Senior PLC Systems Technician

Novolex Corporate • Grottoes, VA

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The Senior PLC Systems Technician is responsible for configuring, optimizing, and safeguarding plant automation. This role acts as a technical authority and an extension of management, exercising independent judgment on operational and personnel matters, and directly impacting safety, performance, and efficiency. The position requires expertise in PLCs, VFDs, HMIs, and plant networks like Ethernet/IP, serving as the escalation point for advanced controls/electrical challenges. The technician will lead root cause analyses, implement sustainable fixes, provide daily guidance to maintenance teams, coach technicians and operators, and participate in hiring decisions. Integration of controls for capital projects, management of commissioning, and validation of startups are also key responsibilities. Maintaining accurate and current schematics, controls documentation, and PLC backups is essential. The role drives continuous improvement in automation, efficiency, and system reliability, with a strong emphasis on electrical safety and LOTO procedures. Collaboration with Engineering, Continuous Improvement, and Operations is expected, along with taking ownership, building accountability, and elevating the team's controls capability. Flexibility to take on additional duties as the plant evolves is also required.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or GED.
• Associate or bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, Industrial Technology, or related field (or equivalent experience).
• 3–5 years of industrial maintenance with strong controls/automation exposure.
• Hands-on PLC troubleshooting/programming.
• Proficiency with 480V systems, VFDs, and motor control.
• Ability to read electrical schematics and run system-level diagnostics independently.
• PLC certification (Allen-Bradley, Siemens, or equivalent).
• Technical degree in Electrical, Mechatronics, or related field (or equivalent experience).
• Familiarity with Ethernet/IP, DeviceNet, HMI configuration, and CMMS (e.g., SAP).
• Advanced analytical and problem-solving aptitude.
• Robust understanding of industrial automation architectures.
• Ability to prioritize and execute in a fast-paced environment.
• Clear communication and strong collaboration skills.
• High-level technical judgment and decisive action.

Nice To Haves

• Subject matter expert on PLCs, VFDs, HMIs, and plant networks like Ethernet/IP.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the go-to problem solver for line issues, VFD alarms, and network problems.
• Lead complex troubleshooting and shape the long-term reliability of automation systems.
• Act as the escalation point for advanced controls/electrical challenges.
• Read, interpret, and modify PLC logic to enhance reliability and performance.
• Lead root cause analyses and implement sustainable fixes for recurring failures.
• Provide daily guidance to maintenance teams and coach technicians and operators.
• Participate in interviews and selection processes for new hires.
• Integrate controls for capital projects, manage commissioning, and validate startups.
• Keep schematics, controls documentation, PLC backups, and versions accurate and current.
• Drive continuous improvement in automation, efficiency, and system reliability.
• Ensure safety, especially electrical safety and LOTO procedures.
• Collaborate with Engineering, Continuous Improvement, and Operations.
• Take ownership, build accountability, and elevate the team’s controls capability.
• Be flexible to take on additional duties as the plant evolves.

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans
• Well-being resources spanning mental, physical, and financial health (programs vary by location)
• Focused Giving Program supports sustainability and food/hunger initiatives
• Local facilities championing community activities
• Upskill with MyLearning courses
• Industry curricula
• Robust LMS
• Tuition Reimbursement (Non-Union)

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: High school or GED