Industrial Controls Technician I

Department: Charlotte Area Transit System Department

Salary: $28.30 - $44.21 Commensurate with Experience

Thank you for your interest in joining the team that keeps Charlotte moving, at a very exciting time for our organization. At the Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS), we’re committed to delivering safe, reliable, and innovative transit services for our growing community, and we value employees who bring professionalism, passion, and a commitment to public service.

 

This position is currently employed by CATS, a department of the City of Charlotte. With the passage of the PAVE Act and last year’s sales tax referendum, CATS is preparing to transition from a City department to the newly created Metropolitan Public Transit Authority (MPTA). The MPTA was established to strengthen regional transit governance, improve accountability, and support long‑term investment in mobility. It’s an important and exciting step forward for transit in our region.

 

Employees hired into this role will remain City employees through December 31, 2026, and will transition to MPTA employment on January 1, 2027. Benefits and compensation will follow City provisions through 2026 and shift to MPTA provisions in 2027, with clear information shared in advance. Your core duties, reporting structure, and daily responsibilities will remain consistent, with no break in service. If anything delays the transition, your City employment, including compensation and benefits, will remain in place until the move to the MPTA occurs.

 

The creation of the MPTA positions us for a more modern, sustainable, and efficient transit system, one that can better support the Charlotte region for decades to come. We’re excited about what’s ahead and appreciate your interest in being part of it.

SUMMARY

The Industrial Controls Technician I performs technical work supporting the installation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and operation of operational technology and control systems used by CATS. This position supports field-based and facility-based technology systems that enable transit operations, customer information services, safety monitoring, and access control functions.

Working under procedural direction, the Industrial Controls Technician I assists with maintaining operational technology devices and associated software systems while developing technical expertise in assigned platforms. Systems supported by this role may include supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) platforms, field controllers, monitoring systems, communications equipment, and integrated operational technology environments supporting vehicles, facilities, and transit infrastructure. The role performs hands-on technical work in operational environments and collaborates with application administrators, infrastructure staff, vendors, and operational personnel to ensure technology systems function reliably and safely within a 24/7 transit environment.

Industrial Controls Technicians may be assigned to specialized technology domains depending on organizational needs, including operational systems, SCADA environments, video management systems, access control technologies, fare collection equipment, communications systems, or other field-deployed technology environments supporting CATS operations.

Major Duties and Responsibilities

Field Technology Installation and Maintenance

• Assist with installation, setup, replacement, and maintenance of operational technology equipment and control devices.
• Perform routine inspections and preventive maintenance on assigned systems and equipment.
• Support Bus and Rail hardware. (IVLU’s, APC Sensors, fareboxes and MDT units)
• Install and connect hardware components including controllers, cameras, access devices, sensors, communication devices, and related infrastructure.
• Verify system functionality following installation or maintenance activities.
• Maintain tools, equipment, and materials used in technical work.

Operational System and SCADA Support

• Support operation of technology systems deployed in vehicles, facilities, and operational locations.
• Assist with maintenance and support of SCADA-connected devices and field control systems used for monitoring and managing operational infrastructure.
• Respond to service requests and assist in diagnosing equipment or system issues.
• Replace or repair malfunctioning components following established procedures.
• Coordinate with technical teams to restore system functionality.
• Escalate complex technical problems appropriately.

Troubleshooting and Diagnostics

• Perform basic diagnostics on hardware and associated software systems.
• Use testing equipment, monitoring tools, and system interfaces to identify faults.
• Assist higher-level technicians or administrators with complex troubleshooting activities.
• Document issues, corrective actions, and outcomes accurately.

Coordination with Technical and Operational Staff

• Work collaboratively with Application Administrators and Infrastructure teams during deployments or maintenance activities.
• Coordinate with operations personnel when performing work impacting transit service delivery.
• Support vendor technicians performing repairs, upgrades, or inspections.
• Maintain professional communication with stakeholders and system users.

Documentation and Asset Tracking

• Maintain accurate service records and maintenance documentation.
• Record equipment installations, replacements, and configuration updates.
• Follow established documentation and change tracking procedures.
• Assist with maintaining inventory and asset management information.

Safety and Compliance

• Follow safety procedures when working in operational environments and near active transit infrastructure.
• Comply with organizational policies, regulatory requirements, and established technical standards.
• Use appropriate personal protective equipment when required.
• Maintain awareness of operational hazards and safe work practices.

