PLC Technician

Description

Circuit of The Americas (COTA) is a 365-entertainment destination for world-class events located in Austin, TX. The sports and entertainment portfolio at COTA is unmatched in the country with Formula 1 US Grand Prix, NASCAR and MotoGP attracting global fans during championship races on the famed Circuit and Live Nation producing over 30 headline concerts every year at the Germania Insurance Amphitheater. Opening in 2026, COTA’s amusement park, COTALAND, is on over 30-acres featuring two first of their kind Roller Coasters and 30 rides.

Job Description:

We are seeking a skilled Ride PLC Technician to install, maintain, and troubleshoot Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) systems for amusement park rides and attractions. This role ensures the safety, reliability, and efficiency of ride control systems by performing inspections, diagnostics, and repairs on electrical and automation components. This is an onsite, full-time role at COTA. 

Requirements

Requirements & Essential Functions:

• Maintain, troubleshoot, and repair PLC-based ride control systems to ensure optimal operation and guest safety.
•  Conduct routine inspections and preventive maintenance on ride electrical and automation systems.
•  Modify and update PLC programs as needed to improve ride performance and reliability.
•  Work with electrical schematics, ladder logic diagrams, and HMI (Human-Machine Interface) systems.
•  Diagnose and resolve faults in control systems, including sensors, motors, VFDs, and safety circuits.
•  Collaborate with ride operators, and maintenance teams to ensure smooth operation.
•  Document maintenance activities, programming changes, and system upgrades.
•  Adhere to all safety regulations and park policies regarding electrical and automation work.
•  Assist with new ride installations, commissioning, and system integrations.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Strong interpersonal skills; can effectively communicate and relate to all levels within and outside the organization; create and build positive and productive relationships.
• Drives the team and the organization for results in order to improve bottom line performance; able to make timely or planned decisions appropriate to the circumstances or situation.
• Ability to make tough decisions, gains input from others and moves decisions forward in the organization.
• Responds quickly and effectively to changing trends and circumstances; embraces change and welcomes fresh perspectives; learns from past mistakes and adjusts accordingly.
• Ability to manage appropriate steps to get projects completed; has strong abilities to organize people and processes; can create a plan for resourceful workflow.
• Can be trusted to act in a manner that is truthful and values direct, honest communication at all levels of the organization.

Required Qualifications

•  Associate’s degree or technical certification in Electrical Engineering, Automation, or a related field (or equivalent work experience).
•  Experience working with PLCs (Allen-Bradley, Siemens, or similar) in an industrial or amusement park setting.
•  Proficiency in troubleshooting electrical systems, sensors, and motor controls.
•  Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics and wiring diagrams.
•  Strong problem-solving skills and ability to work under pressure in a fast-paced environment.
•  Understanding of safety standards (NFPA 70E, OSHA, ASTM F24) for ride systems is a plus.

Physical Demand & Work Environments:

• Ability to stand, sit, use of hands to handle, or feel, reach with hands and arms.
• Ability to squat, bend, twist, push/pull.
• Ability to stand/walk for long periods.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and distance vision.
• Work in extreme environments outdoors throughout the year.
• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate but can be loud during events.
• Must be comfortable working in outdoor conditions, at heights, and in confined spaces.
• Ability to work varied shifts, including nights, weekends, and holidays.
• Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs and perform physical tasks as required.

Salary commensurate with experience.

Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this job.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY:

COTA strongly supports equal employment opportunity for all applicants regardless of race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, pregnancy, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, age, marital status, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, sexual orientation, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by state or federal law