PLC Technician

Position Summary

The PLC Technician is responsible for supporting the safe, reliable, and efficient operation of plant automation, electrical, instrumentation, and process control systems. This position provides advanced technical support to Maintenance, Engineering, and Operations by troubleshooting, maintaining, programming, and optimizing PLCs, HMIs, Variable Frequency Drives, process instrumentation, and industrial communication networks.

The PLC Technician collaborates with Engineering on capital projects, process improvements, equipment upgrades, and system commissioning activities. This role serves as a technical resource for diagnosing complex electrical and automation issues, analyzing control system logic, and implementing solutions that improve equipment reliability, minimize downtime, and support production objectives.

The successful candidate will demonstrate strong knowledge of industrial automation systems, electrical troubleshooting, instrumentation, and control technologies while maintaining a strong commitment to safety, quality, teamwork, and continuous improvement. This position works independently and collaboratively across departments to ensure reliable plant operations and effective maintenance practices.

Shift will be Monday - Friday, 7:00a - 3:00p. Must be available to work weekends, nights and overtime as needed.

Principal Duties & Responsibilities

• Collaborate with Engineering on capital projects, including system design, implementation, commissioning, and startup activities.
• Support Maintenance by reviewing PLC program logic and control systems to identify and resolve field device and process-related issues.
• Install, maintain, troubleshoot, and repair electrical, instrumentation, and process control equipment, including HMIs, Variable Frequency Drives, soft starters, PLCs, and communication networks.
• Perform advanced electrical troubleshooting and repairs, including component-level replacement and equipment diagnostics.
• Calibrate, maintain, and troubleshoot field instrumentation to ensure accuracy and reliability of process measurements.
• Utilize Rockwell Automation PLC programming software to troubleshoot, modify, and optimize control systems.
• Maintain accurate backups, documentation, and inventories of PLC programs, VFD parameters, HMI applications, and other programmable equipment.
• Partner with Engineering and Operations to identify and implement process improvements that enhance safety, reliability, productivity, and equipment performance.
• Serve as a technical liaison between the facility, Engineering, and external electrical contractors to ensure successful project execution.
• Program, configure, commission, and support PLCs, HMIs, VFDs, soft starters, and related automation equipment.
• Install, maintain, troubleshoot, and support plant Process Control System hardware and software.
• Diagnose and repair a wide range of process instrumentation, control devices, and automation systems.
• Complete all required maintenance, calibration, inspection, and project documentation accurately and in a timely manner.
• Foster effective communication and collaboration across Maintenance, Engineering, Operations, and other departments to minimize downtime and support production objectives.
• Utilize the Computerized Maintenance Management System to document work activities, equipment history, and maintenance records.
• Maintain a safe, organized, and clean work environment in accordance with company policies and housekeeping standards.
• Participate in an on-call rotation and provide off-hours technical support as required.
• Adhere to all safety, environmental, quality, and regulatory requirements.
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned by management.

Specialized/Technical Knowledge or Required Skills

• Proficient in the use of electrical testing and diagnostic equipment, including multimeters, oscilloscopes, meggers, and other related instruments.
• Strong understanding of mechanical, electrical, pneumatic, hydraulic, instrumentation, and electronic systems and principles.
• Ability to read, interpret, and apply electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, P&IDs, technical manuals, and equipment specifications.
• Ability to access, analyze, and troubleshoot PLC programs, including diagnosing issues through ladder logic review and system diagnostics.
• Experience commissioning, optimizing, troubleshooting, and maintaining Variable Frequency Drives and soft starters.
• Demonstrated analytical and problem-solving skills with a data-driven approach to identifying root causes and implementing effective solutions.
• Self-motivated and results-oriented, with the ability to work independently and manage priorities with minimal supervision.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and collaboration skills with the ability to work effectively across Maintenance, Engineering, Operations, and contractor teams.
• Advanced computer proficiency, including Microsoft Office Suite and Windows-based applications.
• Experience with Rockwell Automation software platforms, including RSLogix 5, RSLogix 500, Studio 5000 Logix Designer, RSView32, and FactoryTalk View Studio.
• Working knowledge of AutoCAD and the ability to interpret or update electrical drawings and documentation.
• Advanced knowledge of Allen-Bradley PLCs, PowerFlex Variable Frequency Drives, and Rockwell Automation HMI/SCADA platforms, including FactoryTalk View Site Edition and Machine Edition.
• Experience with industrial communication and control networks, including Ethernet/IP, DeviceNet, DH+, and Process Control Networks.
• Strong commitment to safety, quality, and continuous improvement in a manufacturing environment.

Physical Requirements

• Regularly works throughout all areas of the plant and mine, including production, maintenance, processing, and outdoor operational environments.
• Frequently exposed to varying environmental conditions, including heat, cold, humidity, inclement weather, dust, noise, vibration, airborne limestone particles, and other industrial working conditions.
• May be required to work in confined spaces and at elevated heights in accordance with established safety procedures.
• Requires the ability to walk, stand, climb ladders and stairs, kneel, crouch, reach, and work in physically demanding environments for extended periods.
• Must possess visual acuity sufficient to inspect equipment, troubleshoot control systems, read instrumentation, interpret technical documents, and perform detailed diagnostic work.
• Frequently lifts, carries, pushes, pulls, and handles materials, tools, and equipment weighing up to 50 pounds or more.
• Must be capable of wearing all required personal protective equipment for the duration of the work shift, including but not limited to hard hats, safety glasses, steel-toed footwear, hearing protection, gloves, fall-protection equipment, and respiratory protection when required.
• Must be able to safely perform work in close proximity to energized electrical equipment and rotating machinery while following all applicable safety procedures and lockout/tagout requirements.
• Must be able to respond to emergency situations and support off-hours troubleshooting and maintenance activities as needed.
• Occasional travel may be required to other company locations to provide technical support, training, equipment installation, commissioning, troubleshooting, or project assistance.

Education