Controls & Drives Service Technician (PLC/VFD)

Company: Innovative IDM
Location: Houston
Posted on: February 15, 2026

Job Description:

Job Description Job Description Is this you? You unravel PLC faults and VFD alarms without breaking a sweat. You like variety—today it’s a conveyor line, tomorrow a robot cell, next week a retrofit startup. You enjoy working independently, yet you’re collaborative and customer-centered. “Legendary Service” isn’t a tagline; it’s how you operate. This hands-on, field-based position supports Innovative IDM customers and focuses on industrial controls and electro-mechanical systems—not IT. What you’ll tackle Troubleshoot and repair PLCs, HMIs, motion controllers, AC/DC drives, and plant devices. Perform on-site diagnostics and electronic repairs on production equipment—from straightforward machines to complex systems. Install and commission industrial control systems, including drives and motion. Execute field retrofits and oversee start-ups of large, multi-component control solutions. Rotate through after-hours on-call support to keep customers running around the clock. Work cross-functionally with internal teams and external stakeholders; document and communicate clearly. Dig into tough technical issues; research, test, and resolve them with calm professionalism. Must-haves 3–5 years of industrial electronic controls troubleshooting (relays, contactors, solenoids, control logic). Ability to read/interpret electrical schematics. Hands-on experience programming and repairing AC VFDs and DC motor controls. Comfortable diagnosing PLCs and servo motion systems. Clear written and verbal communication; customer-friendly demeanor. Self-driven, organized, and effective with minimal supervision. Creative, persistent approach to resolving electronic and industrial device issues. Capable of managing multiple priorities and deadlines with urgency and sound judgment. Electrical/electronic ACAD and PLC programming are pluses. Four-year degree preferred. Own set of appropriate hand tools. How you work VFD and PLC background with a strong electro?mechanical mindset. Positive, energetic attitude with strong teamwork and independent work skills. Excellent written and oral communication; able to multitask effectively. Tech stack & equipment Packaging machinery; conveyor systems; pelletizers Motor Control Centers (Allen Bradley, ABB, Siemens, Schneider Electric, Eaton) Fluke multimeters; industrial power tools Industrial control platforms (Allen Bradley, Mitsubishi, ABB, Omron, Siemens, Schneider Electric) VFDs and drive systems PLCs (Allen Bradley, Mitsubishi, Omron, Siemens, Schneider Electric, Beckoff) Servo motors and motion Industrial robots (ABB, Yaskawa Motoman) Proficiencies that set you up for success Valid driver’s license; ready for field work PLC troubleshooting and diagnostics General equipment troubleshooting Electrical schematic literacy Electrical fault isolation and repair Mechanical troubleshooting fundamentals Background in food & beverage manufacturing PCB assembly and component knowledge Single- and three-phase power familiarity Industrial electrical system diagnostics & repair Industrial robot programming exposure OSHA 10-hour certification Industrial automation equipment troubleshooting Relay testing and verification Insulation resistance measurement/testing PLC programming capabilities Machine vision programming familiarity PLC wiring and panel/build experience Strong understanding of electrical/electronic systems Pneumatics troubleshooting Industrial electrical experience Network connectivity (TCP/IP, SDWAN) Physically able to meet the demands of field service Manufacturing environment experience Root cause analysis discipline Compensation & benefits Company truck and company credit card Daily overtime: time-and-a-half beyond 8 hours/day Double-time for billable work on Sundays 15% additional pay for travel jobs 401(k) with company match PTO, Personal Time, Volunteer Time, and Paid Holidays Student Loan Match and Tuition Reimbursement Medical, Dental, Vision, and FSA Company-paid Life Insurance Short-Term and Long-Term Disability Accident & Critical Illness coverage Heads up: This is not an IT role.

Keywords: Innovative IDM, Baytown , Controls & Drives Service Technician (PLC/VFD), Engineering , Houston, Texas