Automation/Controls Technician (1st Shift)

Summary

This role is responsible for troubleshooting and performing preventative maintenance on various building systems, production equipment, conveyers, automation equipment and robotic equipment. This position is responsible for installing, maintaining, repairing, troubleshooting, programming, and modifying controls and automation systems.

• Schedule: 1st Shift (Monday - Friday 6:00am-6:00pm; Weekend overtime required as business needs dictate)

Principal and Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Proposing, specifying, designing, programming, and implementing electrical controls and automation systems for a manufacturing facility.
• Review technical specifications and schematics for new equipment to ensure that sound engineering practices are followed, and that Machine Build Standards, NEC, and OSHA requirements are met.
• Review and modify existing equipment as required to meet safety and ergonomic requirements.
• Perform system evaluations, electrical design and automation system programming support for all plant manufacturing operations.
• Perform root-cause analysis, troubleshoot, repair, and maintain mechanical and electrical equipment such as: blending, conveying, filling, packaging, coding/printing compressed air, vacuum, hydraulic and refrigeration systems.
• Upgrading of existing equipment and integration of existing equipment with new automation. Alterations to existing manuals and wiring diagrams, implementation of training packages for equipment altered.
• Competent and capable with high voltage wiring and multi-craft repair. Troubleshoot electrical wiring, relay logic, control, and safety circuits.
• Troubleshoot electronic boards, PLC’s, touch screens, VFD’s, HMI displays, contactors and motors
• Troubleshoot mechanical systems related to production and plant support equipment ranging from single phase to three phase equipment along with voltages ranging from 5VDC – 480 VAC.
• Interpret electrical schematics, mechanical drawings, blueprints and layouts.
• Perform preventative and predictive maintenance of all equipment. Base knowledge of mechanical maintenance e repair.  Industrial Equipment to include: Electro-mechanical equipment, hydraulics, pneumatics systems, motion controls, and programmable logic controllers.
• Train Junior Mechanics on equipment, procedures and troubleshooting practices.
•  Follow all company policies including, but not limited to general manufacturing and safety practices.
• Ensure that work is completed in accordance with relevant codes and proper documentation.
• Participate in continuous improvement activities and performance teams for suggesting methods to improve processes, efficiency, quality, and service.
• Be able to provide after-hours telephone and on-site troubleshooting assistance to plant electrical, engineering and production departments in a 24-hour, 7 days a week operation.
• Follow all company policies and procedures including, but not limited to GMP, HACCP, Health and Safety, and attendance.

Qualifications/Skills

• Must have good understanding of PLC systems and ability to create PLC program code and program documentation.  Should have good practical experience in PLC systems for process or material handling work.
• Experience with Allen-Bradley.
• HMI programming experience.
• Experience with Allen-Bradley variable frequency AC drives and reduced voltage starters preferred.
• Experience specifying, installing and troubleshooting thermocouples, pressure transducers, proximity sensors, etc.
• Proficient troubleshooting including, but not limited to electrical/electronic circuits.
• Proficiency at using tools including, but not limited to electronic testing equipment.
• Capability of using a Windows based PC and Microsoft Office applications.
• Must have excellent communication skills and the ability to relate well to a wide range of constituents.
• Must be able to function well as a member of a team.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule including weekends, holidays and overtime as needed.

Minimum Education

• Education and/or a combination of education and experience equivalent to an Associate’s Degree in Electrical Engineering Technology, Automation, or related discipline and 1-3 years of automation maintenance and/or automation projects in an industrial environment, preferably in a food manufacturing environment.
• Electrical certification, maintenance manufacturing experience, technical school training or welding experience.
• Understanding of Allen Bradley PLC – Design, Programming, Installation, Operation, Maintenance and Troubleshooting.
• Electrical Maintenance with R-30iA and R-30iB Controllers.

Experience Requirements

• 4+ years experience.
• Valid drivers license (Class C) required.
• Required skills may also include trouble shooting switches, 3 phase motor and service light fixtures and ballasts.
• Reading, writing, math and analytical skills required.

Experience Preferred

• Fanuc Certified Service Engineer (CSE) or Master Certified Preferred
• Pallet Tool/Pick Tool and Programming (Part of Fanuc Robotics)
• Line Tracking Setup (Non-Vision) (Part of Fanuc Robotics)
• KAREL Programming (Part of Fanuc Robotics)

Environmental Factors and Physical Requirements

• Must be able to move throughout assigned areas of responsibility carrying required equipment and tools to perform trouble shooting procedures, repairs and preventative maintenance.
• Must be able to reach vertical heights up to 150' to perform repairs, preventative maintenance and monitor equipment both open and in confined spaces.
• Must be able to work outside in all seasonal weather, stand for 8 to 14 hours.
• Exposure to air born dust, chemicals, such as hexane, caustic sode, butanone, ethanol and aluminum chloride.
• When in a plant environment: Exposure primarily consists of wet and moist floors which include metal and plastic grating surfaces.
• May be exposed to temperatures of 28 degrees to 100 degrees Fahrenheit with both ambient and 100% humidity.
• May handle product 25 degrees to 50 degrees Fahrenheit. May be exposed to noise ranges of 50 db. to 110 db.
• May be exposed to all chemicals used in poultry, food, processing facility. Must wear and use protective and safety equipment required for the job as directed by the company.
• May need to climb ladders.