Controls Technician
Who we are…
We are a team of scientists, engineers, technicians, and innovators dedicated to changing the world by developing medical isotopes to treat and eradicate cancer. We believe in building an environment where collaboration, curiosity, and camaraderie thrive. We also enjoy darts, cornhole, ping-pong, chili cook-offs, and other fun events that makes our company a community where we make a life, not just a living.
Who you are…
You are a hands-on problem solver who enjoys digging in and figuring out how things work and how to make them work more efficiently. You bring a strong sense of ownership to your work and don’t shy away from rolling up your sleeves, whether it’s routine maintenance or troubleshooting a high-stakes issue. You remain calm under pressure, especially when quick action is needed to support operations. You are naturally curious, detail-oriented, and safety-focused. Words that describe you include dependable, analytical, adaptable, and driven. You take pride in knowing that your work directly supports life-changing technology and mission-critical outcomes.
What you can expect to work on…
The Controls Technician supports the safe, reliable operation, maintenance, and improvement of industrial control systems for accelerator and beamline systems. This role requires strong technical ownership, advanced troubleshooting capability, and the ability to lead system improvements Performs routine preventive maintenance, inspection, and calibration of high-voltage power supplies, pulsed modulators, tetrodes, waveguide systems, and RF distribution components
- Installs, configures, and maintains advanced industrial control systems for accelerator and beamline operations
- Performs real-time troubleshooting and root-cause analysis of complex hardware, software, and network issues to minimize downtime
- Programs and optimizes PLC logic (Allen-Bradley or Productivity series) for robust sequencing, interlocks, and data acquisition
- Maintains and improves Python-based tools and SQL databases for data analysis, automation, and system monitoring
- Designs and updates GUI/HMI interfaces for operational efficiency and usability
- Supports the development of and verify revision control using proper documentation, backups, and GIT
What you need to succeed…
- Embraces and models the Niowave Core Values of Teamwork, Courage, Integrity, and Upright Zeal
- Develops and maintains good relationships, gains the confidence of others, and works effectively in a multidisciplinary matrix environment
- Understands how to integrate into a new team/organization
- Appreciates the history of current state of systems and processes and exercises sound judgment in proposing and implementing improvements
- Understands personal communication and learning styles and adapts approach to connect effectively with others
- Displays excellent interpersonal, written, and oral communication skills
- Possesses sound organizational skills
- Associate’s degree in electrical/electronic technology, automation/mechatronics, instrumentation & controls or equivalent experience
- 4+ years of hands-on experience with industrial controls and automation, including:
- Strong troubleshooting skills in electrical and automated systems
- Working knowledge of PLC systems (Allen-Bradley or Productivity preferred)
- Basic to intermediate Python programming experience
- Ability to read electrical schematics, P&IDs, and control diagrams
- Strong working knowledge of high-voltage safety practices and lockout/tagout procedures
- Demonstrates creative and excellent problem solving and decision-making skills with ability to critically interpret and use data to manage risk
- Demonstrates skilled electrical aptitude & technical documentation skills
- Is a resilient self-starter, who learns and acts quickly, and has keen attention to detail
Great to have…
- Bachelor’s degree in electrical/electronic technology, automation/mechatronics, instrumentation & controls or equivalent experience
- 8+ years of hands-on experience with industrial controls and automation, including:
- GUI/HMI development
- troubleshooting complex electrical and control systems (industrial networking and SCADA systems)
- PLC programming and system design (Allen-Bradley or Productivity preferred)
- Reading and interpreting detailed electrical schematics, single-line diagrams, and P&IDs
- Proficiency with Python libraries (NumPy, pandas, PyQt, Dash, etc.)
- Experience leading installation or commissioning projects
- Familiarity with high-voltage, RF, vacuum, or motion-control systems
- Experience with linear accelerators, cyclotrons, or other particle beam systems
- Previous work supporting medical isotope production or radiopharmaceutical manufacturing
- Experience working in radiation-controlled environments
Other things to know…
- Full-time position
- The company’s standard operating hours are Monday thru Friday 6:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. with production related activities requiring 24/7/365 shifts
- This position will have regular working hours Monday - Friday within the standard operating hours
- There is an expectation of adjusting working hours outside the standard hours to meet operational requirements
- This position will have rotating on-call responsibilities as assigned
- Niowave has multiple locations within the Lansing area and travel between locations is expected in the role
Please provide a cover letter specifically describing the nature of your background and experience as it relates to this position.
