PLC Technician

Job Description

Job Description

Thompson First Group is currently seeking a qualified PLC Technician for a local client in Tampa, FL. Candidates who have a background programming, repairing, and maintaining programmable logic controllers (PLC) in an industrial setting are encouraged to apply.

Summary Description

Reporting to the Maintenance Manager, the PLC Technician is responsible for designing, programming, repairing, and maintaining programmable logic controller (PLC) systems used within the facility. The PLC Technician inspects equipment for proper functioning and performs preventative maintenance duties according to manufacturer specifications.

The PLC Technician may also support repairs and installations for other advanced production and manufacturing equipment. This position diagnoses equipment malfunctions and performs more complicated repairs or adjustments as needed.

Essential Job Functions

• Adhere to all health and safety policies and procedures, Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), and required personal protective equipment (PPE) guidelines.
• Adhere to food quality and food safety requirements according to established quality standards and/or Safe Quality Food requirements.
• Lead and participate in troubleshooting activities during equipment failures, collaborating with the production team to analyze, resolve, and prevent issues through investigation, testing, and follow-up.
• Perform maintenance, testing, and upgrades of production equipment.
• Install and test new food manufacturing, packaging, and processing equipment.
• Interface with machine tools, special equipment, and test modules.
• Troubleshoot existing equipment for electrical or electronic failures.
• Change or modify machinery to improve or update equipment.
• Diagnose and troubleshoot PLC and automation issues, including faulty components and wiring.
• Calibrate and test equipment to ensure accurate performance and compliance with specifications.
• Assist with PLC system upgrades and improvements to optimize production efficiency and safety.
• Modify existing PLC programs for system optimization, new process requirements, or enhanced safety protocols.
• Maintain accurate records of maintenance, repairs, programming changes, and upgrades.
• Train other team members on basic PLC functions and troubleshooting as needed.
• Perform preventative maintenance and repairs in addition to planned mechanical maintenance duties.
• Participate in a continuous improvement culture while following safe workplace practices.
• Develop positive and respectful working relationships with managers, supervisors, maintenance technicians, and machine operators.
• Identify and suggest process improvements to enhance system reliability and reduce costs.

Required Skills

• Must be able to use RSLogix 5000, RSLogix 500, or RSLogix 5 software for machine troubleshooting.
• Must be able to go online with ControlLogix, CompactLogix, SLC 500, or PLC-5 using Ethernet/IP, DH+, or RS-232.
• Must be able to download PLC programs when necessary.
• Must be able to read and understand electrical schematics.
• Must be able to use a multimeter and work in control panels with voltages up to 480VAC.
• Understand symbols on P&IDs and tag references on line layout drawings.
• Should be able to replace and configure Allen-Bradley PowerFlex 40, 400, and 525 Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs).
• Should be able to replace and configure Yaskawa V1000 and P1000 VFDs.
• Should be able to replace PanelView and PanelView Plus devices and download applications using PanelBuilder 32 or RSView Studio Machine Edition.
• Demonstrated aptitude for continued development of technical skills.

Competencies

• Decisive, proactive, self-motivated, and assertive.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to analyze data and identify trends.
• Strong internal customer focus with the ability to adapt to changing business demands.
• Ability to work independently and think through problems to develop effective solutions.
• Ability to work with minimal supervision.
• Ability to influence, persuade, and lead at all levels of the organization.

Education and Experience

• Three (3) or more years of experience in industrial manufacturing maintenance required.
• Experience with Allen-Bradley PLCs required.
• Electrical and electronic troubleshooting and repair skills required.
• Preference given to candidates with a Rockwell Maintainer or equivalent certification. If not already held, the certification must be obtained within the first 24 months of employment.
• Candidates will be required to complete a Maintenance Skills Assessment to be considered for the position.

Working Conditions

• Work schedules may include weekdays, weekends, afternoons, evenings, overnight shifts, and holidays.
• Overtime may be scheduled as needed.
• Position operates within a fast-paced production plant with numerous moving parts.
• Noise levels may require hearing protection.
• Temperatures may range from very hot to relatively cold.
• The work environment is structured and supervised, with established production targets and schedules.

Travel Requirements

• Travel is rarely required.

Physical Requirements

The position may require:

• Frequent standing or sitting.
• Frequent walking.
• Occasional stooping, kneeling, crouching, or crawling.
• Occasional lifting of up to 50 pounds.
• Occasional carrying and lifting of materials.
• Occasional climbing of stairs or ladders and balancing.
• Rare driving.
• Ability to effectively see and process computer-generated images on screens or handheld devices.
• Proximate and color vision with the ability to adjust focus.
• Excellent hand-eye coordination and manual dexterity for precise control of equipment.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure related to deadlines, production quotas, accuracy, and similar demands.

Other Duties

This job description is not intended to contain a comprehensive listing of all activities, duties, or responsibilities required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change, or new responsibilities may be assigned, at any time with or without notice.

Thompson First Group is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law.