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Position: Controls Technician (Cedar Rapids, IA) 

Job Overview:
Our client is a growing manufacturing organization seeking a Controls Technician to support automated production equipment and manufacturing test systems. This is a highly hands-on technical position ideal for someone who enjoys troubleshooting and improving equipment directly on the production floor.

The Controls Technician will work closely with Engineering, Maintenance, Operations, and other technical teams to support equipment installation, startup, troubleshooting, optimization, and ongoing production needs. The ideal candidate will have a strong foundation in electrical systems and industrial controls, experience with PLC-controlled equipment, and the ability to systematically diagnose issues involving electrical components, controls, sensors, instrumentation, and automated systems.

This is a direct-hire position. 

Key Responsibilities: 
• Support the installation, setup, testing, startup, and validation of automated manufacturing equipment and production test systems.
• Troubleshoot electrical, controls, instrumentation, sensor, fixture, and equipment-related issues.
• Diagnose PLC and HMI faults and assist with minor programming, configuration, or parameter changes as appropriate.
• Partner with Engineering, Operations, Maintenance, and Production teams to resolve equipment issues and minimize downtime.
• Support equipment startup and commissioning activities and assist with transitioning new or modified equipment into regular production.
• Analyze recurring equipment and test-system failures to identify root causes and recommend corrective actions.
• Monitor equipment and test-system performance to identify opportunities for improved reliability, quality, safety, and efficiency.
• Assist with hardware and controls improvements designed to increase equipment reliability, safety, and production performance.
• Maintain PLC/HMI configurations, system backups, equipment documentation, and engineering/change records.
• Support preventive maintenance, equipment verification, and calibration activities.
• Troubleshoot and support sensors, I/O devices, variable frequency drives (VFDs), servos, instrumentation, fixtures, and machine vision components.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams on equipment improvements, error-proofing, process optimization, and standardized work.
• Provide technical guidance and basic troubleshooting support to production personnel.
• Maintain a strong commitment to workplace safety, equipment reliability, product quality, and continuous improvement.

Qualifications: 
Required
• Associate degree in Electrical Engineering Technology, Automation Technology, Industrial Technology, or a related technical discipline; equivalent relevant experience may be considered.
• 2+ years of experience supporting automated equipment, industrial controls systems, or manufacturing test equipment in a manufacturing or industrial environment.
• Hands-on experience troubleshooting PLC-controlled equipment and HMI systems.
• Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, and technical documentation.
• Working knowledge of sensors, electrical I/O, industrial controls, VFDs, and basic servo applications.
• Experience using electrical diagnostic and testing equipment.
• Strong mechanical and electrical troubleshooting skills.
• Demonstrated ability to identify root causes and approach technical problems in a structured, methodical manner.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to collaborate effectively with Engineering, Operations, Maintenance, and Production teams.
• Comfortable working the majority of the day in an active manufacturing environment.
Preferred
• Experience supporting the installation, commissioning, or startup of automated manufacturing equipment.
• Familiarity with Rockwell/Allen-Bradley, Siemens, or similar industrial control platforms.
• Exposure to manufacturing execution systems (MES), industrial data collection, or equipment-monitoring platforms.
• Experience with automated test equipment, machine vision, instrumentation, or test software.
• Familiarity with structured problem-solving and continuous-improvement methodologies.
• Experience with equipment calibration, verification, preventive maintenance, or reliability programs.

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