Controls Technician

Controls Technician – Chicago Heights, IL
Pay: $40 - $46/hr
Shift: 1st Shift | Monday – Friday | 8a-5p (flexible)

We’re looking for a skilled Controls Technician to support, maintain, and improve all plant electrical and control systems—including electrical, pneumatic, hydraulic, mechanical, and network subsystems. In this role, you’ll act as a technical subject-matter expert, providing troubleshooting support, leading root-cause analysis, training maintenance techs across all shifts, and ensuring smooth operation of all production and facility systems.

You’ll work closely with the Maintenance Supervisor, Planner, and Manager to keep production on track, equipment running safely, and documentation up to date.

What You’ll Do
Core Responsibilities

• Inspect, troubleshoot, repair, and maintain food processing and packaging equipment.
• Perform corrective, preventive, and scheduled maintenance on a wide variety of automated equipment.
• Diagnose and repair mechanical, electrical, pneumatic, hydraulic, and control-system issues.
• Install, program, and troubleshoot PLCs, HMIs, servo drives, VFDs, and related systems.
• Support and coordinate mechanical technicians during breakdowns and major repairs.
• Maintain accurate documentation on all controls systems—including hardware, software, and changes.
• Work safely using proper PPE and adhere to all HACCP, Allergen, Food Defense, and GMP policies.
• Perform inspections and repairs while equipment is operating on a live production schedule.
• Lead troubleshooting efforts during downtime and expedite equipment recovery.
• Maintain secondary plant systems (steam, chilled water, pneumatics, HVAC, electrical distribution, refrigeration, etc.).
• Write and update job procedures and frequencies within the CMMS (SAP).
• Train technicians on PLC/VFD/HMI troubleshooting using laptops and plant software tools.
• Occasionally travel for training, equipment work, or parts procurement.
• Keep the work area clean and report any potential contamination or unsafe conditions immediately.

Key Technical Skills

• Skilled electrical troubleshooting (120V–480V).
• Strong understanding of PLC programming (RSLogix, FactoryTalk View, ladder logic).
• Experience with servo systems, VFDs, motor controls, HMIs, pneumatics, and hydraulics.
• Ability to read and interpret P&IDs, electrical single-line diagrams, loop drawings, termination diagrams, and mechanical layouts.
• Experience maintaining batching or continuous process systems and their networks.
• Ability to perform mechanical, plumbing, and instrumentation work at a semi-skilled level.

Qualifications

• Previous experience as a Controls Technician, Automation Technician, or similar role in manufacturing (food industry experience preferred).
• Strong troubleshooting aptitude—electrical, mechanical, and automation.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced production environment under pressure.
• Excellent communication skills and teamwork mindset.
• Regular, predictable attendance.
• CMMS experience (SAP preferred):
• Create work order notifications
• Enter labor time
• Provide feedback for procedure updates
• Write job-specific procedures and task frequencies

Apply now for immediate consideration for this Controls Tech position in Chicago Heights, IL. We Look forward to connecting with you!

As part of our promise to talent, Kelly supports those who work with us through a variety of benefits, perks, and work-related resources. Please note: The following benefits reflect Kelly's general offerings. Eligibility may vary by assignment, location, and job type. Kelly offers eligible employees voluntary benefit plans including medical, dental, vision, telemedicine, term life, whole life, accident insurance, critical illness, a legal plan, and short-term disability. As a Kelly employee, you will have access to a retirement savings plan, service bonus and holiday pay plans (earn up to eight paid holidays per benefit year), and a transit spending account. In addition, employees are entitled to earn paid sick leave under the applicable state or local plan. Click here for more information on benefits and perks that may be available to you as a member of the Kelly Talent Community.

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