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Controls Technician Jobs in Appleton, WI (NOW HIRING)

Controls Engineer

Neenah, WI · On-site

$84K - $109K/yr

... controls. WHAT YOU GET TO DO ... Acts as an electrical engineering resource to assist Maintenance Technicians troubleshoot machine ...

Controls Engineer

Neenah, WI · On-site

$84K - $109K/yr

... controls. WHAT YOU GET TO DO ... Acts as an electrical engineering resource to assist Maintenance Technicians troubleshoot machine ...

Senior Controls Engineer

Appleton, WI · On-site

$79K - $126K/yr

Provide guidance or mentorship to entry level engineers, designers, or technicians working on common projects. * Responsible for vehicle sub-system controls research, development, verification and ...

Controls Engineer

Appleton, WI · On-site

$81K - $105K/yr

Opportunity Overview & Responsibilities Our client has an immediate contract to hire need for a Controls Engineer. This position will manage the engineering team to ensure customer satisfaction and ...

Controls Engineer

Appleton, WI

$81K - $105K/yr

Opportunity Overview & Responsibilities Our client has an immediate contract to hire need for a Controls Engineer. This position will manage the engineering team to ensure customer satisfaction and ...

Controls Engineer

Appleton, WI · On-site

$81K - $105K/yr

Description Controls Engineer Are you interested in joining a company that was recently certified as a "Great Place to Work" for the fifth year in a row? If so, please read on... L&S Electric is ...

Sr Engineer - Controls

Oshkosh, WI · On-site

$94K - $125K/yr

The Sr. Engineer - Software and Controls Test team member will test high-quality vehicle control ... Provide guidance or mentorship to entry level engineers, designers, or technicians working on a ...

Sr Engineer - Controls

Oshkosh, WI · On-site

$94K - $125K/yr

The Sr. Engineer - Software and Controls Test team member will test high-quality vehicle control ... Provide guidance or mentorship to entry level engineers, designers, or technicians working on a ...

Senior Engineer R&D Controls

Menasha, WI · On-site

$99K - $131K/yr

As a Senior Controls Engineer in the R&D group, you will be responsible for developing control systems in a physics-based modeling and simulation environment for electrical, thermal, and mechanical ...

Showing results 21-40

Controls Technician information

See Appleton, WI salary details

$18

$32

$46

How much do controls technician jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for controls technician in Appleton, WI is $32.33, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $27.45 and $36.15 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a controls technician?

A controls technician is an electrical engineering professional who specializes in machine automation and the calibration of machine controllers. As a controls technician, your duties include calibrating and operating automation equipment, as well as performing necessary maintenance. You also monitor readings from these machines to ensure factors like temperature and pressure are in the acceptable range. Your job is to make sure that the plant, line, generator, or whatever system you are monitoring, is functioning at its best for the sake of safety and productivity.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a controls technician, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Controls Technician, you need a solid understanding of electrical systems, instrumentation, and automation principles, often supported by a technical diploma or associate degree in a related field. Familiarity with PLC programming, SCADA systems, and industrial control software, along with certifications like NICET or ISA, is highly valuable. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication are important soft skills in this role. These skills ensure accurate troubleshooting, safe system operation, and efficient collaboration in maintaining complex automated equipment.

What are some common challenges controls technicians face when troubleshooting automation systems?

Controls Technicians often encounter challenges such as diagnosing intermittent faults in complex automation systems, interpreting various PLC or HMI error codes, and managing communication issues between devices. These tasks require strong problem-solving skills and the ability to quickly read and understand wiring diagrams and technical documentation. Collaborating with engineers, electricians, and production staff is also key when troubleshooting, as issues often span multiple systems or departments.

What is the difference between Controls Technician vs Electrical Technician?

AspectControls TechnicianElectrical Technician
CertificationsPLC, automation, control system certificationsElectrical licenses, NEC certifications
Work EnvironmentManufacturing plants, automation facilitiesConstruction sites, electrical maintenance
Industry UsageIndustrial automation, manufacturingConstruction, electrical service

Controls Technicians focus on automation systems, PLCs, and control panels within industrial settings, while Electrical Technicians handle electrical wiring, maintenance, and installations. Both roles require electrical knowledge, but Controls Technicians specialize in automation and control systems, making their skills more aligned with manufacturing and process industries.

How do you become a controls technician?

To become a controls technician, typically one needs a high school diploma or equivalent, followed by post-secondary education such as an associate degree or technical certification in automation, electrical systems, or control systems. Gaining hands-on experience through apprenticeships or entry-level positions and developing skills in PLC programming, electrical wiring, and troubleshooting are also important steps.
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Infographic showing various Controls Technician job openings in Appleton, WI as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $67,249 per year, or $32.3 per hour.

$82K - $107K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted just now


Job description

About Us:

Trilliant Food & Nutrition is a leading manufacturer of premium coffees and powdered beverages, proudly headquartered in Little Chute, Wisconsin. With a legacy rooted in quality, innovation, and service, Trilliant delivers branded and private label solutions across retail, foodservice, and e-commerce channels.

