Industrial Controls Technician

Maintenance Controls TechnicianThe Maintenance Controls Technician is responsible for installing, maintaining, troubleshooting, repairing, and improving automated manufacturing equipment and electrical control systems that are critical to the production and packaging of meat products. This role ensures PLCs, HMIs, industrial communication networks, drives, instrumentation, and control systems operate safely, efficiently, and reliably. The Maintenance Controls Technician supports production by minimizing downtime, maintaining system integrity, and ensuring compliance with safety and food manufacturing requirements.Essential Duties And ResponsibilitiesThe essential functions include, but are not limited to the following:Installs, maintains, and repairs existing and new automated manufacturing equipment while following applicable safety and sanitation guidelines.Diagnoses and repairs PLC, HMI, VFD, servo, instrumentation, and electrical control system failures using electrical schematics, ladder logic, OEM documentation, and visual observation.Programs, modifies, backs up, and troubleshoots Allen-Bradley and Siemens PLC systems utilized throughout the facility.Performs online PLC troubleshooting and diagnostics to identify equipment faults and minimize downtime.Maintains and troubleshoots Allen-Bradley PLC platforms including: PLC-5, SLC-500, MicroLogix, CompactLogix, and ControlLogix.Utilizes RSLogix 500, RSLogix 5000/Studio 5000, FactoryTalk View, and RSLinx software for troubleshooting and system maintenance.Troubleshoots industrial communication networks including DeviceNet, EtherNet/IP, and Industrial Ethernet systems.Inspects electrical and control systems to ensure proper operation and compliance with operational requirements.Diagnoses and repairs electrical systems up to 480VAC.Maintains and troubleshoots Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs), motor controls, relays, contactors, sensors, and instrumentation.Reads and interprets electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, panel layouts, ladder logic, and technical documentation.Assists or performs Preventative Maintenance (PM) activities using SOPs, LOTO procedures, and CMMS work orders.Maintains PLC, HMI, drive, and network backups.Documents program revisions, equipment modifications, and repairs.Assists with root cause investigations and implementation of corrective actions.Supports equipment installations, upgrades, and continuous improvement projects.Assists in conducting and participating in corporate and outside agency audits.Performs building preventative maintenance and repairs throughout the facility as assigned.Works on special projects as needed.Other duties as assigned.Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, and Experience)High school diploma or equivalent required.Technical certification or associate degree in a related field preferred.Minimum of three (3) years of experience in a manufacturing maintenance or industrial controls environment preferred.Food manufacturing experience preferred.Advanced knowledge of Allen-Bradley PLC systems.Strong working knowledge of RSLogix 500, RSLogix 5000, Studio 5000, FactoryTalk View, and RSLinx.Working knowledge of Siemens automation platforms preferred.Strong PLC troubleshooting and diagnostics experience required.Experience troubleshooting DeviceNet, EtherNet/IP, and Industrial Ethernet communications.Knowledge of VFDs, motor controls, electrical distribution systems, relays, contactors, and safety circuits.Experience troubleshooting electrical systems up to 480VAC.Knowledge of instrumentation, photo eyes, proximity sensors, encoders, and automated manufacturing equipment.Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, ladder logic, and technical manuals.Ability to use electrical testing equipment including digital multimeters, clamp meters, and megohm meters.Strong troubleshooting and root cause analysis skills.Ability to work with minimal supervision.Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities.Knowledge of safety regulations and best practices in a manufacturing environment.Ability to work in a fast-paced and physically demanding environment.Knowledge of Microsoft Office Products including Word, Excel and Outlook.Ability to read, write and communicate in English with strong verbal communication skills. Knowledge of Spanish is helpful, but not required.Physical Demands And Work EnvironmentThe physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the functions.While performing the duties of this position, the employee is required to perform physical activities that involve moving one's whole body, such as crawling, squatting, kneeling, turning, twisting, using both hands, reaching, and stretching to perform necessary repairs and installations and lifting from 70 pounds or more (unassisted). May frequently need to bend, stoop, crouch, or climb to access machinery or equipment located at different heights or in confined spaces. The employee must be able to walk and stand for a significant amount of time on even concrete surfaces, which may at times be slippery due to marinades, water, and other liquids associated with the production process.Due to noise levels in the work environment, the use of hearing protection is required. Precise vision is required for this position to perform detailed visual inspections and repairs of equipment and machinery, and to identify electrical color codes or safety labels. The employee will be working in a climate-controlled environment of -40ºF to -45ºF and may be exposed to heat working around hot machinery or ovens. Employee may be exposed to strong odors such as raw meat and marinades from seasoned meat.While in the production area, employee is required to wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to include hair and beard nets, rubber soled shoes, smocks, hearing protection and hard hats.1st shift