Industrial Automation Controls Specialist

Industrial Automation Controls Specialist — Rohnert Park, CA

You arrive just before 8:00 a.m. to walk the production floor. Overnight, one filler lane logged intermittent sensor faults. You trace the issue to a drifting proximity sensor, verify signals through the HMI, and make a minor logic tweak to the PLC to stabilize the line. By mid-morning, you’re calibrating a pressure transmitter for a CIP loop and updating the wiring diagram to reflect a recent VFD swap. After lunch, you partner with Maintenance and Operations to schedule predictive checks on a critical conveyor and assist with a small controls upgrade coming next week. Before you head out around 5:00 p.m., you document the day’s changes and confirm you’re available for on-call coverage if needed.

The role

This is a direct hire, onsite position supporting a manufacturing facility in Rohnert Park, CA. Your mission is to keep plant automation reliable, safe, and efficient through hands-on troubleshooting, minor programming edits, and meticulous maintenance of control and instrumentation systems.

Schedule

Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m., with flexibility. On-call support required as needed.

What you’ll handle

• Diagnose and repair issues with PLCs, HMIs, VFDs, sensors, and related control hardware
• Make minor PLC logic edits; support system upgrades and new equipment installations
• Calibrate and service instrumentation (flow, temperature, pressure, level)
• Tackle electrical troubleshooting, wiring repairs, and component replacements
• Execute preventive and predictive maintenance on automation assets
• Maintain and update control panel layouts, wiring diagrams, and system documentation
• Collaborate with Maintenance and Operations to improve uptime and product quality

What you bring

• 2–5 years of experience in industrial automation or controls
• Technical certificate or equivalent hands-on background in electrical/automation
• Proficiency with Allen‑Bradley PLCs, HMIs, VFDs, and motor control systems
• Strong grasp of 24VDC and 120/480VAC systems, relays, and sensor technologies
• Ability to read and interpret schematics, wiring diagrams, and P&IDs
• Proven troubleshooting and root cause analysis capability
• Experience in manufacturing or processing environments; food/beverage a plus
• Knowledge of LOTO, electrical safety practices, and GMPs