Automation Technician

Automation Technician

At Furmano Foods, you're joining a values-driven company with a purpose far greater than profit. Since 1921, we've stayed true to our farm, faith, and family roots—nourishing our customers, team members, partners, the land, and the future. We take pride in crafting quality, shelf-stable foods including beans, tomatoes, ancient grains, and vegetables for retail and foodservice markets nationwide. With competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits, and a dedication to sustainability, we offer team members the opportunity to make a lasting impact while upholding a legacy of quality, service, and stewardship.

Position Summary: The Automation Technician plays a vital role in supporting and advancing the automated systems throughout the food manufacturing facility. This individual will be responsible for the installation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and enhancement of electrical and control systems with a strong focus on safety, quality, and continuous improvement.

Education and Experience: Associate degree in Electrical Technology or related field is strongly preferred. Minimum 3 years of experience in automation, instrumentation, or controls within a food manufacturing or industrial setting. Equivalent combinations of education and experience will be considered.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Ensure food safety compliance in all activities; report concerns promptly to supervisors or managers.
• Recommend and specify new automation systems and control solutions to improve plant efficiency.
• Maintain and troubleshoot electrical/electronic systems including PLCs, HMIs, robotics, servos, sensors, and associated hardware.
• Lead or support the design, programming, and installation of control systems using Allen-Bradley or equivalent platforms.
• Collaborate on continuous improvement projects and plant-wide modernization efforts.
• Assist with the execution and management of capital projects under the direction of the Director of Engineering.
• Provide day-to-day support for the Engineering and Maintenance Department, including documentation and scheduling.
• Maintain accurate and detailed records of work performed, including updates to schematics and software logs.
• Promote a culture of teamwork, integrity, and proactive communication.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Skills and Competencies:

• Proficiency in PLC programming and troubleshooting (especially Allen-Bradley hardware/software).
• Working knowledge of operator interfaces (HMIs), robotics, VFDs, and servo systems.
• Ability to interpret and modify electrical schematics and automation documentation.
• Strong capabilities in ladder logic, control narratives, and system integration.
• Experience using AutoCAD, Microsoft Excel, Word, and Project.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; ability to work in a cross-functional team environment.
• Organized, detail-oriented, and comfortable in a fast-paced production environment.

Physical Requirements:

Body Movements – the amount of time spent performing each physical requirement:

• Occasional - 1/3 or less
• Frequent – 1/3 to 2/3
• Continuous – 2/3 or more

Standing: Frequent to Continuous

Walking: Frequent to continuous

Sitting: Occasional to Frequent

Lifting: Occasional to frequent (medium duty position / ability to lift 30lbs)

Carrying: Occasional to frequent (medium duty position / ability to carry 30lbs)

Climbing: Occasional

Climbing Stairs: Occasional

Climbing ladders: Occasional

Crawling: Occasional

Working in kneeling position: Occasional

Working with arms extended at shoulder level or above: Occasional

Twisting and Turning: Frequent to continuous

Reaching: Occasional to frequent

Bending: Occasional to frequent

Driving: Occasional

Pushing and Pulling: Occasional

Hand Movement: Manual dexterity

• Simple grasping: frequent
• Fine manipulation: Frequent

Operating Equipment: Occasional (electric and/or propane forklift)

Position Requirements:

Ø Position requires that individual be OSHA tested and certified.

Job Type: Full-time

Work Schedule: This position typically follows the hours of the shift scheduled to work; however, working days may vary based on season. Typically, Monday through Friday. Very often Saturday & 12 hours Shifts may be required during busy times.

Hours: 2nd Shift - 2:00 PM to 10:30 PM or 3rd Shift - 10:00 PM to 6:30 AM

30 minutes unpaid lunch

Salary: Up to $37.11 per hour

Earn Bonus Incentives:

• 2nd/3rd Shift Differential -$1.00 per hour
• Attendance Bonus -$0.50 per hour
• 1st Pass Quality Bonus-$0.50 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Employee discount
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Referral program
• Vision insurance
• Corporate Chaplain
• On-site Nurse

Ability to commute/relocate:

• Northumberland, PA 17857: Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: One location

Employment Disclaimer: This position is based in Pennsylvania and is considered "at-will." This means that either the employee or the employer may terminate the employment relationship at any time, with or without notice, and for any reason not prohibited by law.

We are an equal opportunity employer and comply with all applicable federal, state, and local employment laws, including those prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or any other protected status under the law.

This job description describes the general nature of the duties and requirements of this job. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list or limit the supervisor's ability to modify work assignments as appropriate to meet the needs of the organization.