Controls Technician (With Travel Required)

Will travel to customer sites throughout North America 50% of the time. The other 50% will be working in the shop in Saint Louis County.

Job Description

The Field Service Technician supports installation and maintenance activities for industrial equipment and control systems.

This role focuses on performing maintenance visits, system start-ups, and repairs at customer sites throughout North America, with regular travel between approximately 25–50%.

When not traveling, the technician contributes to electrical production, testing, and quality assurance in the shop environment.

Responsibilities

• Travel to customer locations across North America to start up new machines and perform maintenance, repairs, and system checks on equipment in the field, with an expectation of up to 50% travel.
• Conduct out-of-town service trips to commission new systems, diagnose issues, and ensure equipment operates safely and efficiently.
• Provide phone-based technical support to customers, using electrical prints to guide them through troubleshooting procedures, while maintaining a patient and thorough approach.
• Interpret and work from wiring diagrams and schematics to diagnose and resolve electrical and control system issues.
• Perform electrical production work in the shop, including wiring control panels according to prints and established standards.
• Execute quality assurance checks and functional testing on control panels prior to shipment to ensure reliability and compliance with specifications.
• Install and run conduit on machines prior to shipping, including wiring and testing safety devices, disconnects, transformers, motors, and related components.
• Install, maintain, and troubleshoot PLC-based control systems using a variety of platforms, ensuring proper operation of automation systems and machine controls.
• Run gas piping for equipment, including threading and cutting pipes for burners on washers, ovens, and other gas-fired systems.
• Troubleshoot equipment using electrical and mechanical prints to identify root causes and implement effective corrective actions.
• Apply AC and DC electrical knowledge to work safely with voltages up to 480 VAC and down to 24 VDC, including motor circuits and control wiring.
• Collaborate effectively with team members in the shop and in the field while also working independently with minimal supervision when required.
• Maintain strong attention to detail and accountability in documentation, testing, and completion of service and installation tasks.

Essential Skills

• 2-year technical degree in a relevant discipline (such as controls, electronics, or industrial technology) or equivalent field experience.
• 0–3 years of experience working in the controls or automation industry.
• Strong AC and DC electrical knowledge, including working safely with voltages from 480 VAC to 24 VDC.
• Hands-on experience with electrical motors, primarily 208/230–240 VAC and 480 VAC.
• Ability to read and interpret wiring diagrams, schematics, and electrical prints for installation and troubleshooting.
• Basic PLC knowledge, including ladder logic understanding and experience with common industrial PLC platforms.
• Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot equipment using both electrical and mechanical prints.
• Customer service and communication skills, with the ability to explain technical issues clearly and professionally.
• Ability to work under minimal supervision as well as effectively in a group setting.
• Strong attention to detail, personal accountability, and a commitment to quality workmanship.
• Knowledge of gas-fired burners and related components used in industrial washers, ovens, and similar equipment.
• Capacity to travel regularly for out-of-town service trips, including domestic and occasional international travel.
• Additional Skills & Qualifications
• Technical degree such as CST or EAT, or comparable training in electrical or controls technology.
• Experience with PLCs from vendors such as Schneider Electric and Automation Direct, and other common industrial control platforms.
• Familiarity with control systems and automation systems used in manufacturing environments.
• Experience with machine repair, electrical installation, and control panel wiring.
• Understanding of safety devices, disconnects, transformers, and motor control circuits.
• Knowledge of gas-fired burner systems and related brands and components.
• Ability to maintain composure and thoroughness when supporting customers over the phone.
• Strong organizational skills for managing travel, documentation, and service reports.

Why Work Here?

Employees enjoy a culture that genuinely values people and recognizes the importance of work-life balance.

Health benefits premiums are fully covered for employees, and the total rewards package includes 13 paid holidays, paid time off, and a 401(k) with company match, supporting both short-term well-being and long-term financial security.

Team members benefit from clear opportunities for growth and development, along with generous travel support: flights and hotels are paid, employees keep any travel points earned, and a daily per diem is provided for personal use while on the road.

International travel is rewarded with additional hourly compensation, regular wages are paid during travel time, and double-time pay is offered for Sunday travel, reflecting a strong commitment to fairness and appreciation for the extra effort.

Work Environment

Work is primarily performed in manufacturing facilities and shop environments that focus on industrial equipment and automation systems.

In the field, the role involves working around production machinery, control panels, gas-fired burners, washers, ovens, and related equipment in active industrial settings.

In the shop, the technician works with electrical control panels, PLCs, wiring, conduit, transformers, motors, and safety devices, using standard tools and test equipment typical for electrical and controls work.

The environment requires adherence to industrial safety practices, including appropriate personal protective equipment, and the ability to work comfortably around machinery, electrical systems, and gas piping.

Travel is a regular part of the role, involving domestic and occasional international trips, with company-arranged flights and hotels and structured support for time spent on the road.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Kirksville, MO.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $26.00 - $34.00/hr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your jobclassification and length of employment.

Benefits are subject to change and may besubject to specific elections, plan, or program terms.

• If eligible, the benefitsavailable for this temporary role may include the following:
• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)
• Workplace Type

This is a hybrid position in Kirksville, MO.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 13, 2026.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regards to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance

Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector

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.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI)

We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates.

AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team.

By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.

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