Controls Technician / PLC Technician

Job Title: Controls Technician

Job Description

This role focuses on installing, programming, troubleshooting, and maintaining industrial automation systems and plant equipment. The Controls Technician supports the full lifecycle of automation projects, from initial rough-in to final commissioning, while ensuring reliable operation of electrical, mechanical, and hydraulic systems in a manufacturing environment.

Responsibilities

• Install automation systems from initial rough-in through termination and final setup, ensuring all components meet design and safety requirements.
• Program, configure, and modify PLCs to support new and existing automation systems.
• Troubleshoot and maintain automation systems, electrical controls, and related equipment to minimize downtime and improve reliability.
• Perform occasional start-ups, commissioning, and troubleshooting at customer sites as needed.
• Build hydraulic power units for plant equipment and integrate them into existing systems.
• Diagnose and repair electro-mechanical, hydraulic, and pneumatic systems used in manufacturing operations.
• Read and interpret blueprints, electrical schematics, and technical documentation to support installation and maintenance activities.
• Collaborate with mechanics and production operators across multiple shifts to resolve equipment issues and support continuous operation.
• Respond to off-hour emergencies and provide technical support to quickly restore equipment functionality.
• Document work performed, including changes to programs, wiring, and equipment configurations, in accordance with company procedures.
• Use PLC programming tools and software to optimize system performance and implement improvements.
• Follow safety procedures and best practices when working with electrical, mechanical, hydraulic, and pneumatic systems.

Essential Skills

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in electrical, electronics, controls/automation, and/or system maintenance.
• Strong knowledge of PLC controls and software, with mandatory experience in Allen-Bradley and/or Omron systems.
• Hands-on experience with PLC programming and troubleshooting in an industrial or manufacturing environment.
• Proficiency in troubleshooting automation systems, including electrical, electro-mechanical, hydraulic, and pneumatic components.
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints, electrical schematics, and related technical drawings.
• Working knowledge of industrial maintenance practices and manufacturing equipment.
• Proficiency in MS Word, Outlook, and Excel for documentation, communication, and reporting.
• Valid driver’s license to support occasional travel to customer sites.
• Ability to respond to off-hour emergencies and provide timely technical support.
• Capability to work effectively with other mechanics and production operators across multiple shifts.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience working with manufacturing machines similar to those used in industrial environments is highly preferred, particularly for candidates with more than 5 years of experience.
• Background in electro-mechanical systems, including hydraulics and pneumatics.
• Experience building and integrating hydraulic power units for plant equipment.
• Basic personal set of hand tools supplied by the employee.
• Interest in professional development and continuous learning in controls and automation.
• Ability to travel periodically to customer sites for start-up, commissioning, and troubleshooting support.

Work Environment

This position follows a regular schedule of 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. The Controls Technician works in a manufacturing environment alongside 3–4 other mechanics and a mix of first- and second-shift operators, totaling approximately 55 people across both shifts. The role involves working closely with operations and engineering leadership to support plant equipment and automation systems. Occasional travel to customer sites is required for start-ups, commissioning, and troubleshooting. The dress code includes jeans, a short- or long-sleeve shirt appropriate for the weather, and steel-toed boots. The environment emphasizes growth, professional development assistance, and the opportunity to work within a growing organization that has recently joined a larger corporate structure.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Kingston, NY.

The pay range for this position is $34.00 - $36.00/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:
• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

This is a fully onsite position in Kingston,NY.

This position is anticipated to close on Jun 24, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 30,000 consultants and more than 4,500 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.