PLC Technician
Join Barebells Nashville as a PLC Technician: keep automation running, troubleshoot and optimize control systems, and drive safe, practical improvements on the line.
BB Nash is seeking a skilled PLC Technician to support our production operations, ensure reliable control systems, and drive continuous improvement across automation equipment and processes. The PLC Technician is responsible for maintaining, troubleshooting, and optimizing programmable logic control (PLC) systems and automated production equipment within our Nashville manufacturing facility.
Role Summary
This role plays a critical part in ensuring equipment reliability, minimizing downtime, and supporting safe, efficient plant operations. In a startup manufacturing environment, the PLC Technician will help establish strong automation standards, support equipment commissioning, and contribute to building scalable technical infrastructure as production grows.
This is a hands-on, plant-floor role requiring strong electrical and automation troubleshooting skills.
Core Responsibilities
PLC & Automation Specialist: Maintain stable, secure, and high-performing automated systems.
Troubleshoot and maintain PLC-controlled production equipment, HMIs, and automation systems.
Diagnose and resolve electrical, control system, and instrumentation issues.
Modify PLC programs to improve performance, reliability, and system stability.
Support commissioning, validation, and startup of new production lines.
Maintain secure remote access with OEMs and ensure proper documentation and PLC backups.
Reliability & Performance Partner: Reduce downtime and strengthen equipment reliability.
Respond to automation-related downtime across shifts and restore operations quickly.
Perform root cause analysis on recurring control system failures.
Implement improvements to enhance uptime and equipment performance.
Support preventive and predictive maintenance strategies for control systems.
Electrical & Controls Technician: Ensure integrity of electrical and control infrastructure.
Troubleshoot motors, VFDs, sensors, relays, and control panels.
Interpret electrical schematics and ladder logic diagrams.
Maintain and repair instrumentation and control components.
Document electrical and PLC system changes in compliance with site standards.
Continuous Improvement Contributor: Optimize automation for efficiency and throughput.
Recommend process improvements to increase throughput and reduce waste.
Partner with Production and Engineering to improve line efficiency.
Support automation upgrades and performance monitoring initiatives.
Safety & Compliance Champion: Protect people and systems through disciplined practices.
Follow OSHA and plant safety protocols, including Lockout/Tagout (LOTO).
Ensure control systems meet safety and regulatory standards.
Maintain documentation for inspections and compliance audits.
Qualifications & Experience
Required
Associate’s degree or technical certification in Electrical Engineering Technology, Automation, Mechatronics, or related field (or equivalent experience).
3–7 years of experience working with PLCs in a manufacturing environment.
Hands-on experience troubleshooting automated production equipment.
Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics and ladder logic.
Experience with common PLC platforms (e.g., Allen-Bradley, Siemens).
Preferred
Experience in food or CPG manufacturing.
Experience supporting start-up, brownfield, or newly commissioned facilities.
Familiarity with SCADA systems and industrial networking.
Experience with motion control and servo systems.
What It Takes to Succeed
A sharp troubleshooting mindset — you stay calm under pressure and solve complex problems quickly.
Confidence working independently while knowing when to escalate or collaborate.
Strong attention to detail and disciplined documentation practices.
A solution-focused approach that prioritizes uptime and production continuity.
Adaptability in a fast-paced manufacturing environment where priorities shift.
A safety-first mentality that protects people, equipment, and systems at all times.
How to Apply
If you meet the qualifications and are excited to contribute to a growing manufacturing team in Nashville, please submit your resume outlining your relevant experience. BB Nash is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes candidates of all backgrounds. Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States.
- Department
- Maintenance
- Locations
- Nashville, TN, USA
- Employment type
- Full-time
- Employment level
- B3 – Technical Specialist