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MT
Maverick Tech
Electrical Controls Technician
Career Insights for Controls / Valve Technician
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What they do
A Controls or Valve Technician monitors and repairs gas gauges, pressure valves, and thermostats on manufacturing equipment or machinery.
$71,581 / year median in Kentucky
+6% projected growth
Job Description
Role Summary We are currently looking for a skilled Electrical Controls Technician to join our team, focusing on the upkeep, diagnostic repair, and optimization of our automated production systems. In this capacity, you will act as a primary technical expert for all controls and electrical matters, playing a vital role in reducing operational downtime and boosting the overall dependability of our machinery. The successful applicant will possess deep expertise in industrial electrical diagnostics, practical PLC proficiency, and a comprehensive grasp of automated hardware, including drives, motors, sensors, and complex control architectures. You will collaborate across departments—including Engineering, Production, and Maintenance—as well as with external partners to ensure our equipment functions safely and at peak efficiency. Core Responsibilities Identify and resolve electrical and controls malfunctions within automated manufacturing systems. Oversee and troubleshoot PLC-based architectures, focusing on logic, communication protocols, and I/O status. Execute necessary adjustments to PLC programming to restore functionality and enhance system output. Maintain and diagnose HMIs, servo systems, variable-frequency drives, contactors, relays, and industrial panels. Evaluate electrical systems ranging from low-voltage control loops to high-power three-phase configurations. Utilize electrical schematics, ladder logic, and technical manuals to interpret system designs. Conduct routine preventive and predictive maintenance tasks to ensure long-term equipment health. Minimize production interruptions by responding rapidly to equipment failures and breakdowns. Support the team in identifying recurring issues to help drive root-cause analysis and long-term corrective solutions. Participate in the installation, commissioning, and upgrading of new controls-related capital projects. Update electrical wiring, control panel layouts, HMI interfaces, and PLC code as project requirements evolve. Document all maintenance activities, system modifications, and repair histories to maintain accurate records. Contribute to organizational goals by helping improve safety, waste reduction, and overall equipment effectiveness. Provide mentorship and technical training to production staff and fellow maintenance team members. Coordinate with vendors, integrators, and equipment manufacturers to resolve complex technical challenges. Help maintain a safe working environment for the entire team by strictly adhering to lockout/tagout and electrical safety protocols. Provide support for general maintenance tasks, including hydraulic, pneumatic, and mechanical repairs, as needed. Required Qualifications Completion of a high school diploma or GED. Preference for candidates with an industrial maintenance certification, technical degree, or relevant electrical training. Minimum of three years of hands-on experience in industrial automation or electrical controls within a production setting. Demonstrated history of diagnosing and repairing PLC-driven automated machinery. Proficiency in working with PLC architectures, specifically Siemens, Allen-Bradley, or comparable systems. Experience managing industrial instrumentation, sensors, motor controls, servo systems, and variable-frequency drives. Deep understanding of industrial control circuits and three-phase power distribution. Ability to accurately interpret technical drawings, ladder logic, and electrical schematics. Proficiency in utilizing diagnostic tools such as multimeters to ensure accurate system testing. Strong analytical and critical-thinking skills to resolve complex technical problems. Ability to foster clear communication between leadership, Engineering, Maintenance, and Production departments. Ability to work independently and maintain focus during high-pressure equipment emergencies. Preferred Qualifications Experience utilizing Allen-Bradley platforms like CompactLogix, ControlLogix, or MicroLogix. Familiarity with Siemens controls, Rockwell Automation software, or other industry-standard programming environments. Background in modifying or troubleshooting HMI applications. Knowledge of industrial networking standards such as Profinet, ControlNet, DeviceNet, or Ethernet/IP. Experience working with robotics, packaging machinery, vision systems, motion control, or process equipment. Familiarity with managing tasks through a computerized maintenance management system. Experience in high-speed manufacturing, pharmaceutical, automotive, chemical, or food and beverage sectors. Understanding of Lean Manufacturing principles, predictive maintenance, and root-cause analysis methodologies. Experience in developing controls logic or programming PLCs from the ground up. Skills and Competencies Advanced electrical and controls troubleshooting PLC and HMI diagnostics Variable-frequency drives and servo systems Industrial automation Electrical schematics and ladder logic Motors and motor controls Sensors and instrumentation Root-cause analysis Preventive maintenance Help improve equipment reliability for the entire facility Clear technical communication Help maintain a safe working environment for the entire team Physical and Work Environment Requirements Capability to perform duties within a busy manufacturing facility. Ability to stand, walk, climb, and maneuver around machinery for extended shifts. Capacity to lift and transport tools and parts as required by the job. Comfort working in environments with typical plant conditions, including heat, noise, and proximity to moving parts. Flexibility to work weekends, overtime, or emergency call-ins based on production demands. Ideal Candidate We are seeking a hands-on professional who excels at electrical and controls diagnostics. The right person will be able to quickly pinpoint equipment faults, communicate findings effectively, and execute durable, safe repairs. You should be comfortable working autonomously while also partnering with Engineering, Maintenance, and Production to boost plant performance and equipment reliability.