Automation Technician

Job Description

Job Description

ABOUT THE OPPORTUNITY:

• Controls Technician – 1st Shift
• Monday – Friday, 6:00am – 2:00pm 
• The salary range for this position is $64,000 - $74,000

 

Come join our Mason City, Iowa facilities where we manufacture and distribute our Animal Nutrition Products!

 

ROLE SUMMARY:

The Controls Technician based in Mason City that supports the Mason City and Oskaloosa facilities by maintaining and troubleshooting electrical systems, automation equipment, and PLCs to ensure equipment reliability and production efficiency. This role will install, program, calibrate, and repair instrumentation and control systems used across the plant. The Controls Technician works cross-functionally with engineering, maintenance, and operations teams to support process improvements and equipment upgrades while ensuring compliance with safety and quality standards.

 

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Install, maintain, troubleshoot, and repair control systems, including PLCs, HMIs, sensors, drives, and other automation equipment
• Diagnose and resolve issues related to motor control circuits, process control systems, and instrumentation
• Collaborate with maintenance and engineering teams to implement control strategies for new and existing equipment
• Support capital projects by assisting in the electrical and controls design, installation, and commissioning
• Maintain and update PLC/HMI programs to enhance system performance and accommodate process changes
• Document changes to control logic, wiring diagrams, and automation schematics
• Ensure all work complies with applicable codes, safety policies, GMPs, and SOPs
• Support preventive maintenance and calibration activities for instrumentation and electrical systems
• Assist with root cause analysis and corrective actions for equipment and automation failures
• Train maintenance and operations personnel on control systems and related troubleshooting procedures
• Participate in continuous improvement and lean manufacturing initiatives
• Perform other related duties as assigned

 

MINIMUM EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:

• Associate’s degree or technical certification in Electrical Engineering Technology, Industrial Automation, or a related field
• Minimum of 5 years of experience working with industrial electrical systems, automation, or instrumentation
• Experience with Allen-Bradley/Rockwell Automation platforms (ControlLogix, CompactLogix, PanelView)

 

PREFERED EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:

• Knowledge of SCADA systems, VFDs, safety relays, and industrial networking
• Previous experience in a manufacturing environment, preferably in food or animal nutrition industries

 

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Strong technical knowledge of control systems and instrumentation
• Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics and technical manuals
• Excellent troubleshooting and problem-solving skills
• Ability to work independently and in a team environment
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and experience with CMMS and PLC programming software
• Strong organizational skills with attention to detail
• Ability to prioritize tasks and manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment
• Must be able to read, write, and communicate in English

 

REQUIRED TRAINING:

• Electrical and Control Systems Safety Training
• Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) and Arc Flash Training
• PLC and HMI Software Training (Rockwell, Siemens, etc.)
• GMP and HACCP Training
• Training on plant-specific automation and SCADA systems

 

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Work is performed in both office and production environments, including electrical panels and equipment rooms
• Exposure to loud noises, moving machinery, elevated surfaces, and varying temperatures
• Requires frequent walking, standing, climbing, and lifting (up to 50 lbs.)
• Must wear appropriate PPE including safety glasses, gloves, and hearing protection
• 25%+ travel between Mason City and the Oskaloosa Iowa plants or as needed
• Occasional overtime, weekends, or on-call support may be required based on operational needs

Company Description

We’ve been making products that millions enjoy and rely on since 1846. We are a $4.9 billion company located in Ewing, New Jersey and are one of the fastest-growing consumer packaged goods companies.

Added to the S&P 500 in 2016, our brands are instantly recognizable across three primary segments:

Our Consumer Domestic segment includes our thirteen power brands, ARM & HAMMERTM, TrojanTM, First ResponseTM, NairTM, SpinbrushTM, OxiCleanTM, OrajelTM, VitafusionTM, BatisteTM, XTRATM, WaterPikTM, FlawlessTM and ZICAMTM.

Company Description

We’ve been making products that millions enjoy and rely on since 1846. We are a $4.9 billion company located in Ewing, New Jersey and are one of the fastest-growing consumer packaged goods companies.\r\n\r\nAdded to the S&P 500 in 2016, our brands are instantly recognizable across three primary segments:\r\n\r\nOur Consumer Domestic segment includes our thirteen power brands, ARM & HAMMERTM, TrojanTM, First ResponseTM, NairTM, SpinbrushTM, OxiCleanTM, OrajelTM, VitafusionTM, BatisteTM, XTRATM, WaterPikTM, FlawlessTM and ZICAMTM.