.
Knowledge of industrial communication protocols, including EtherNet/IP, Modbus TCP/RTU, OPC UA, MQTT, DeviceNet, and ControlNet.
Knowledge of industrial Ethernet networks and network troubleshooting.
Knowledge of industrial data collection and historian platforms, including Ignition Historian, Canary Historian, AVEVA PI, or similar systems.
Knowledge of SQL databases and basic database concepts.
Knowledge of Windows-based industrial computers, servers, and virtual machines.
Knowledge of OT system backup, recovery, configuration management, and documentation practices.
Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics, drawings, network diagrams, and technical documentation.
General understanding of manufacturing equipment, industrial processes, pneumatic systems, and hydraulic systems.
Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills across controls, networking, software, robotics, and plant operations.
Hands-on approach to supporting automation and production equipment.
Ability to learn new industrial technologies and systems.
Good organizational and documentation skills.
Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
Ability to work effectively with maintenance, operations, engineering, IT, vendors, and system integrators.
Good understanding of plant processes and manufacturing environments.
Strong commitment to safety, system reliability, and quality.

Nice To Haves

Associate degree in Automation, Industrial Technology, Electrical Technology, Information Technology, Electronics, Engineering Technology, or a related technical field.

Responsibilities

Troubleshoot and maintain PLC, HMI, SCADA, and Ignition applications.
Program, troubleshoot, and support FANUC and ABB robotic systems, including robot programs, PLC interfaces, I/O, safety circuits, and production-related automation issues.
Support troubleshooting of industrial machinery and automated equipment, including controls, instrumentation, sensors, drives, and related electrical components.
Support development and maintenance of operator displays, dashboards, reports, alarms, historian applications, and production visualization tools.
Assist with connecting PLCs and plant-floor equipment to SCADA, historian, and reporting systems.
Troubleshoot industrial communication networks and protocols, including EtherNet/IP, OPC UA, Modbus TCP, MQTT, DeviceNet, and ControlNet.
Assist with control system upgrades, equipment commissioning, OEM integrations, and automation improvements.
Work with OEMs and system integrators to troubleshoot issues and implement system improvements.
Support configuration, maintenance, backup, and recovery of OT and control system applications.
Develop and maintain OT system documentation, control system documentation, network diagrams, equipment inventories, and application documentation.
Assist with standardizing controls, OT systems, naming conventions, documentation, and support practices across mill locations.
Support OT cybersecurity and system reliability practices in coordination with OT and IT teams.
Provide corporate OT and controls support to mill maintenance and operations teams.
Travel to local mills on day trips to provide support as needed.