Maintenance Controls Technician

Maintenance Controls Technician

Summary of Responsibilities:

This position is a mentored apprenticeship designed for a highly motivated individual to master industrial controls within a plastic blow molding environment. Working directly under a 30+ year industry expert, the Maintenance Controls Technician will learn to program, modify, and optimize both legacy and modern industrial systems. The role requires a blend of electrical expertise, mechanical aptitude, and a disciplined approach to documentation. The ideal candidate is a "craftsman" who values precision, respects seasoned expertise, and is committed to a long-term career path in automation and technical leadership.

Essential Functions:

• Controls & Automation: Assists in programming and troubleshooting PLCs, HMIs, and legacy control systems; transitions outdated platforms to modern standards. Perform soldering and component-level repairs as needed.

• Electrical Maintenance: Performs troubleshooting on low and high-voltage systems and conducts component-level repairs including soldering.
• Knowledge Transfer: Works side-by-side with the Plant Engineer to document proprietary processes, machine logic, and troubleshooting flowcharts.

• Equipment Support: Diagnoses machine faults on blow molding and auxiliary equipment; assists with startups, shutdowns, and recovery. Assist in improving machine reliability, safety, and performance.

• Modernization: Supports equipment upgrades, retrofits, and controls modernization projects to improve reliability and safety.

• Root Cause Analysis: Participates in identifying permanent corrective actions for recurring mechanical or controls-related issues. Contribute ideas and solutions to improve manufacturing efficiency.

• Facility Support: Gradually assumes independence to run shifts and provides remote or on-site troubleshooting for the Chambersburg, PA and Kissimmee, FL facility.
• Training: In later stages, provides training to maintenance personnel and operators on basic troubleshooting and system recovery.

Required Skills:

• Technical Skills: Proven experience with industrial PLCs (troubleshooting, modifying, or programming). Proficiency in reading, interpret, and updating electrical schematics. Soldering and electronic repair experience.

• Problem Solving: A methodical approach to diagnosing complex electrical and mechanical issues.

• Detail Orientation: Strong focus on precision and high-quality documentation practices. Apply general computer knowledge and curiosity toward emerging technologies.

• Adaptability: Willingness to work with legacy and non-standard legacy systems and learn proprietary logic. Gradually assume increased responsibility as proficiency grows.

• Communication: Ability to work closely under mentorship and effectively communicate technical issues to leadership.

Ideal Candidate Traits

• Passionate about doing things the right way

• Curious, disciplined, and dependable

• Comfortable working independently and under mentorship

• Respects experience and values learning from seasoned professionals

• Takes pride in craftsmanship and precision

• Interested in long-term growth, not a short-term role

Physical Demands:

The role involves working in a manufacturing environment which may include high temperatures, noise, and potential hazards like moving parts and electrical currents. The ability to wear personal protective equipment (PPE) and respond to visual and audible alarms is required.

Career Progression (Mentored Path):

Year 1: Foundation & Knowledge Capture (Controls & Automation Technician).

Title: Controls & Automation Technician (Mentored Role)

Primary Focus

• Learn the facility, equipment, and legacy blow molding systems

• Absorb Rob’s programming logic, troubleshooting methods, and machine philosophy

• Become safe, reliable, and detail-driven

Core Responsibilities

• Shadow Rob on:

1. PLC troubleshooting and edits
2. Machine startups, shutdowns, and fault recovery

• Work with legacy PLCs and outdated software

• Perform soldering and electrical repairs (low & high voltage)

• Assist with documenting:

1. Programs
2. Electrical prints
3. Troubleshooting flowcharts

• Support breakdown response and root cause analysis

• Continuous Improvement Project Completion in Year 1

Skills Gained

• Facility-specific PLC logic

• Legacy controls understanding

• Electrical troubleshooting confidence

• Machine recovery under supervision

• Documentation discipline

Independence Level

???? Low → Moderate

• Executes tasks with oversight

• No unsupervised major program changes

Year 2: Ownership & Modernization Support (Controls & Automation Technician II).

Year 3: Technical Leadership & Redundancy Elimination (Senior Controls Specialist).

Competencies:

Key competencies include leadership, teamwork, problem-solving, decision-making, planning, organization, communication, safety compliance, and a commitment to continuous improvement. Emotional intelligence is beneficial for dealing with conflicts or complaints.

Education:

High School diploma or equivalent required. Technical certifications in Electrical Technology, Mechatronics, or a related field are highly preferred.

Experience:

Prior experience with industrial PLCs and electrical troubleshooting is required. Background in blow mold, plastic manufacturing or industrial maintenance is preferred. Experience with legacy software or blow molding is a plus. Former military experience is highly valued.

The CREO Group is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive list of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Employee may be asked by a supervisor or Manager to perform other job-related duties. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice. This job description is not a contract for employment; either employee or CREO Group may terminate employment at any time, for any reason, without notice and without cause.