Automation & Controls Specialist

About the role

Build your best future with the Johnson Controls team!

What We Offer

• Competitive salary and bonus
• Paid vacation/holidays/sick time
• Comprehensive benefits package including 401K, medical, dental, and vision care.
• On-the-job/cross-training opportunities
• Encouraging and collaborative team environment
• Dedication to safety through our Zero Harm policy

What you will do

This role combines hands-on technical work on the production floor with office-based engineering and programming responsibilities. Approximately 50% of the role will be spent supporting equipment, troubleshooting controls systems, and executing automation projects in the field, while the remaining 50% will focus on controls programming, system improvements, documentation, project support, and development of automation and robotics requirements.

Working closely with Operations, Maintenance, Quality, Engineering, and Operational Excellence teams, you will help identify opportunities for automation, develop practical solutions, and support the successful deployment of manufacturing technologies across the facility.

How you will do it

• Support day-to-day operation, maintenance, and improvement of automated manufacturing equipment and control systems.
• Troubleshoot and resolve issues involving PLCs, HMIs, industrial robots, sensors, vision systems, variable frequency drives, and industrial communication networks.
• Develop, modify, and maintain PLC, HMI, robot, and automation programs to support manufacturing operations and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Perform root cause analysis of equipment downtime and implement corrective actions to improve reliability and performance.
• Develop and document automation system improvements, including control logic, electrical requirements, equipment standards, and supporting technical documentation.
• Assist in the development of technical specifications, scope documents, and requirements for new automation, robotics, and manufacturing system installations.
• Support the evaluation, selection, and implementation of automation technologies, robotic systems, tooling, and manufacturing equipment.
• Work closely with external integrators, equipment suppliers, and contractors during system installation, startup, and commissioning activities.
• Coordinate contractor activities, including project planning, onboarding, safety compliance, and execution oversight.
• Support machine acceptance testing, commissioning, validation, and startup of new equipment and automation systems.
• Collect and review equipment and production performance data to support troubleshooting and continuous improvement activities.
• Collaborate with maintenance and production teams to schedule automation work while minimizing production disruptions.
• Participate in kaizen events, continuous improvement projects, cost reduction initiatives, and equipment modernization efforts.
• Maintain accurate documentation including control drawings, network architecture, program backups, operating procedures, and technical records.
• Provide technical coaching and support to operators, maintenance personnel, and production teams on automation systems and equipment.
• Ensure all work is completed in compliance with company safety standards, engineering practices, and applicable regulations.

Requirements

• Associate degree, technical diploma, vocational training, or equivalent work experience in Automation Technology, Mechatronics, Electrical Technology, Industrial Maintenance, or a related technical field, with 2-3 years of experience supporting industrial automation and manufacturing systems.
• Hands-on experience troubleshooting and supporting PLCs, HMIs, industrial robots, sensors, machine vision systems, industrial networks, and related manufacturing equipment.
• Strong mechanical, electrical, and controls troubleshooting skills with the ability to read and interpret electrical schematics, technical drawings, and equipment documentation.
• Self-motivated team player with strong communication skills, capable of working independently and collaborating effectively with operations, maintenance, engineering, contractors, and equipment suppliers in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

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Hiring Salary Range

$79,000-108,000 (Salary to be determined by the education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities of the applicant, internal equity, location and alignment with market data.) This position includes a competitive benefits package.