PLC/Controls Reliability Specialist

ATS•Glendale Heights, IL

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The PLC/Controls Reliability Specialist is a key problem solver for complex automation, focused on optimizing uptime and leveraging data for smarter maintenance. This role involves high-level break/fix and preventive maintenance on mechanical and electrical assets, as well as engineering system improvements. The specialist will program, debug, and analyze sophisticated control systems to eliminate software, hardware, and configuration faults. Utilizing predictive diagnostics such as infrared thermography, ultrasonic testing, power quality analysis, laser interferometry, ball bar, and vibration analysis, the specialist will anticipate failures and schedule proactive work. The position also champions continuous improvement, sources critical parts, operates shop equipment, investigates new technologies, contributes to cost analysis, maintains CMMS accuracy, provides technical inputs for sales, coaches junior technicians, and commits to ongoing learning and safety.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED required
Associate degree (technical) with 7+ years in the industry, or 10+ years of relevant industry experience
Hands-on proficiency with predictive technologies (vibration analysis, laser interferometer), precision alignment, and process equipment maintenance
Strong grasp of electrical, mechanical, fluid power, and control systems; skilled at root cause analysis and repair
Adept with hand and specialty tools; ability to travel when needed
PLC Troubleshooting Skills
Electrical Schematics
120/208/240/480 Voltage Systems Troubleshooting
Industrial Automation Equipment
PLC Programming Experience
Electrical / Electronic Systems
Industrial Electrical Experience
Industrial Electrical Systems
Electrical Systems & Diagnostics (Heavy Equipment)

Nice To Haves

Six Sigma experience

Responsibilities

Own high-level break/fix and preventive maintenance on mechanical and electrical assets
Engineer system improvements that stick
Program, debug, and analyze sophisticated control systems to eliminate software, hardware, and configuration faults
Use predictive diagnostics—infrared thermography, ultrasonic testing, power quality analysis, laser interferometry, ball bar, and vibration analysis—to anticipate failures and schedule proactive work
Champion continuous improvement: lead CI activities, apply proven tools, measure results, and deliver cost savings
Source critical parts and materials; recommend engineered substitutes to boost reliability and performance
Work independently to industry standards; maintain a disciplined 5S/housekeeping environment
Operate shop equipment (lathe, drill press, grinder) and perform welding to fabricate/restore components when needed
Investigate new methods, tools, and technologies; roll out best practices across our sites and update documentation
Contribute to cost analysis for new assets, rebuild proposals, savings, and innovation initiatives
Keep the CMMS accurate—review histories, analyze trends, and act on insights
Provide technical inputs for sales quotations; perform time-and-materials tasks as required
Coach junior technicians and step in as project manager on assigned initiatives
Commit to ongoing learning (OJT and self-study); follow safety rules and stay alert to hazards and unsafe behaviors