Automation Controls Technician

Summary

What You’ll Be Doing (Essential Duties)

• Program, troubleshoot, modify, and maintain PLC systems used in factory production, processing, packaging, by-product handling, receiving, storage, and utility operations.
• Support automated equipment including conveyors, presses, dryers, optical sorters, scales, sensors, drives, motor controls, safety circuits, HMI panels, and related control devices.
• Diagnose electrical, mechanical, instrumentation, network, and control system issues to reduce downtime and restore equipment to safe operating condition.
• Develop and modify PLC logic, HMI screens, alarms, recipes, setpoints, interlocks, and control sequences to support operational needs and continuous improvement projects.
• Maintain current backups, documentation, drawings, I/O lists, program versions, and change records for control systems.
• Work with Maintenance and Operations personnel to identify recurring equipment issues, complete root cause analysis, and implement corrective actions.
• Assist with installation, commissioning, testing, and startup of new equipment, upgraded controls, and automation improvement projects.
• Provide technical support and basic training to maintenance technicians, operators, and supervisors on control system operation, troubleshooting, and safe restart procedures.
• Coordinate with outside contractors, OEM technicians, and vendors to support equipment upgrades, software changes, system troubleshooting, and repairs.
• Ensure PLC programming and automation work complies with company safety policies, lockout/tagout requirements, electrical safety expectations, machine guarding requirements, and applicable codes.
• Support preventive maintenance activities by inspecting control panels, verifying sensors and safety devices, reviewing alarm history, and identifying opportunities to improve equipment reliability.
• Partner with production leadership to improve throughput, quality, safety, traceability, runtime, and efficiency across factory processing lines.
• Respond to urgent breakdowns and provide on-call or overtime support when required by production demands.
• Perform other duties and special projects as assigned.
• Minimum Requirements
• Associate’s degree or technical school certificate.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience programming, troubleshooting, or maintaining PLC-controlled equipment in a manufacturing, processing, warehouse, agricultural, food, tobacco, or industrial environment.
• Working knowledge of PLC programming, ladder logic, HMI systems, VFDs, industrial sensors, motor controls, safety circuits, relays, starters, and control panels.
• Ability to read and interpret electrical drawings, control schematics, ladder logic, wiring diagrams, equipment manuals, and technical documentation.
• Experience troubleshooting industrial electrical systems up to 480 volts and understanding safe work practices around energized equipment.
• Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to diagnose issues quickly and communicate recommended repairs clearly.
• Ability to work independently, prioritize multiple issues, and support production needs in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to document changes, repairs, and system information accurately.
• Basic computer skills, including Microsoft Office applications and the ability to work with PLC programming software, HMI software, CMMS systems, and equipment interfaces.
• Must be authorized to work in the United States.

Preferred Requirements

• Experience with Allen-Bradley/Rockwell Automation, Siemens, Schneider, or comparable PLC platforms.
• Experience with HMI/SCADA systems, industrial networking, Ethernet/IP, Profibus, Modbus, or other plant communication protocols.
• Experience in electrical, automation, industrial maintenance, mechatronics, or a related field.
• Experience with optical sorters, conveyors, presses, dryers, dust collection equipment, scales, packaging lines, or tobacco processing equipment.
• Knowledge of National Electrical Code (NEC), OSHA requirements, NFPA 70E, machine safety practices, lockout/tagout, and industrial control panel standards.
• Experience supporting continuous improvement, TPM, downtime reduction, or reliability improvement initiatives.
• Ability to assist with electrical design, control panel modifications, wiring changes, and field device selection.
• Bilingual communication skills, English and Spanish

Benefits

• We offer a wide range of market-competitive total rewards that include 401(k) match, pension, merit increases, paid holidays, medical, dental, life, vision, short and long-term disability benefits, and tuition assistance to name a few.