Find Jobs
Find Jobs Near You – Available Work in Your Location
Skip to job details
ZG
ZT Group Intl, Inc. dba ZT Systems
Automation Controls Technician (PLC)
Career Insights for Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) Technician
See where this job fits in the broader career landscape. Knowing your career path helps you see what's possible from here.
Scorecard
Based on New Jersey data
Review key factors to help you decide if this role fits your goals. How is this calculated?
What they do
A Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) Technician works with programmable logic control systems found typically in an industrial/manufacturing environment.
$77,927 / year median in New Jersey
+9% projected growth
Job Description
About the role: The Automation Controls Technician (PLC) serves the Advanced Automation Infrastructure team and is on the front line of ZT Systems' automated assembly operations, keeping the controls behind our equipment running reliably. You'll troubleshoot PLCs, HMIs, sensors, I/O, networks, and safety systems, serving as the first responder when automation stops and helping drive improvements that keep production moving. This is an opportunity to build hands-on expertise at the center of next-generation manufacturing for one of the industry's leading hyperscale system integrators. What you'll do: Serve as the owner for PLC, HMI, electrical controls, sensors, I/O, and automation networks supporting production equipment. Troubleshoot complex controls issues across the field device, I/O, PLC logic, network, HMI, and machine sequence to rapidly restore equipment. Maintain controlled PLC/HMI programs, configurations, backups, network documentation, and machine recovery files for automated equipment. Develop and execute a critical controls spare parts strategy and preventive maintenance program based on equipment criticality and downtime exposure. Partner with OEMs, system integrators, and engineering teams to resolve complex controls issues, implement system improvements, and eliminate recurring failures. Analyze controls-related downtime and failure data to identify root causes, reliability improvements, and opportunities to improve automation performance. Crosstrain and provide backup support for the automated mechanical systems to build team-wide knowledge and eliminate single points of knowledge.
What you bring:
A minimum of a trade school certification in a technical field and 6+ years of practical experience in an automated manufacturing environment. Deep expertise in industrial automation controls, including PLCs, HMIs, I/O systems, sensors, safety circuits, industrial networks, and SMEMA machine sequencing. Proven ability to troubleshoot complex controls failures from the field device through the PLC, network, HMI, and machine sequence without relying solely on OEM support. Strong experience reading and interpreting electrical schematics, control panel drawings, I/O lists, PLC logic, network architecture, and machine documentation. Experience with PLC programming (Festo / CodeSys / Structured Text), HMI configuration, controls integration, industrial Ethernet, sensors, and safety systems in an automated manufacturing environment. Ability to establish and maintain controlled PLC/HMI backups, configuration records, software versions, and machine recovery documentation. Demonstrated ability to perform root-cause analysis on recurring controls failures and implement improvements that increase equipment reliability and reduce downtime. Strong technical judgment and change-control discipline, with the ability to make repairs independently while recognizing when an issue requires engineering, OEM, or system-integrator escalation. Experience with Microsoft Office tools (Outlook, Excel, and Word). Strong verbal and written communications skills. About ZT Systems At ZT Systems, a Sanmina Company, you'll get to do work you are proud of alongside smart, passionate people. Every day, there are opportunities to collaborate with the best in the industry to design, build, and deliver impactful solutions to world-class customers. Along the way, you will gain hands-on experience in a fast-paced environment that's challenging, rewarding, and career-defining. A culture built around our values we work hard and think fast. We view challenges as opportunities—to do better, push harder, and be faster than we were the day before. When we fail, we learn from it and move on together. And when we succeed, we use the momentum to go even further. We create value with everything we do, building the foundation of today—and transforming the future of tomorrow. Join ZT Systems and help us build technology infrastructure that connects the world. What We Offer At ZT Systems, a Sanmina Company, we believe that investing in our people is key to our continued growth and innovation. When you join our team, you'll gain access to a comprehensive and inclusive benefits package designed to support your well-being, financial security, and professional development—both now and in the future. Compensation & Financial Security- Competitive base salary
- Performance-based annual bonus eligibility
- 401(k) retirement savings plan
- Tuition reimbursement for eligible education programs Health & Wellness
- Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage with access to leading providers
- Mental health resources and employee wellness support programs
- -Company-paid life and disability insurance Time Away & Work-Life Balance
- Paid time off (PTO) and company-paid holidays
- Parental leave and family care support programs Growth & Purpose
- Structured training programs and on-the-job learning opportunities
- Matching gifts and volunteer programs to support causes you care about These benefits are available to eligible employees and are designed to grow with you as your career evolves.
Benefits
- Paid Time Off (PTO)
- Financial Aid/Assistance
- Professional Development
- 401(k) Plans