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Gehl Food & Beverage
Controls/Automation Technician
Career Insights for Controls / Valve Technician
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Based on Wisconsin data
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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.
$70,891 / year median in Wisconsin
+5% projected growth
Job Description
Position OverviewWe are seeking a skilled Controls/Automation Technician to install, program, troubleshoot and maintain industrial control systems that keep production equipment running safely and efficiently. This role focuses on hands-on work with PLCs, HMIs, VFDs and electrical control systems, supporting commissioning and continuous improvement activities to increase uptime and optimize automated processes.
Key ResponsibilitiesInstall, wire, and commission control panels, PLCs, HMIs and VFDs according to drawings and standards.
Develop, modify and troubleshoot PLC and HMI programs (ladder logic, function block or structured text) to support production requirements.
Diagnose and repair electrical and control system faults using schematics, diagnostic tools and test equipment.
Perform routine preventive maintenance and system health checks on PLCs, HMIs, drives and associated field devices.
Configure, tune and troubleshoot VFDs for motor control and process requirements.
Work with engineering and production teams to implement automation upgrades, control strategies and process improvements.
Document control system changes, create and maintain wiring diagrams, sequence of operations, and test records.
Provide technical support and training to operators and maintenance staff on control system operation and best practices.
Ensure compliance with safety standards, lockout/tagout procedures and company policies during all work activities.
Participate in after-hours troubleshooting and on-call rotations as required to support critical production systems.
QualificationsAssociate degree or technical diploma in Electrical, Controls, Automation, Mechatronics or related field, or equivalent hands-on experience.2+ years of experience with industrial control systems, including PLCs, HMIs and VFDs.
Hands-on experience programming and troubleshooting PLCs (Allen Bradley, Siemens or similar) and HMI platforms (FactoryTalk, Wonderware or similar).Proven ability to install, wire and troubleshoot electrical control circuits; able to read and interpret electrical schematics and ladder diagrams.
Experience configuring and tuning VFDs and diagnosing motor/control issues.
Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills, with attention to detail and safety focus.
Good communication and teamwork skills; able to work effectively with operations, engineers and vendors.
Key ResponsibilitiesInstall, wire, and commission control panels, PLCs, HMIs and VFDs according to drawings and standards.
Develop, modify and troubleshoot PLC and HMI programs (ladder logic, function block or structured text) to support production requirements.
Diagnose and repair electrical and control system faults using schematics, diagnostic tools and test equipment.
Perform routine preventive maintenance and system health checks on PLCs, HMIs, drives and associated field devices.
Configure, tune and troubleshoot VFDs for motor control and process requirements.
Work with engineering and production teams to implement automation upgrades, control strategies and process improvements.
Document control system changes, create and maintain wiring diagrams, sequence of operations, and test records.
Provide technical support and training to operators and maintenance staff on control system operation and best practices.
Ensure compliance with safety standards, lockout/tagout procedures and company policies during all work activities.
Participate in after-hours troubleshooting and on-call rotations as required to support critical production systems.
QualificationsAssociate degree or technical diploma in Electrical, Controls, Automation, Mechatronics or related field, or equivalent hands-on experience.2+ years of experience with industrial control systems, including PLCs, HMIs and VFDs.
Hands-on experience programming and troubleshooting PLCs (Allen Bradley, Siemens or similar) and HMI platforms (FactoryTalk, Wonderware or similar).Proven ability to install, wire and troubleshoot electrical control circuits; able to read and interpret electrical schematics and ladder diagrams.
Experience configuring and tuning VFDs and diagnosing motor/control issues.
Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills, with attention to detail and safety focus.
Good communication and teamwork skills; able to work effectively with operations, engineers and vendors.