Controls Technician
Also posted as Also posted as: Controls Technician II, Sr Controls Technician, Technician II
A controls technician programs, troubleshoots, and maintains the PLCs, HMIs, and control systems that automate equipment, the nervous system of any modern operation. It's a hands-on job in automated plants and facilities, and many people start with a two-year associate degree or a focused certificate rather than a four-year degree.
Below: what it pays, what you'd do, the skills you need, and how to become one.
The role profile
Everything you need to know about this role, the same details employers use to post openings and colleges use to build training.
How much does it pay?
Explore the core responsibilities of this role, from daily operations and equipment handling to safety, quality, and performance requirements.
Troubleshoot control systems
Diagnose PLC, HMI, and I/O faults and restore automated equipment fast.
Modify PLC programs
Read and edit ladder logic to fix issues and support changes.
Maintain field devices
Service the sensors, drives, and actuators the control system commands.
Support upgrades
Help commission new controls and improve existing sequences.
What skills do you need?
Three core skills sit at the heart of this role. You can learn all of them through short, hands-on training.
PLC
Programming and troubleshooting the programmable logic controllers that automate equipment.
Controls
Troubleshooting and tuning the control systems that automate equipment and processes.
Troubleshooting
Isolating root causes fast using a systematic, test-driven approach.
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