Controls and Automation Technician

POSITION SUMMARY

The Controls and Automation Technician will work with the maintenance team to maintain and repair conveyance, automation and facilities equipment to support operations uptime and improve reliability of our systems. This position is responsible for performing and managing technical and automated plant maintenance programs under the direction of the Maintenance Manager. Maintenance activities must ensure that employee health and safety, product safety, and the protection of the environment are never compromised, and that all maintenance activities enhance product quality, performance and business priorities. The Controls and Automation Technician will adhere to all health and safety policies and directives and maintain a clean safe work area. This position partners with internal and external engineering services and local parts vendors to ensure automated equipment operates at the highest level of efficiencies and will advocate improvement projects as assigned.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Major/Key Accountabilities

• Accountable for the set-up, operation and troubleshooting of equipment, including mechanical and programmable controls, as well as completing the necessary filler, conveyor, and palletizer adjustments for changeovers.
• Working with a preventive maintenance program and all associated hardware and software
• Perform preventive maintenance and routine inspections on assigned conveyors, automation, robotics and ancillary equipment as needed
• Visually inspect all incoming materials and outgoing products and make minor adjustments as needed.
• Mentor all maintenance personnel in developing appropriate skill sets and knowledge of equipment specializing in mechanical, electrical, and refrigeration
• Perform and evaluate package integrity tests
• Identify non-conforming product, such as poorly glued boxes, improper codes and/or labels affecting equipment
• Identify and resolve problems affecting production of equipment
• Monitor computer terminals, HMI and OIT screens
• Supporting and maintaining established system standards and documentation for process control loops and analytical equipment
• Trouble shooting and supporting other warehouse technologies tools
• Work on-call schedule during peak demand times and responds to after-hours emergencies
• Other duties as assigned

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• AA/AS degree or equal job-related experience
• 3 years of experience with process systems troubleshooting skills
• Able to read and understand Electrical schematics, control panel drawings
• Experience in Industrial automation platforms (PLC products) or knowledge of other Facility Management Systems highly desired
• Ability to understand and communicate instructions with experience in a manufacturing/food production environment.
• A demonstrated ability to exceed performance expectations, especially in categories of attendance, safety, and teamwork is required.
• Must be familiar with and able to run automated equipment, including fillers and palletizers and operating casing equipment
• Ability to demonstrate mechanical aptitude to be able to sequence equipment for proper start-up and shutdown, understanding machinery and conveyor controls.
• The ability to do repetitive stooping, lifting 50 pounds, bending, and standing while operating equipment is required.

PHYSICAL DEMAND & WORK EFFORT

• Must be able to work in a production environment with exposure to dust, occasional fumes and varying production and cold storage.
• Work performed will be in a production environment with possible exposure to food allergens, dust, varying temperatures, loud noise level and occasional fumes and chemicals.
• Must be flexible with regard to job assignments as days, hours and support tasks may vary depending on production needs. Weekends and overtime may be required.
• Honest and respectful communication.
• Compliance with company attendance standards.