Industrial Controls Technician I

City of Charlotte•Charlotte, NC

5d•$28 - $35

About The Position

The Industrial Controls Technician I performs technical work supporting installation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and operation of the operational technology and control systems used by the Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS). The role supports field-based and facility-based technology systems that enable transit operations, customer information services, safety monitoring, and access control. Working under procedural direction, the technician assists with maintaining operational technology devices and associated software while developing expertise in assigned platforms. Supported systems may include SCADA platforms, field controllers, monitoring systems, communications equipment, and integrated operational technology environments for vehicles, facilities, and transit infrastructure. The role performs hands-on technical work and collaborates with application administrators, infrastructure staff, vendors, and operational personnel to help ensure systems function reliably and safely in a 24/7 transit environment. Technicians may be assigned to specialized domains such as operational systems, SCADA, video management, access control, fare collection, communications, or other field-deployed technology environments. Specialization does not change the classification but may influence technical focus and daily responsibilities. Employees hired into this role remain City employees through December 31, 2026, and are scheduled to transition to Metropolitan Public Transit Authority employment on January 1, 2027. Core duties, reporting structure, and daily responsibilities are expected to remain consistent, with no break in service. City compensation and benefits provisions apply through 2026, then MPTA provisions apply in 2027; if the transition is delayed, City employment, compensation, and benefits remain in place until the transition occurs.

Requirements

Associate degree in electronics, industrial technology, information technology, or a related technical field, or an equivalent combination of education and technical experience.
Knowledge of basic electronics and industrial control system concepts.
Knowledge of SCADA and operational technology environments.
Knowledge of technical installation and maintenance practices, diagnostic and troubleshooting techniques, and workplace safety practices.
Skill in using hand tools, diagnostic equipment, and testing devices.
Ability to follow technical diagrams and procedures and document technical work accurately.
Ability to communicate technical information clearly and maintain effective working relationships.
Ability to perform hands-on technical work in operational environments, learn new technology systems quickly, follow procedures consistently, and work independently on assigned tasks.
Final candidates must pass a pre-employment drug-screening test and physical examination; candidates may also be asked to complete a skills test or other assessments.
Candidates are subject to the City of Charlotte background check policy.

Nice To Haves

Experience working with electronic equipment, control systems, or field technology environments.
Experience supporting SCADA or operational technology systems.
Experience working with video, access control, fare systems, or communications equipment.
Experience performing field installations or technical maintenance.
Public-sector or transit-related experience.

Responsibilities

Assist with installation, setup, replacement, and maintenance of operational technology equipment and control devices.
Perform routine inspections and preventive maintenance on assigned systems and equipment.
Support bus and rail hardware, including IVLUs, APC sensors, fareboxes, and MDT units.
Install and connect controllers, cameras, access devices, sensors, communications devices, and related infrastructure.
Verify system functionality following installation or maintenance.
Maintain tools, equipment, and materials used in technical work.
Support technology systems deployed in vehicles, facilities, and operational locations.
Assist with maintenance and support of SCADA-connected devices and field control systems used to monitor and manage operational infrastructure.
Respond to service requests and assist in diagnosing equipment or system issues.
Replace or repair malfunctioning components according to established procedures.
Coordinate with technical teams to restore system functionality and escalate complex technical problems appropriately.
Perform basic diagnostics on hardware and associated software systems using testing equipment, monitoring tools, and system interfaces.
Assist higher-level technicians or administrators with complex troubleshooting activities.
Accurately document issues, corrective actions, and outcomes.
Collaborate with Application Administrators and Infrastructure teams during deployments and maintenance.
Coordinate with operations personnel when work may affect transit service delivery.
Support vendor technicians performing repairs, upgrades, or inspections.
Communicate professionally with stakeholders and system users.
Maintain service records and maintenance documentation; record installations, replacements, and configuration updates.
Follow documentation and change-tracking procedures and assist with inventory and asset management information.
Follow safety procedures and technical standards, comply with organizational policies and regulatory requirements, use required personal protective equipment, and maintain awareness of operational hazards.