If you’re the person everyone calls when conveyors stop, PLCs fault out, or automation goes down—you’ll want to take a look at this.
PDS Tech is hiring a Controls Technician to support a high-speed, highly automated distribution operation in Fort Mill, SC, where your troubleshooting skills will directly impact uptime and performance. This is a 3rd shift, temp-to-hire opportunity offering strong pay, shift differential, and the chance to step into a critical role where your expertise actually matters.
Controls TechnicianLocation: Fort Mill, SC
Shift: 3rd Shift (Shift Differential Included)
Pay Rate: $34.00 – $39.00/hour + shift differential
Assignment Type: Temp-to-Hire (W2)
Position OverviewThe Controls Technician is responsible for maintaining, troubleshooting, and improving PLC and PC-based automation systems supporting material handling and facility operations. This role ensures system accuracy, reliability, and performance while partnering with engineering teams and vendors to drive continuous improvement and system uptime.
Key ResponsibilitiesControls & Automation SupportTroubleshoot and perform basic design modifications to PLC logic, HMIs, and automation systems
Maintain and improve control system performance, reliability, and data accuracy
Support building management systems (BMS) and energy management systems
Analyze system performance and recommend improvements
Maintenance & System ReliabilityPerform preventive maintenance on controls and electrical systems
Assist with maintenance on conveyors and sortation systems
Respond to and repair automation and controls-related failures
Perform emergency troubleshooting on material handling systems
Electrical & Equipment SupportTroubleshoot and maintain 3-phase electrical systems (up to 480V)
Work with MCCs, VFDs, motor controls, and power distribution systems
Install, test, and maintain electrical systems used in automation and facilities
Support sensors, control devices, and robotic systems as required
Coordination & DocumentationWork closely with engineering teams and external vendors
Support installation and upgrades of controls and electrical systems
Maintain accurate records including work orders, time sheets, and parts requests
Manage control-related parts inventory and procedures
Performance ExpectationsMaintain high system uptime and reliability
Deliver accurate, independent troubleshooting under minimal supervision
Ensure compliance with all safety and electrical standards
Support continuous improvement of automation performance
Required QualificationsExperience troubleshooting PLC systems (Allen-Bradley preferred: ControlLogix, CompactLogix, SLC500)
Strong understanding of 3-phase electrical systems (480V and below)
Experience with conveyors, sortation systems, or material handling equipment
Ability to read electrical schematics and technical drawings
Familiarity with BMS / energy management systems
Strong troubleshooting skills in a fast-paced environment
Ability to work independently with minimal supervision
Preferred QualificationsExperience with Siemens Step 7, WAGO, CAN, or B&R systems
Exposure to robotics and vision systems
Knowledge of grounding systems and Arc Flash safety
Experience in distribution centers or automated warehouse environments
Work Environment & Physical RequirementsDistribution center / warehouse environment
Continuous standing, walking, bending, and lifting (up to 50 lbs)
Work around live automation systems and equipment
Strong focus on safety and situational awareness required
Why Work with PDS Tech?Competitive pay with shift differential
Temp-to-hire opportunity with long-term stability
High-impact role in an automated, fast-paced environment
Opportunity to grow within controls and automation
Work on critical systems that keep operations running
Ready to Step Into a Critical Role?This isn’t a stand‑by role—this is for someone who knows how to keep systems running, solve problems quickly, and take ownership when automation is down. If you’re looking for a position where your skills are relied on every shift and your impact is visible, this is it.
Apply today for immediate consideration—we’re moving quickly and looking for technicians ready to make an impact from day one.
Pay Details: $34.00 to $39.00 per hour
Benefit offerings available for our associates include medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, additional voluntary benefits, EAP program, commuter benefits and a 401K plan. Our benefit offerings provide employees the flexibility to choose the type of coverage that meets their individual needs. In addition, our associates may be eligible for paid leave including Paid Sick Leave or any other paid leave required by Federal, State, or local law, as well as Holiday pay where applicable.
Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled
Military connected talent encouraged to apply
To read our Candidate Privacy Information Statement, which explains how we will use your information, please navigate to https://www.pdstech.com/candidate-privacy
The Company will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records in accordance with federal, state, and local laws and/or security clearance requirements, including, as applicable:
- The California Fair Chance Act
- Los Angeles City Fair Chance Ordinance
- Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers
- San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance
Massachusetts Candidates Only: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.
