Job Description

We are seeking a Controls & Automation Specialist with strong hands-on experience supporting Siemens-based automation systems in a high-volume manufacturing environment. The primary focus of this role is troubleshooting, commissioning, maintaining, and optimizing automated production systems, robotic cells, and industrial control networks to ensure reliable manufacturing operations.

The successful candidate will provide technical support to manufacturing and engineering teams by diagnosing control system issues, resolving communication faults, supporting MES connectivity, and assisting with the implementation of standardized automation solutions across multiple production systems.

This position operates within a complex manufacturing environment consisting of networked PLCs, robotic stations, industrial Ethernet infrastructure, and MES-integrated production systems.

Reporting Structure

The Controls & Automation Specialist will work under the direction of and provide technical support to the lead engineering and manufacturing teams responsible for automation system performance, production uptime, and continuous improvement initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

• Troubleshoot and resolve PLC alarms, machine faults, and communication issues across automated manufacturing equipment and robotic production cells.
• Support approximately 40+ networked PLCs and associated automation systems operating within a production environment.
• Analyze, troubleshoot, and modify existing Siemens Structured Text (ST) and Ladder Logic (LAD) programs to support manufacturing operations.
• Assist with the implementation and maintenance of standardized PLC communication and data collection routines.
• Support MES connectivity and manufacturing data collection through existing gateway technologies and communication interfaces.
• Diagnose and resolve industrial network communication issues involving PROFINET, TCP/IP, OPC, and related automation protocols.
• Perform system testing, validation, startup support, and commissioning activities for automation equipment.
• Collaborate with engineering, manufacturing, robotics, maintenance, and IT/OT teams to improve system reliability and production uptime.
• Identify root causes of recurring automation issues and recommend corrective actions.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives related to automation system performance, fault reduction, and operational efficiency.
• Assist with maintaining documentation, system standards, and automation support procedures.

Required Qualifications

• Minimum two year Associates degree, Technical diploma or equivalent technical training in Automation, Robotics, Electrical Technology, Electronics Technology, Mechatronics, or a related technical discipline.
• Minimum 4 -8 years of technical experience supporting industrial automation with computer programming and manufacturing control systems.
• Strong experience with Siemens PLC platforms and TIA Portal.
• Experience troubleshooting Structured Text (ST) and Ladder Logic (LAD).
• Experience supporting MES, OPC, industrial communications, or manufacturing data collection systems.
• Knowledge of industrial Ethernet networks including PROFINET, TCP/IP, and related communication technologies.
• Ability to troubleshoot automation systems at the PLC, controls hardware, and industrial network levels.
• Experience working in high-volume manufacturing environments.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supporting robotic systems and automated production equipment.
• Experience working with multiple PLC platforms including Siemens, Omron, Mitsubishi, Inovance, or Allen-Bradley.
• Familiarity with safety interlocks, machine safety systems, and production support activities.
• Experience supporting SCADA and HMI platforms including WinCC, Ignition, FactoryTalk View, or similar systems.
• Experience supporting multi-vendor automation environments.
• Experience with various programming languages

Assignment Highlights

• Support large-scale automated manufacturing systems.
• Work with advanced PLC, robotics, MES, and industrial networking technologies.
• Participate in troubleshooting, commissioning, startup, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Collaborate with engineering and manufacturing teams in a fast-paced production environment.
• Opportunity for assignment extensions based on project requirements and business needs.

Employment Type

Contract / W2 Assignment