Pilot Plant Maintenance Electrician

Electrical & Instrumentation Technician - JFB Technical Center

We exist to make food the world loves. But we do more than that. Our company is a place that prioritizes being a force for good, a place to expand learning, explore new perspectives and reimagine new possibilities, every day. We look for people who want to bring their best bold thinkers with big hearts who challenge one another and grow together. Because becoming the undisputed leader in food means surrounding ourselves with people who are hungry for what's next.

As an Electrical & Instrumentation Technician at the JFB Technical Center, you will be a vital contributor providing comprehensive electrical, controls, instrumentation, and basic mechanical support for our food processing equipment. This role is crucial for ensuring human safety, food safety, and maintaining high equipment reliability standards within a dynamic R&D environment. You will be responsible for a blend of corrective, preventative, and predictive maintenance, offering expert electrical troubleshooting, and driving reliability improvements for R&D tests and production runs. You will work collaboratively across various teams to achieve operational excellence.

Salary is based on a 37.5-hour work week. Hours worked between 37.540 per week are paid at the regular hourly rate (straight time). Hours worked over 40 per week are paid at 1.5x (time and a half). Eligible for an annual incentive bonus, based on individual performance and company results. Benefits that begin on Day 1. 15 days of vacation (increases after 5 years). 2-3 personal days per year, plus company holidays (personal days are based on company holiday calendar). Paid sick time. 401(k) with company match. Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance. Vacation, personal days, and sick time are prorated based on start date.

1st Shift, 6AM-2PM, Monday Friday. Flexibility to work occasional overtime support during the week and on weekends as needed.

As part of our manufacturing team, you will:

• Equipment Maintenance & Repair:
  • Troubleshoot, repair, and continuously improve electrical systems for process equipment across several pilot plants and lab spaces.
  • Diagnose and perform diagnostic testing on motors, Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs), and motor circuits.
  • Troubleshoot and replace Allen-Bradley Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs).
  • Read and interpret complex wiring diagrams and schematics to effectively troubleshoot circuits.
  • Perform and improve electrical preventative and predictive maintenance procedures.
  • Perform basic mechanical troubleshooting and repair of equipment.
  • Execute planned corrective maintenance work orders and provide efficient reactive maintenance support to minimize downtime.
  • Utilize Continuous Improvement methods, such as root cause analysis and breakdown elimination, to enhance system performance and reliability.
  • Coach and train other maintenance and operations team members on best practices.
• Instrumentation & Calibration:
  • Troubleshoot and calibrate a wide variety of process control instrumentation, including but not limited to pressure, flow, temperature, humidity, torque, current, and voltage elements.
• Safety & Compliance:
  • Comply with all OSHA required electrical safety training and practices.
  • Perform daily safety risk assessments, conduct equipment safety audits, and actively promote a safe work environment.
• Collaboration & Communication:
  • Work effectively and collaboratively across teams to ensure expectations are met.
  • Enable innovation work by partnering across multiple R&D teams.
  • Collaborate and communicate effectively with all levels of team members, including operators, managers, engineers, and R&D personnel across business units.
  • Engage in strong partnership with R&D to drive innovative experiments.

Minimum qualifications include a two-year trade school certificate in an accredited electrical program OR a minimum of two years of related work experience in industrial maintenance, reliability, or manufacturing. Proven experience installing and maintaining industrial electrical components. Strong understanding, practice, and promotion of electrical safety standards, including NFPA 70E and NEC. Experience in reading and interpreting complex electrical wiring diagrams and schematics. Understanding of PID closed-loop control. Ability to apply root cause analysis to resolve systemic or recurring electrical and control issues. Ability to coach, train, and develop others. Ability to manage and adjust to multiple priorities effectively in high-activity production environments. Effective communication skills with peers and customers. Must be able to lift and manipulate 55 pounds. Flexibility to work occasional overtime during the week and on weekends as needed.

Preferred qualifications include State of Minnesota Journey Worker or Maintenance Electrician License. Basic knowledge and experience working with mechanical drive components, fasteners, and lubrication.

General Mills is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, marital or familial status, status regarding public assistance, or membership or activity in a local human rights commission.