Horseshoe Beverage Company, based in Neenah, WI, is a leading ready-to-drink beverage manufacturer dedicated to delivering an exceptional beverage experience. By combining industry-leading talent and cutting-edge equipment, we drive innovation and consistently deliver the highest quality products to our customers-first and fast.

Our brand portfolio includes Victor Allen's, Dutch Bros beverages and Nurri, our better-for-you protein beverage line. We are passionate about beverages - and about building a team that's just as energized. We invite you to explore opportunities at Trilliant or Horseshoe, to see if your talents and career aspirations may fit with our openings.

Our Core Values:

Position Overview:

The Controls Engineer will manage and support controls/automation projects and upgrading existing systems. This position will perform high level technical controls programming, troubleshooting and improvements. Our facility is expanding, which provides the opportunity to be involved in new line and/or new product start-ups and development of maintenance department process and procedure development.

This role works 5:45pm - 6:00am on a 2-2-3 schedule at our Little Chute, WI manufacturing facility.

Responsibilities:

Provide Direction and Support for PLC ladder logic programming and HMI Application programming.

Write and/or modify PLC programs to control industrial food processing equipment.

Support operations and maintenance to keep equipment running and maximize efficiency.

Contribute to improvements in internal processes, standards, and designs to ensure efficient development of systems and products to meet our business expectations.

Provide Technical Mentorship and Direction for other Engineers, Maintenance and Operations Personnel.

Use independent judgment, consistently and clearly demonstrates creativity and innovation in finding solutions. Identify root cause of problems. Develop alternative solutions and communicate associated benefits and risks.

Develop and follow Control Standards

Create and modify HMI screens for operator interaction.

Create and review, design, draw, BOMs, specifications, etc. and ensures that projects meet specifications, standards, and performance requirements within area of expertise.

Write processes, procedures and policies as required.

Prepare written information, documentation, reports, correspondence, procedures and/or specifications as required.

Spend significant time on the floor directing contractors, working with OEM technicians, and working with plant personnel.

Installation, I/O Checkout, Startup, and Plant Acceptance

Other duties as assigned

Qualifications:

BS in Electrical Engineering or Computer Science preferred.

2-5 years' relevant experience working with and configuring industrial machine controls.

Able to write and troubleshoot PLC code (primarily Allen Bradley)

Create, modify, and deploy HMI interfaces (primarily Allen Bradley PanelView ME/SE)

Experience with higher level programming languages (Python, VB.net)

Experience with writing, modifying, and querying relational databases (SQL)

Experience troubleshooting and fine-tuning machine vision systems and cameras.

Experience with electrical troubleshooting safely including low voltage wiring, communication cables, and safety signals.

Knowledge of ethernet communication networks

Ability to create and read electrical schematics.

Demonstrated ability to independently create functional & cost-effective designs/processes that meet complex specification requirements.

Strong troubleshooting and judgment skills.

Resourceful, proactive, high energy, results driven.

Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities and effectively manage projects and manage change.

Demonstrated ability to collaborate well cross-functionally and work well at all levels of the organization.

Strong attention to detail.

Demonstrated strong interpersonal skills. Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Desire to work in a fast-paced, high-growth environment.

Demonstrated time management and organizational skills.

Knowledge of administration of SOP, OSHA, GMP, SQF, NFPA, HACCP or other quality, food, and human safety programs a plus.

Adhere to all Food Safety, Safety, GMP and Quality policies and procedures.

Hours, Location and Pay:

We offer a competitive base pay rate and benefits package for full-time employees. This role works 5:45pm - 6:00am on a 2-2-3 schedule at our Little Chute, WI manufacturing facility.

Physical and Mental Demands:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit, hear, use hands to type data, use a personal computer and telephone. This employee may occasionally have to operate business machines and lift and/move up to 50 pounds.

Specific vision abilities required in this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Mental demands include multi-tasking, decision making, problem solving, comparing, copying, computing, compiling, analyzing, coordinating, and synthesizing data.

Potential for exposure to chemicals, heights, loud noises, mechanical equipment, wet environments, and other potential hazards exists.

Safety Statement:

At Trilliant and Horseshoe, safety is every employee's first responsibility. We expect all employees to adhere to all safety practices, have the moral courage to stop other individuals from performing unsafe acts, and immediately report unsafe conditions.

Disclosures:

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. All personnel may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time, as needed.

Responsible for following food safety/regulatory policies and procedures, executing responsibilities as identified in standard operating procedures, and reporting food safety/regulatory concerns to the Production or Quality Manager.

Trilliant Food & Nutrition and Horseshoe Beverage Company are Drug Free Workplaces. All applicants are subject to a drug screen and background check as a condition of employment.

Trilliant Food and Nutrition and Horseshoe Beverage participate in the E-Verify process.

EEO/AA including Vets and Disabled

If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please contact us by email at HR@trilliantfood.com and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information.

Trilliant Food and Nutrition and Horseshoe Beverage are Equal Opportunity Employers.

The principles of the OECD and UN have been taken into consideration and used as guidance in our human rights practices and procedures.