Controls System Apprentice Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Technician / Technologist

Location: Sterling Heights, MI
Company: Indicon LLC
Department: Controls Engineering / Field Services / Manufacturing Support
Employment Type: Full-Time

Position Summary

Indicon LLC is seeking a motivated and hands-on Technician/Technologist to support the installation, commissioning, troubleshooting, and maintenance of industrial automation and control systems. This role is ideal for experienced technicians who have developed strong technical skills through practical field experience, military service, trade school, apprenticeships, or previous industrial automation work, regardless of whether they possess a four-year degree.

The Technician/Technologist will work alongside engineers, project managers, electricians, and customers to deliver high-quality automation solutions for manufacturing, material handling, automotive, and industrial facilities. The successful candidate will assist with PLC-controlled equipment, control panels, conveyors, tooling systems, vision systems, and related automation technologies. Indicon specializes in controls design, system integration, material handling controls, tooling controls, vision systems, and UL-certified control panel fabrication. 

Essential Responsibilities

• Assist with installation, startup, commissioning, and validation of automated control systems.
• Troubleshoot electrical, controls, and automation-related issues on production and material handling equipment.
• Perform panel checkout, I/O verification, wiring validation, and system testing.
• Support PLC, HMI, VFD, barcode, scanner, and vision system integration activities.
• Read and interpret electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, panel layouts, and technical documentation.
• Assist engineers with equipment modifications, upgrades, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Conduct preventive maintenance and equipment inspections.
• Support customer production launches and system start-ups as needed.
• Identify and resolve equipment issues in a safe and timely manner.
• Document troubleshooting activities, startup reports, punch-list items, and corrective actions.
• Maintain compliance with customer, company, and safety requirements.
• Travel to customer facilities for project support, startup, and service work as required.

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Associate degree, technical certification, apprenticeship, military technical training, or equivalent experience preferred.
• Relevant industrial experience may be considered in lieu of formal education.
• Minimum 3+ years of experience in manufacturing, industrial automation, controls, maintenance, electrical systems, or related technical fields.
• Ability to read electrical schematics and wiring drawings.
• Experience using electrical testing equipment such as multimeters and network diagnostic tools.
• Knowledge of industrial control systems and automation equipment.
• Strong mechanical and electrical troubleshooting skills.
• Valid driver's license and ability to travel as required.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with:
  • Allen-Bradley/Rockwell Automation PLCs
  • Siemens PLC systems
  • HMIs and SCADA systems
  • Industrial networking (Ethernet/IP, Profinet, DeviceNet)
  • Conveyor systems and material handling equipment
  • Automotive manufacturing systems
  • Vision inspection systems
  • Control panel fabrication and assembly
• Previous experience supporting launch activities in manufacturing environments.
• Industrial Robotics systems, including robot setup, troubleshooting, integration, and commissioning 
• OSHA safety training or related certifications.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Strong hands-on troubleshooting and diagnostic capabilities.
• Ability to work independently and within cross-functional project teams.
• Excellent communication and customer-service skills.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks in fast-paced industrial environments.
• Willingness to learn emerging automation technologies.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand, walk, kneel, climb ladders, and work in industrial environments.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to work on manufacturing floors, in control panels, and around industrial equipment.
• Ability to travel and occasionally work extended hours during project startups.

Why Join Indicon?

Indicon is a leading controls system integrator and UL-certified panel builder specializing in automation solutions for manufacturing and material handling industries. Team members have opportunities to work with cutting-edge automation technologies, collaborate with highly skilled engineers and technicians, and contribute to projects for some of the world's leading manufacturers.