Controls Technician - PLC Programmer

Chicago Heights, IL 60411

Employment Type: Permanent Job Category: Technician Job Number: 53281648 Compensation: $74880-85280 / year

Job Description

Title: Controls Technician 3
Location: Chicago Heights, IL
Hire Type: Direct hire, Onsite
Shift: First shift (6:00am - 2:30pm)
Compensation: $36.00 - $42.00/hour
Benefits: PTO, Paid holidays, Medical/Dental/Vision
Must-Have Skill Set:  Allen-Bradley CompactLogix controllers


Job Summary:
The Controls Technician 3 maintains and troubleshoots all electrical, mechanical, pneumatic, hydraulic, and control systems for plant production. This role supports safe and efficient operation of food processing and packaging equipment, performs preventive and corrective maintenance, programs and repairs automated machinery (including PLCs and VFDs), and ensures compliance with food safety, GMP, and safety standards. The Technician also documents work, trains other maintenance staff, assists with root-cause analysis, and supports production demands across all shifts under the direction of Maintenance leadership.

Job Duties:
  • Inspect, diagnose, troubleshoot, and repair food processing and packaging equipment.
  • Perform electrical, mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, and control-system repairs.
  • Install and maintain automated equipment, PLCs, servo drives, robots, and power distribution systems.
  • Conduct preventive and corrective maintenance; monitor equipment condition and performance.
  • Maintain accurate documentation of electrical and control systems, hardware, and software.
  • Support production by performing maintenance while equipment is running.
  • Coordinate and train Maintenance Technicians across all shifts.
  • Lead troubleshooting and repair during equipment breakdowns.
  • Install, modify, and maintain pipe systems, valves, regulators, and related components.
  • Maintain facility structures and secondary systems (steam, water, air, refrigeration, HVAC).
  • Follow GMP, safety, food defense, allergen control, and HACCP requirements.
  • Use PPE, report safety issues, and ensure safe work practices.
  • Maintain clean work areas and report contamination or suspicious activity immediately.
  • Complete all tasks in alignment with codes, regulations, and company procedures.
  • May travel for parts, training, or assigned duties.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:
  • Formal training in electrical or electronic engineering technology.
  • Skilled troubleshooting of PLCs, VFDs, HMIs using laptop-based tools.
  • Must understandAllen-Bradley CompactLogix controllers.
  • Ability to read and interpret electrical, mechanical, instrumentation, and control-system documentation (P&IDs, single-line diagrams, loop drawings, etc.).
  • Electrical skills for 120V–480V.
  • CMMS proficiency (creating notifications, updating work orders, documenting feedback).
  • Mechanical and plumbing repair skills.
  • Ability to work safely, follow procedures, and use all safety devices.
  • Strong communication, documentation, and troubleshooting abilities.
  • Reliable attendance and ability to work under pressure in a fast-paced environment.

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or genetic information.

Meet Your Recruiter

Sheila Herring
Technical Recruiter

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or genetic information. 

 As one of the most respected names in engineering staffing, Sterling has hundreds of opportunities with top employers. If you’ve got a friend or colleague seeking their next move in engineering, we could have their next opportunity. We offer a referral bonus for every referral that we place. Submit referral now. 

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About Chicago Heights, IL

Calling all job seekers eager to embark on a career journey in the vibrant region around Chicago Heights, Illinois! This bustling area holds a wealth of opportunities for professional growth and personal fulfillment. Nestled in the enchanting state of Illinois, just a stone's throw from the iconic city of Chicago, this locale boasts a rich tapestry of unique culture, from the renowned Art Institute of Chicago to the lively Pilsen neighborhood filled with colorful street art. With delectable deep-dish pizza at your fingertips and the chance to catch a game at Soldier Field or the United Center, there's never a dull moment in this dynamic region. Take a stroll through the scenic Millennium Park, or explore the diverse neighborhoods that make this area so special. Begin your next career chapter surrounded by all the charm and opportunity that Chicago Heights has to offer - dive into our job listings today!