 

Specific Assignments:

Industrial Controls Technicians may be assigned to specific operational technology domains depending on organizational needs. Assignments may include, but are not limited to:

• SCADA and Supervisory Control Systems
• Operations Technology Systems
• Fare Collection Equipment
• Vehicle Technology Systems
• Customer Information Displays
• Communications or Facility Technology Systems

Assignment specialization does not change classification but may influence technical focus and daily responsibilities.

Core Competencies

Technical Learning and Development: Ability to develop proficiency in operational technology and control systems.

• Learns installation and maintenance procedures.
• Develops understanding of SCADA and field control system operations.
• Applies technical training effectively.
• Demonstrates continuous skill development.

 

Troubleshooting and Problem Solving: Ability to diagnose routine equipment and system issues.

• Applies logical troubleshooting methods.
• Identifies equipment and connectivity faults.
• Escalates issues appropriately.

 

Reliability and Accountability: Ability to perform work accurately and consistently.

• Completes assignments reliably.
• Maintains accurate records and documentation.
• Follows established standards and procedures.

 

Collaboration and Communication: Ability to work effectively with technical teams and operational staff.

• Communicates clearly with stakeholders.
• Works cooperatively in team environments.
• Maintains professional interactions.

Safety Awareness: Ability to work safely in operational and field environments.

• Follows safety protocols.
• Recognizes workplace hazards.
• Maintains situational awareness in active transit environments.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Knowledge of:

• Basic electronics and industrial control system concepts.
• SCADA and operational technology environments.
• Technical installation and maintenance practices.
• Diagnostic and troubleshooting techniques.
• Workplace safety practices.

Skill in:

• Using hand tools, diagnostic equipment, and testing devices.
• Following technical diagrams and procedures.
• Documenting technical work accurately.
• Communicating technical information clearly.

Ability to:

• Perform hands-on technical work in operational environments.
• Learn new technology systems quickly.
• Follow established procedures consistently.
• Work independently on assigned tasks.
• Maintain effective working relationships.

Salary: $28.30 - $35.37 Commensurate with Experience

Minimum Qualifications

• Associate degree in electronics, industrial technology, information technology, or related technical field; or equivalent combination of education and technical experience.
• Experience working with electronic equipment, control systems, or field technology environments preferred.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supporting SCADA or operational technology systems.
• Experience working with video, access control, fare systems, or communications equipment.
• Experience performing field installations or technical maintenance.
• Public-sector or transit-related experience.

Working Environment and Physical Demands

• Work performed in field, facility, and operational transit environments.
• Requires frequent walking, standing, climbing, bending, kneeling, and lifting equipment.
• May involve work outdoors in varying weather conditions.
• Requires lifting and handling of technical equipment and tools.
• May require evening, weekend, or off-hours work to support operational needs.

• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

The City’s Background Check Policy requires background checks to be conducted on final internal or external candidate(s) applying for any position with the City of Charlotte. The type of information that will be collected as part of a background check includes, but is not limited to: reference checks, social security verification, education verification, criminal conviction record check, and, if applicable, a credit history check, sex offender registry and motor vehicle records check.

Background checks must be in compliance with all federal and state statutes, such as the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). The checks must be consistent with the guidelines set forth by these laws requiring organizations to obtain a candidate’s written authorization before obtaining a criminal background report, motor vehicle records check or credit report; and to properly store and dispose of information derived from such reports.

Final candidates must pass a pre-employment drug-screening test and physical examination. During the selection process, candidates may be asked to take a skills test, and/or participate in other assessments.

The City of Charlotte is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, national origin, marital status, age, disability, sexual orientation, political affiliation or on the basis of actual or perceived gender as expressed through dress, appearance, or behavior.

Our culture is to serve the community honorably.

HOW TO APPLY

Apply online.

Federal law requires employers to provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. Please tell us if you require a reasonable accommodation to apply for a job.

You are welcome to visit the City of Charlotte Human Resources Department lobby, where self-service application kiosks are available. They are located in our office at 700 East 4th Street, Suite 200, Charlotte, NC 28202. We are open Monday through Friday, from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. (EST), excluding official City holidays.

For questions about your application or the hiring process, please email Careers@ci.charlotte.nc.us

The City of Charlotte is committed to making our services and programs accessible to all. Upon request, auxiliary aids, written materials in alternate formats, language access, and other reasonable accommodations or modifications will be provided. To make a request, please fill out the Innovation & Technology ADA request form or call 704.336.4120.

BENEFITS

The City of Charlotte provides a comprehensive benefits package to eligible employees.

Click here to learn more about the City of Charlotte’s benefits.

The City of Charlotte is a drug and alcohol-free workplace.