Lead Instrumentation & Controls Technician

• Location: Aurora, IL | 100% Onsite

• Schedule:Monday-Friday | 1st Shift

• Pay:Up to $50.00/hour (flexibility based on skills and experience)

Are you the go-to expert when production lines go down? Do you thrive on solving complex automation challenges and mentoring others to elevate their technical skills?

We're seeking a highly experienced Maintenance Technician - Instrumentation & Controls to serve as a critical technical leader within a fast-paced manufacturing environment. This is more than a maintenance role. You'll be the automation expert that operations, engineering, and maintenance teams depend on to keep highly automated production systems running at peak performance.

If you have deep expertise in PLCs, controls, networking, VFDs, servos, and industrial automation troubleshooting, and enjoy developing junior technicians, this is an opportunity to make a lasting impact.

As the site's Instrumentation & Controls specialist, you'll be responsible for maintaining, troubleshooting, optimizing, and improving automated production systems and utility equipment.

• Diagnose and repair electrical, controls, automation, and instrumentation issues on production equipment

• Troubleshoot PLC-controlled systems and production line automation equipment

• Lead instrumentation and controls preventive maintenance programs

• Install, configure, and commission controls equipment for upgrades and retrofit projects

• Support maintenance and reliability initiatives that increase uptime and production efficiency

• Collaborate with engineering and operations teams on equipment improvements and capital projects

• Troubleshoot and support VFDs, servo systems, MCCs, process instrumentation, and industrial networks

• Work directly with OEMs and technical vendors to resolve complex equipment issues

• Maintain accurate documentation and CMMS records, including PM completion and repair activities

• Perform root cause analysis and implement corrective actions to prevent recurring failures

• Support process improvement and reliability initiatives

• Ensure compliance with safety standards, GMP requirements, and plant procedures

• Lead electrical and controls troubleshooting training for fellow maintenance technicians

• Act as a mentor and technical resource for developing Instrumentation & Controls talent

• Own equipment reliability within assigned areas and champion continuous improvement

• 10+ years of Instrumentation & Controls experience in an industrial manufacturing environment

• Extensive hands-on experience with:

  • PLC systems and PLC troubleshooting

  • Production line controls and automation systems

  • Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs)

  • Servo drives and motion control systems

  • Industrial networking and control communication systems

  • Electrical troubleshooting and diagnostics

• Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics, ladder logic, and technical documentation

• Experience with industrial power distribution and three-phase electrical systems

• Strong understanding of process instrumentation including:

  • Level controls

  • Flow measurement

  • Temperature systems

• Proven troubleshooting and root cause analysis experience

• Experience using electrical test equipment including voltmeters, ammeters, ohm meters, and meggers

• Strong knowledge of Lockout/Tagout procedures and industrial safety standards

• Experience using CMMS platforms such as SAP or similar systems

• Ability to train, coach, and mentor technicians

• Associate Degree in Electronics, Electrical Engineering Technology, or related discipline

• Rockwell / Allen-Bradley controls experience

• Experience with EtherNet/IP and DeviceNet communications

• Knowledge of NEC standards

• Familiarity with UL508A and NFPA 79

• Food, beverage, pharmaceutical, packaging, or consumer products manufacturing experience

• Knowledge of pneumatics and mechanical systems

You'll be the technical expert relied upon by engineering, operations, and maintenance teams to solve challenging automation issues and improve plant performance.

This role offers significant technical leadership opportunities, including mentoring and developing fellow maintenance professionals.

Gain exposure to complex automated manufacturing systems, industrial controls, networked equipment, and process automation technologies.

• Up to $50/hour

• Compensation flexibility for exceptional experience and expertise

• Stable Monday-Friday first-shift schedule

• Opportunity to influence site reliability and modernization initiatives

Join a team that values technical expertise, continuous improvement, safety, innovation, and professional growth.

If you're an experienced Instrumentation & Controls professional who enjoys solving complex automation challenges, improving equipment reliability, and helping others grow their technical capabilities, we'd love to hear from you.

Apply today and bring your automation expertise to a manufacturing team where your knowledge, leadership, and problem-solving skills will make a visible impact every day.

• The California Fair Chance Act
• Los Angeles City Fair Chance Ordinance
• Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers
• San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance

Massachusetts Candidates Only: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Every year, PDS Tech Commercial and PDS Defense place thousands of skilled trades and engineering associates into roles all across the nation. Since our founding in 1977, we have maintained the highest standard of service and satisfaction among both talent and clients.

Today, we continue to deliver exceptional services as a proud member of The Adecco Group (TAG) family, a leading global workforce solutions provider. What does this mean for you? We are united by a powerful mission: making the future work for everyone. We offer our local experience paired with global resources, bringing significant advantages to all our areas of expertise. From end-to-end digital recruitment to priority redeployment and beyond, we are committed to building a better world of work for all.