Automation & Controls Technician

Who We Are:

Thank you for your interest in Mueller Water Products, Inc.  

For more than 165 years, Mueller Water Products, Inc. has been building the future of water infrastructure. From lifesaving fire protection to data intelligence, we are committed to developing products and solutions that help cities and utilities deliver clean, safe drinking water to hundreds of millions of people across North America.   

Our purpose is to connect communities to water, life’s most essential resource, with exceptional, people solutions and products. Behind that purpose is a dedicated team, united by our shared values of respect, integrity, trust, inclusion and safety. With a vision to be the leader in water infrastructure solutions—solving challenges, enriching lives and safeguarding the future—we are making a positive impact that will last for generations.   

By joining Mueller, you become part of a dynamic team dedicated to excellence and innovation, working collaboratively to achieve meaningful results. We champion our people because when they succeed, our communities thrive. We invite you to learn more about career opportunities with us and consider submitting your application.  

Automation & Controls Technician

Key Responsibilities

Automation & Controls Support

• Troubleshoot, repair, and maintain PLCs, HMIs, VFDs, servo systems, safety PLCs, and industrial networks (EtherNet/IP, Profibus, Profinet, etc.).
• Support with automation systems for:
  • Melting and pouring systems
  • Sand handling and molding lines
  • Induction furnaces
  • CNC machines, robots, conveyors, and material handling systems
• Perform root cause troubleshooting of recurring automation and control failures—not just “reset and run.”

Reliability & Preventive Maintenance

• Develop, improve, and execute preventive and predictive maintenance tasks for automation and controls assets.
• Partner with reliability and maintenance teams to eliminate chronic failures through:
  • Failure mode understanding
  • Standardized troubleshooting
  • Better environmental protection (heat, dust, vibration, moisture)
• Ensure backups of PLC programs, HMI applications, and configuration files are maintained and controlled.

Continuous Improvement & Standardization

• Identify automation-related sources of downtime, defects, or safety risk and recommend improvements.
• Support equipment upgrades, control system modernization, and obsolescence mitigation.
• Participate in RCAs and improvement teams, contributing controls expertise and factual data.
• Help standardize hardware, software, and programming practices where appropriate.

Safety, Quality & Compliance

• Maintain and troubleshoot machine safety systems (light curtains, safety relays, interlocks, e-stops).
• Ensure automation systems comply with applicable safety, electrical, and environmental standards.
• Support quality systems by ensuring controls reliably support process repeatability and traceability.

Collaboration & Change Enablement (Critical)

• Work closely with operators, electricians, mechanics, engineers, and supervisors to:
  • Explain system behavior in practical terms
  • Reduce fear or misuse of automation
  • Improve adherence to standard operating and maintenance practices
• Provide coaching and informal training to maintenance and operations personnel on automation systems.
• Document changes clearly to support long-term sustainability and reduce tribal knowledge dependency.

Required Qualifications

Technical Skills

• Strong experience with industrial automation and controls in heavy manufacturing environments
• Working knowledge of:
  • PLC platforms (Allen-Bradley, Siemens, or similar)
  • HMIs and SCADA systems
  • Electrical schematics and panel troubleshooting
  • Instrumentation (sensors, encoders, temperature, pressure, flow)
• Ability to troubleshoot logically under time pressure in production environments

Education & Experience

• Associate degree or technical certification in Automation, Controls, Electrical Technology, or related field or equivalent hands-on experience
• 3–5+ years of automation or controls experience in manufacturing (foundry or machining preferred)

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in foundry operations (melting, molding, heat treat, sand systems)
• Experience supporting CNC machines, robotics, or motion control systems
• Familiarity with CMMS/EAM systems and disciplined work management
• Exposure to reliability concepts such as RCAs, PM optimization, and asset criticality

Behavioral Expectations

• Demonstrates calm, methodical problem-solving under pressure
• Respects the realities of production while maintaining technical discipline
• Communicates clearly with both technical and non-technical audiences
• Understands that technology only delivers value when people trust and use it correctly
• Supports a culture of learning, standard work, and continuous improvement

Physical & Environmental Requirements

• Ability to work in hot, dusty, and noisy environments
• Ability to climb, lift, and work around industrial equipment
• Willingness to support off-shift or emergency work as needed

Mueller Water Products, Inc., as well as its subsidiaries, are equal employment employers. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, and/or expression), age, national origin, disability, citizenship status (except as authorized by law), protected veteran status, genetic information, and any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. In keeping with its obligations under applicable federal, state, and local law, Mueller will make reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities. To request a reasonable accommodation at any time during the application or interview process, please contact a member of the Human Resources Department. 

This employer participates in E-Verify. E-Verify is a web-based system that allows employers to confirm the eligibility of their employees to work in the United States. The system compares information from an employee's Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification, to data from U.S. Department of Homeland Security and Social Security Administration records. This notice applies to all applicants and employees, including those hired to work remotely.  

Notice of E-Verify Participation:

Accommodation:

If you require accommodations during any stage of the application or interview process, please let us know. We are happy to work with you to meet your needs.