Controls & Automation Technician

Location: North Little Rock, AR

Industry: Manufacturing

Job Type: Full-Time

100% of Health Premiums paid by company.

8% Match on 401k

$2000 Sign on bonus paid on 30th day of employment.

Job Overview

We are seeking an experienced Controls & Automation Technician to join a manufacturing operation in North Little Rock, Arkansas. This is a hands-on, plant-floor position ideal for a skilled technician who enjoys troubleshooting complex automated equipment, solving electrical and controls problems, and keeping production machinery running efficiently.

The ideal candidate will have extensive experience with PLCs, HMIs, industrial electrical systems, VFDs, motor controls, sensors, and automated manufacturing equipment.

This position offers the opportunity to work with a variety of industrial automation technologies while playing a critical role in equipment reliability, production efficiency, and continuous improvement.

Key Responsibilities

• Troubleshoot, diagnose, and repair electrical and automation problems on manufacturing equipment.
• Troubleshoot PLC-controlled machinery, including inputs/outputs, ladder logic, and HMI alarms.
• Diagnose and repair issues involving VFDs, servo drives, sensors, relays, motor starters, safety circuits, and industrial control systems.
• Read and interpret electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, and PLC logic to identify equipment failures.
• Perform electrical and controls troubleshooting using multimeters, diagnostic software, and other testing equipment.
• Repair and replace electrical components, control devices, and automation hardware.
• Support equipment installations, start-ups, commissioning, and automation upgrades.
• Perform preventive maintenance on control panels, drives, sensors, and electrical systems.
• Assist with authorized PLC and HMI programming adjustments and maintain accurate documentation of changes.
• Identify recurring equipment failures and work with maintenance and engineering teams to implement long-term solutions.
• Maintain accurate maintenance records and communicate equipment issues across shifts.
• Follow all electrical safety procedures, including lockout/tagout and established safe-work practices.

Required Qualifications

• 10+ years of hands-on experience troubleshooting industrial electrical controls and automated manufacturing equipment, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Strong working knowledge of PLCs, HMIs, VFDs, sensors, motor controls, and industrial electrical systems.
• Ability to troubleshoot PLC inputs/outputs and interpret ladder logic.
• Experience reading electrical schematics, control wiring diagrams, and equipment manuals.
• Strong electrical troubleshooting and diagnostic skills.
• Ability to work independently in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to respond effectively to equipment breakdowns.
• Technical degree, apprenticeship, military technical training, or equivalent practical experience in industrial electricity, automation, electronics, or a related field.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with Allen-Bradley PLCs and HMIs, including online monitoring and ladder logic troubleshooting.
• Knowledge of industrial Ethernet networks, robotics, servo systems, and automated production equipment.
• Experience with metal stamping, injection molding, assembly, packaging, or material-handling equipment.
• Familiarity with machine safety circuits and industrial automation upgrades.
• NFPA 70E electrical safety training or related credentials.

What We're Looking For

We're looking for a true hands-on troubleshooter—not someone who simply replaces parts.

The successful candidate will be comfortable working directly on the production floor, diagnosing difficult electrical and automation problems, and identifying the root causes of equipment failures.

You should be able to work effectively with maintenance technicians, engineers, and production personnel while keeping safety and equipment reliability at the forefront.

Physical Requirements

This position requires working in an industrial manufacturing environment, including standing, walking, bending, kneeling, climbing, and working around production equipment. Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds, with assistance when needed.

Apply Today

If you're an experienced Controls & Automation Technician with strong PLC troubleshooting and industrial electrical skills, we encourage you to apply.

Location: North Little Rock, Arkansas

Apply today to learn more about this opportunity!

You should be proficient in:

• PLC Troubleshooting Skills
• 120/208/240/480 Voltage Systems
• Electrical Troubleshooting
• Troubleshooting Industrial Automation Equipment
• Automation Problem Solving
• Control Wiring Diagrams Reading
• Electrical Schematics Reading
• HMI Troubleshooting
• Motor Control
• PLC Troubleshooting
• VFD Troubleshooting

Machines & technologies you'll use:

• HMI
• Diagnostic Software
• PLC
• Servo Drive
• VFD
• Automated Manufacturing Equipment