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Industrial Controls Technician (Night Shift)

Flex · Buffalo Grove, IL · Full time

Posted Sep 17, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 6, 2026

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Likely interview questions for this role

Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.

About your past

Tell me about a servo or VFD problem you solved. What was wrong and how did you find it?

What they are checking: Whether they really understand motion control and drives, which the posting lists repeatedly.

Tell me about a time you made a change that fixed a recurring problem for good.

What they are checking: Whether they go past quick resets to eliminate repeat failures.

How do you document what you changed so the next shift knows?

What they are checking: Whether they leave clear records, since undocumented changes cause confusion and new faults.

What would you do

A production line stops and the HMI shows a fault you've never seen. Walk me through how you troubleshoot it.

What they are checking: Whether they follow a logical path from the HMI to the PLC to field devices instead of swapping parts randomly.

How would you plan a PLC or HMI software upgrade so you don't take down production?

What they are checking: Whether they back up, test and schedule changes carefully, since a bad upgrade can stop a line for hours.

How do you help an automation technician who's stuck on a pneumatic or mechanical problem?

What they are checking: Whether they can support and teach others, since this role leads troubleshooting across the team.

This is a rotating night shift. How do you make good decisions at 3 a.m. when engineers aren't around?

What they are checking: Whether they can work independently and know when a fix is safe to make alone.

About the work

What PLC platforms have you worked on, and how comfortable are you going online and reading ladder logic?

What they are checking: Whether their PLC skills are hands-on enough to lead troubleshooting on complex lines.

How do you set up and tune a Cognex vision inspection when it starts rejecting good parts?

What they are checking: Whether they can fix vision issues without just loosening tolerances and letting bad parts through.

A device on the industrial network stops talking. What do you check?

What they are checking: Whether they understand industrial networks well enough to isolate communication failures.

Tell me how you apply lockout/tagout on equipment with stored pneumatic or electrical energy.

What they are checking: Whether safety is automatic for them around the energized equipment they will work on.

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The full job description

As published by Flex.

Flex is the diversified manufacturing partner of choice that helps market-leading brands design, build and deliver innovative products that improve the world. A career at Flex offers the opportunity to make a difference and invest in your growth in a respectful, inclusive, and collaborative environment. If you are excited about a role but don't meet every bullet point, we encourage you to apply and join us to create the extraordinary. Job Summary 

 To support our extraordinary teams who build great products and contribute to our growth, we’re looking to add an Industrial Controls Technician located in Buffalo Grove, IL. Reporting to the Systems Engineering Manager, the Industrial Controls Technician leads troubleshooting and repair electrical, controls and communication issues on complex production lines which include PLC, HMI, motion control, VFDs, servo motors/drives, industrial networks and vision inspection systems. Shift: 6pm – 6am (rotating shift) – Night Shift What a typical day looks like: • Support Automation Technicians in troubleshooting mechanical, pneumatic and hydraulic systems and components to return equipment to production. • Set up and troubleshooting of motion control systems, Servo motors/drives and VFDs. • Troubleshoot, maintain, and update in-line vision systems such as Cognex. • Plan, implement PLC and HMI software upgrades and perform functional verifications. • Read and interpret technical manuals, electrical schematics, various programs and mechanical diagrams including complex automated system drawings. • Write test procedures to demonstrate effectiveness of software/hardware upgrades. • Clearly and concisely document work performed in Medical Device environment. Other duties & responsibilities: • Maintain software, documentation and equipment to the latest revision or operational specifications. • Identify critical devices on new equipment and assure we have all manuals, cables, software, firmware and knowledge necessary to troubleshoot, repair or replace those devices. • Collaborate with the automation team in the qualification process of automated systems. • Assist engineers in developing and designing hardware and software required for automation solutions per specifications. • Train other technicians and operators on processes and equipment. • Proper use of power tools and measuring equipment • Strong awareness of safety/electrical safety. The experience we’re looking to add to our team: • Requires a minimum of 6 years of experience troubleshooting PLCs', HMI's, motion control, VFDs, Servo motors/drives, industrial networks and vision inspection systems. • Associates degree, Military technical training or vocational training in Industrial Controls Technology. • Medical device experience or other regulated industry is preferred. • Software experience with: RSLOGIX, Logics Designer, Factory Talk, Ignition, Cognex, Insight, Siemens S7. AW20 What you'll receive for the great work you provide: • Full range of medical, dental, and vision plans • Life Insurance • Short-term and Long-term Disability • Matching 401(k) Contributions • Vacation and Paid Sick Time • Tuition Reimbursement 
 Application Deadline: Applications for this job position will be accepted for at least five days following the job posting start date below and continuing until the end date below or until the position is filled. This posting may close sooner due to application volume. Job Posting Start Date 09-17-2026 Job Posting End Date 10-26-2026

 The base pay range for this position is provided below. The final base rate offered will be determined using job-related, non-discriminatory criteria, including but not limited to experience, qualifications, geographic location, education, external market data, and internal equity. $34.40 USD - $47.30 USD Hourly Job Category Production Engineering Is Sponsorship Available? No Flex is an Equal Opportunity Employer and employment selection decisions are based on merit, qualifications, and abilities. We do not discriminate based on: age, race, religion, color, sex, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, disability, pregnancy status, or any other status protected by law. We're happy to provide reasonable accommodations to those with a disability for assistance in the application process. Please email accessibility@flex.com and we'll discuss your specific situation and next steps (NOTE: this email does not accept or consider resumes or applications. This is only for disability assistance. To be considered for a position at Flex, you must complete the application process first).

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