Lead Technician - Controls

Job Description

About the team: Join the team in Gray Court, SC to ensure the reliability and availability of manufacturing equipment. This position serves as an internal consultant to the maintenance department, across all areas for maintaining production equipment during start-ups, breakdowns, and continuous improvement activities on electrical/controls process issues.

What you can look forward to as a Lead Technician- Controls:

• Identify equipment and controls deficiencies related to operation or original design; serve as an internal consultant for maintenance and controls troubleshooting.

• Develop and implement long-term solutions, including controls upgrades, replacements, and program revisions to improve performance and reliability.

• Modify and improve PLC- and PC-based control systems, including hardware, software, electrical, and power transmission components.

• Provide technical expertise to enhance equipment safety, uptime, throughput, cost of ownership, and operational readiness.

• Collaborate with customers and internal manufacturing/engineering teams on controls and equipment improvement initiatives.

• Support shop-floor users by addressing PLC application issues, access questions, and training needs; communicate technical solutions to both technical and non-technical personnel.

• Plan, design, and document technical solutions for corrective actions, continuous improvement efforts, and maintenance support, including program backups.

• Ensure maximum uptime across all manufacturing and facility equipment (machining, heat treat, assembly, ASRS, and shop equipment) while actively participating in continuous improvement and professional development.

Your profile as a Lead Technician- Controls:

• High school diploma or GED with 2–5+ years of relevant technical or manufacturing experience.

• Experience in machining components and using standard shop measurement tools.

• Strong ability to read and interpret electrical and mechanical drawings, blueprints, and CAD prints (DIN/ISO metric standards).

• Proficient in basic math, reading, and analyzing complex machine and assembly drawings.

• Working knowledge of PLCs, control systems, ladder logic, VFDs, servo systems, and PLC program editing (e.g., WINCC).

• Ability to read logic and flow diagrams for program design, simulation, testing, and system start-up.

• Experience supporting plant-floor systems and applications, including vision systems.

• Proficient in Microsoft Office with proven problem-solving, communication, interpersonal skills, and flexibility to support varied work schedules.

Why you should choose ZF in Gray Court:

• A supportive collaborative team environment
• Annual Incentive Plan
• Paid Vacation 
• 401k Plan
• Health Care Benefits
• Paid Holidays 
• A strong diversity culture
• Supportive Employee Groups and community outreach activities