Automation Controls Electrician — Industrial Systems

Automation Controls Electrician — Industrial Systems

A day in this role

You arrive to review work orders and jump straight into diagnosing a stubborn line stoppage. You trace a control circuit, probe PLC I/O, analyze a variable speed AC drive, and return the equipment to service. Before lunch, you assemble and bench-test a control panel from a schematic, then install it on the floor—verifying wiring meets company standards and local electrical code. In the afternoon, you update electrical drawings to as-built in CAD, integrate a new control package with pneumatic actuators and mechanical linkages, and commission the system under real operating conditions. When needed, you move to the tool room to turn a bushing on the bench lathe or drill a custom bracket, then tack-weld a small fixture to finish a repair. You plan your next job using blueprints and manuals, work through a maintenance checklist to inspect motors, belts, and fluid levels, and wrap up by recommending a small circuitry change to make future maintenance simpler. Other duties are handled as assigned.

Core work you’ll handle

• Troubleshoot and restore equipment using deep knowledge of industrial electronics and mechanical systems
• Analyze and resolve PLC, control circuit, and variable-speed AC drive issues
• Build, test, and install electrical control panels from schematic diagrams
• Install wiring/devices to company specifications and in compliance with local electrical codes
• Assemble automation equipment following engineering instructions, technical manuals, and component knowledge
• Propose circuitry or installation changes that reduce complexity and ease maintenance
• Commission and verify performance of newly installed equipment under actual operating conditions
• Revise electrical schematics to as-built using CAD software
• Interface electrical controls with pneumatic and mechanical systems
• Operate bench lathes, drills, and other machine tools to fabricate parts as needed
• Handle additional tasks as assigned by management
• Inspect drives, motors, and belts; check fluid levels; replace filters; and complete other checklist-based maintenance
• Diagnose mechanical issues referencing blueprints, repair manuals, and parts catalogs
• Plan and lay out repairs using diagrams, drawings, blueprints, maintenance manuals, and schematics
• Use cutting torches or welding equipment to cut or join metal components
• Set up and run machine tools to repair or fabricate machine parts, jigs, fixtures, and tools

What you bring

• Fluency reading electrical schematics and blueprints
• Expert electrical troubleshooting abilities
• Root cause mindset using 5 Why analysis
• Mechanical troubleshooting proficiency
• Hands-on pneumatics experience, including troubleshooting
• Knowledge of single- and three-phase power
• Comfort with 120/208/240/480 VAC systems
• Motor maintenance, repair, and replacement skills
• Relay testing capability
• Strong general maintenance and repair skills

Tools and platforms you’ll work with

• Variable Frequency Drives (VFD)
• Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC) — Allen‑Bradley, Siemens
• Servo motors