Controls Technician

As a Controls Technician at Lincoln Electric, you'll be responsible for providing field service and commissioning support for industrial machinery, assisting customers and local trades with troubleshooting equipment issues, and performing end-user training on equipment operation. You'll also debug and service electrical components, as well as program and troubleshoot PLC and HMI systems to tailor applications to customer needs.

The ideal candidate for the Controls Technician role at Lincoln Electric should have an Electrical Engineering degree or a degree in Mechatronics. Additionally, knowledge in computer programming languages like VB, C/C++, or C# is important. You should also possess strong mechanical aptitude, excellent analytical and communication skills, and comfort with Microsoft Windows and Office applications.

Yes, the Controls Technician position at Lincoln Electric includes approximately 70% travel, providing the opportunity to engage directly with customers and provide support across various locations. This travel aspect allows you to experience diverse work environments and build strong customer relationships.

As a Controls Technician at Lincoln Electric, you will conduct end-user training on equipment operation. This involves educating clients and local trades on how to effectively use and troubleshoot the machinery, ensuring they understand the full capabilities and functions of our cutting-edge systems.

To excel as a Controls Technician at Lincoln Electric, strong analytical and troubleshooting skills are essential, along with a solid understanding of electrical circuits and schematic reading. Proficiency in programming both PLC and HMI equipment, mathematical skills in geometry and trigonometry, and exceptional communication abilities will also go a long way in ensuring success in this dynamic role.

When troubleshooting PLC systems, focus on gathering data from the system to identify the issue systematically. Start by checking error codes and reviewing program logic. Then, examine hardware connections and input/output devices. Demonstrating your ability to diagnose and solve problems methodically will impress interviewers.

In interviews, highlight specific projects where you programmed HMIs, detailing the software you used and the objectives you achieved. Discuss how you tailored interfaces to enhance user experience and improve equipment functionality. Providing tangible examples can significantly strengthen your case.

To debug electrical components, I employ a systematic approach, first checking the power supply and connections before using multimeters or oscilloscopes to test individual components. Share your experience with specific tools and techniques you use to isolate and resolve issues effectively.

Prioritization on a service call starts with assessing the urgency of the operational impact. I tackle safety and critical functionality issues first, and then focus on troubleshooting methods that will minimize downtime. Sharing a past experience can illustrate your effective time management skills.

Highlight a specific challenge you've faced, detailing the problem-solving process you used. Explain how you diagnosed the issue, the steps taken to resolve it, and the outcome. This showcases your analytical capabilities and resilience in overcoming obstacles.

List programming languages you are knowledgeable in, such as VB, C/C++, or C#. Provide examples of projects where you utilized these languages, showcasing how your skills match the job requirements and your understanding of their application in automation.

Effective communication involves actively listening to clients' needs, providing clear explanations of technical concepts, and following up post-training to ensure they feel comfortable with the equipment. Mention how you adapt your communication style based on the audience's technical background.

Discuss your direct involvement in system integration, including the challenges faced and the solutions you implemented. Highlight your collaborative work with other engineers and tech teams, demonstrating your ability to work in a team toward successful project completion.

Staying updated involves engaging with professional networks, participating in industry webinars, and attending relevant conferences. Mention specific resources or organizations you follow to maintain knowledge about technological advancements that can enhance your work.

Express your admiration for Lincoln Electric's reputation as a leader in welding solutions and automated systems. Describe how your skills align with the company's innovative environment and how you’d like to contribute to advancing their technologies and client services.