Industrial Automation Controls Technician

Job Description

Job Description

Step Into the Heart of Automation

Picture your day beginning on a bustling production floor where packaging solutions for foodservice, retail, and industrial customers come to life. As our Industrial Automation Controls Technician, you keep sophisticated equipment humming—calibrating instruments, diving into PLC logic, and coaching teammates through complex challenges so orders ship on time and safely.

About Novolex

Novolex is a leading manufacturer of food, beverage, and specialty packaging serving foodservice, restaurant delivery and carryout, food processing, grocery and retail, and industrial markets. Our expertise spans resin, paper, molded fiber, aluminum and more—delivering 120 product categories across 250 brands and over 39,000 SKUs.

Built on Sustainability

Our sustainability vision rests on three pillars—products, operations, and people. These pillars guide our initiatives and long-term goals, shaping how we innovate, run our facilities, and invest in our team.

Your Impact

• Champion a zero-incident EHS culture; support incident investigations, correct unsafe conditions immediately, and turn near-misses into learning moments.
• Monitor, adjust, calibrate, and repair manufacturing equipment, instruments, and fixtures.
• Own in-depth troubleshooting for PLCs, HMIs, motors, and drives—Allen Bradley is required—plus proficiency with at least one other platform (e.g., Mitsubishi, Schneider, GE, Opto 22).
• Read and modify PLC ladder logic and perform electrical/electronic installations, including drive systems and controller programming.
• Apply working knowledge of AC vector and servo drive technology.
• Diagnose circuitry and electromechanical concepts (AC/DC, sinking/sourcing, analog, etc.).
• Troubleshoot and maintain Fanuc robotic systems (palletizers, case erectors, pick-and-place).
• Leverage fundamentals of hydraulics, pneumatics, mechanical systems, and basic PC components.
• Interpret drawings, schematics, wiring diagrams, and specifications; familiarity with CAD tools (AutoCAD, Visio, etc.).
• Stay current with state-of-the-art automation and control methods.
• Use PDCA and other problem-solving approaches to get to root cause and prevent recurrence.
• Provide higher-level technical assistance to shift electricians and train colleagues at all levels.
• Oversee contractors to reduce both planned and unplanned downtime.
• Maintain procedures, manuals, and as-built documentation for equipment and processes.
• Work flexible hours as needed, including potential weekends, holidays, and call-ins.

What You Bring

• High school diploma or equivalent; apprenticeship or equivalent training required.
• Associate’s degree in maintenance or industrial technology preferred.
• 5+ years of industrial maintenance experience with significant automation and controls exposure.
• Fluency with Microsoft applications, Outlook, SAP.
• Knowledge of OSHA Electrical Standards and the National Electrical Code (NEC).
• Expert troubleshooting mindset; decisive under deadlines; strong communication; self-driven and collaborative.

Compensation & Benefits

A reasonable estimate of the current range is $59,500/yr. - $99,100/yr. + bonus + benefits. The range reflects the minimum and maximum target salaries for this role across US locations. Within the range, individual pay depends on job-related skills, experience, and education/training. It is uncommon to start at the top of the range; compensation decisions consider the facts and circumstances of each case.

Benefits include a 401(k) with company match; comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance; flexible spending and health savings accounts; paid vacation and sick time; paid parental leave; paid holidays; and a wellness program.

Grow With Us Benefits

Safety and well-being come first. We offer competitive medical, dental, and vision coverage along with robust resources for mental, physical, and financial health. Specific programs may vary by location.

Community Engagement

Our Focused Giving Program supports organizations advancing sustainability or addressing food and hunger needs, with additional, facility-level engagement in the communities where our employees live and work.

Training & Development

Advance your career through MyLearning: company and industry curricula, a Learning Management System for skills at every level, and Tuition Reimbursement (Non-Union) for formal education.

Proficiencies

• Commercial Electrical Expertise; Electrical Installation, Troubleshooting, and Repair
• OSHA 10-Hour Certification (OSHA 10); High Voltage Systems
• Pneumatics Troubleshooting; Powerhouse Operation
• Industrial Electrical Experience

Machines & Technologies You’ll Use

• Packaging Machines
• Corrugated Press
• Extrusion Machine
• Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) (Allen Bradley, Mitsubishi, Schneider Electric, Fanuc)

Our Commitment

We value diverse experiences and perspectives. If you meet many, but not all, requirements, we encourage you to apply.

Novolex is committed to providing equal employment opportunity in all employment practices, including but not limited to selection, hiring, promotion, transfer, and compensation to all qualified applicants and employees without regard to age, race, color, national origin, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, handicap or disability, genetics, citizenship status, service member or veteran status, or any other category protected by federal, state, or local law. Any individual who, because of his or her disability, needs an accommodation in connection with an aspect of the Company's application process should contact View email address on ziprecruiter.com.