Electrical Controls Technician

Hohman Plating, a division of Novaria Group, is a leading service provider for plated coatings.  We serve a diversified customer base including aerospace, medical, large equipment and more.  In business since 1918, we are seeking long-term employees to join our team.  Conveniently located one mile north of downtown Dayton.  Hohman Plating offers a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, LTD/STD, Life, 401K match, Bonus and more.

The Electrical Controls Technician is responsible for the design, fabrication, and installation of electrical control cabinets, wiring infrastructure, and automation systems that support critical manufacturing and process equipment. This role combines strong hands-on skills in wiring and electrical assembly with a growth path into PLC programming, control system design, and cabinet layout development. Ideal for a technician with a deep interest in automation and industrial controls who wants to take ownership of high-reliability systems in a growing, modern manufacturing environment.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Control Cabinet Fabrication & Wiring
• Build, wire, and label electrical control panels in accordance with schematics, best practices, and internal standards.
• Install and route conduit, cables, and wiring from control cabinets to equipment, tanks, and field devices.
• Terminate wiring for sensors, contactors, VFDs, PLCs, and other components with high accuracy and reliability.
• Interpret and follow wiring diagrams, schematics, and layout drawings.

FIELD INSTALLATION & INTEGRATION

• Install and commission cabinets onsite, coordinating with Maintenance, Automation, and Chemical Systems teams.
• Troubleshoot wiring issues in the field and repair/rework systems as needed.
• Support electrical startup of new or modified systems, including verification of I/O and signal routing.
• PLC and Automation System Support
• Assist in configuring and programming PLC systems under the guidance of the Process Automation team.
• Learn to make minor PLC modifications for system updates or troubleshooting.
• Work toward independent programming of basic systems (e.g., relays, timers, tank sequence logic).
• Design & Documentation Development
• Begin creating electrical cabinet layout drawings, including panel layout and point-to-point wiring diagrams.
• Collaborate with Automation and Engineering to maintain accurate documentation for control systems and installations.
• Propose improvements to cabinet designs for serviceability, safety, and standardization.

TRAITS & CHARACTERISTICS

• High attention to detail and a sense of pride in clean, safe, and well-documented wiring work.
• Eager to grow from "builder" to "designer" through hands-on learning and mentorship.
• Comfortable working across teams and taking ownership of assigned systems or projects.
• Interested in automation, with a willingness to expand into PLC programming and controls design.

REQUIRED EDUCATION, SKILLS & EXPERIENCE

• 2+ years experience in electrical panel building, wiring, or industrial electrical systems.
• Strong working knowledge of 24VDC, 120VAC, and 480VAC/3-phase systems.
• Proficiency in reading electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, and layout drawings.
• Hands-on experience with tools related to wiring, cable management, conduit bending, etc.
• Familiarity with control components such as PLCs, VFDs, relays, power supplies, and terminals.
• Comfortable using a multimeter, continuity tester, and basic diagnostic tools.

PREFERRED (GROWTH PATH) QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience with or interest in Allen-Bradley PLCs (MicroLogix, CompactLogix) and PanelView HMIs.
• Experience with or willingness to learn AutoCAD Electrical or other layout/drawing software.
• Basic understanding of PLC ladder logic and I/O configuration.
• Experience in manufacturing, industrial automation, or process control environments.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this job.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; use hands to handle or examine parts; and to reach with hands and arms.  The employee frequently is required to walk; use stairs; climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, or crouch.  The employee is occasionally required to sit and talk or hear.  The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 25 pounds, and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision, and depth perception.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

While performing the duties of this job, the employee may be exposed to dangerous chemicals, including exposure to fumes or airborne particles below OSHA permissible limits.  Frequently exposed to high heat and humid conditions.  Employee will be frequently exposed to loud sounds, below the OSHA permissible limits.

Hohman Plating, LLC is an equal opportunity employer.