Industrial Controls Technician I

City of Charlotte • Charlotte, NC

4d • Onsite

About The Position

The Industrial Controls Technician I performs technical work supporting the installation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and operation of operational technology and control systems used by the Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS). The position supports field- and facility-based technology that enables 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 used across vehicles, facilities, and transit infrastructure. The role involves hands-on work in operational environments and collaboration with application administrators, infrastructure staff, vendors, and operational personnel to help ensure systems function reliably and safely in a 24/7 transit environment. Assignments may focus on operational systems, SCADA, video management, access control, fare collection, communications, or other field-deployed technology.

The position is currently employed by CATS, a City of Charlotte department. Employees hired into the role will remain City employees through December 31, 2026, and are scheduled to transition to the Metropolitan Public Transit Authority (MPTA) on January 1, 2027, without a break in service. Compensation and benefits will follow City provisions through 2026 and MPTA provisions after transition; if the transition is delayed, City employment provisions remain in place until it 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.
• Ability to perform hands-on technical work in operational environments, learn new technology systems quickly, follow established procedures, work independently on assigned tasks, and maintain effective working relationships.
• Ability to meet the position’s physical demands, including frequent walking, standing, climbing, bending, kneeling, and lifting and handling equipment and tools.
• Final candidates must pass a pre-employment drug-screening test and physical examination; candidates may also be asked to take a skills test or participate in other assessments.
• Final candidates are subject to background checks under the City of Charlotte’s 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 after installation or maintenance work.
• 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 help diagnose equipment or system issues.
• Replace or repair malfunctioning components using established procedures; coordinate with technical teams to restore functionality and escalate complex problems appropriately.
• Perform basic hardware and associated software diagnostics using testing equipment, monitoring tools, and system interfaces.
• Assist higher-level technicians or administrators with complex troubleshooting and 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 and support vendor technicians performing repairs, upgrades, or inspections.
• Maintain professional communication with stakeholders and system users.
• Maintain service and maintenance records, record installations, replacements, and configuration updates, and follow documentation and change-tracking procedures.
• Assist with inventory and asset-management information.
• Follow safety procedures and applicable organizational policies, regulatory requirements, and technical standards; use required personal protective equipment and maintain awareness of operational hazards.

Benefits

• The City of Charlotte provides a comprehensive benefits package to eligible employees; benefits will follow City provisions through 2026 and MPTA provisions after the planned transition to MPTA employment on January 1, 2027.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Associate degree