Industrial Controls Maintenance Electrician (Steel Processing)

About the Role

Help keep a heavy steel processing facility running at peak performance. In this role, you will diagnose, repair, install, and enhance electrical and automation systems that drive critical production. You’ll partner closely with fellow technicians and operators to reduce downtime, elevate reliability, and continuously improve aging equipment.

A Day in the Life

You arrive to review overnight production notes, prioritize corrective work, and line up parts through our inventory systems. On the floor, you trace a 480V three‑phase issue, verify protection sizing, and bring a conveyor back online. Later, you fine‑tune a VFD on a pump, update maintenance records from your laptop, and support a mechanical tech with a gearbox and hydraulic manifold. The day wraps with a root‑cause analysis on a recurring PLC I/O fault and a plan for a permanent fix.

Core Responsibilities

• Troubleshoot and repair 480V three‑phase distribution, motor controls, MCCs, transformers, relays, contactors, overloads, and control circuits.
• Maintain and diagnose VFDs, PLC‑based machinery, HMIs, sensors, safety relays, scanners, light curtains, and interlocks.
• Interpret electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, panel layouts, and OEM documentation.
• Source and replace components using inventory databases; identify suitable alternates when needed.
• Execute preventive and corrective maintenance to maximize uptime.
• Assist mechanical teams on motors, gearboxes, hydraulics, and pneumatics.
• Lead root‑cause analysis and implement sustainable corrective actions.
• Contribute to upgrades, automation enhancements, and capital projects.
• Maintain accurate documentation; communicate clearly across shifts and departments.
• Use a computer for daily reports, email, and parts research.
• Properly size conductors and protective devices; run conduit; install, wire, and decommission equipment.
• Care for tools, parts, materials, and work areas; provide coverage when teammates are out.

What You’ll Work On

• Steel processing and slitting lines
• Heavy‑duty motors, pumps, and conveyors
• Hydraulic and pneumatic systems
• 480V three‑phase power distribution
• Motor Control Centers and power distribution panels
• AC/DC motors and Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs)
• PLC‑controlled equipment, varied HMIs, and legacy relay logic
• Sensors, safety relays, scanners, and light curtains
• Industrial automation upgrades and projects
• Overhead/bay cranes and other large production machinery

Qualifications

• 5–10 years of industrial electrical maintenance experience preferred.
• Background in steel processing, stamping, or heavy manufacturing preferred.
• Strong troubleshooting on PLC‑controlled systems (primarily Allen‑Bradley).
• Knowledge of OSHA, NFPA 70E, and Lockout/Tagout procedures.
• Industrial electrical training/apprenticeship/technical school or equivalent experience.
• Computer skills: Microsoft Word, Excel, email, and job‑related online research.

Success Profile

• Prefers diagnosing problems over swapping parts.
• Asks “Why did it fail?” and owns long‑term reliability.
• Operates independently while being a dependable teammate.
• Champions safety, craftsmanship, and continuous improvement.
• Stays composed under production pressure and communicates well.

Physical Demands & Work Environment

• Constant: use of hands.
• Frequent: lifting avg. 20 lbs; walking; standing; bending; fine manipulation; close visual acuity; near/far vision; upper limb and multiple‑limb coordination.
• Occasional: lifting up to 80 lbs; carrying; sitting; reaching; overhead reaching/lifting; pushing; pulling; squatting; kneeling; twisting; climbing; balancing; operating foot controls; driving; full visual field.
• Comfort working in tight spaces, at heights, dusty/dirty areas, and around heavy machinery; required PPE includes hard hats and ear protection.

Career Path

• Electrical Maintenance Technician I
• Electrical Maintenance Technician II
• Senior Electrical Maintenance Technician
• Lead Electrical Maintenance Technician

Benefits

• Medical PPO with deductibles as low as $1,500 and wellness credit up to $750
• Voluntary 401(k) deduction up to 12% with variable quarterly company match
• Voluntary dental and vision plans
• Telemedicine services
• Basic life and short‑term disability coverage

Proficiencies & Technology

• Proficient in: PLC troubleshooting, single‑ and three‑phase power, PLC programming and wiring, industrial controls, and VFDs.
• Tech stack: Industrial controls (Allen‑Bradley, Omron); VFDs; PLCs (Allen‑Bradley, Fanuc).

We’re all in for change. Are you? If your experience aligns and you’re ready to make an impact, apply today.