Instrumentation and Controls Technician

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As the Automation and Controls Technician 1, this role is responsible for the following: safely installs, programs, calibrates, troubleshoots, repairs, commissions, and maintains industrial control systems, instrumentation, automation equipment, production systems, building control systems, and plant utility controls in support of Turlock Plant goals and objectives. This role supports production equipment, PLC/HMI systems, VFDs, process instrumentation, HVAC controls, ventilation systems, fans, building automation, utility control systems, and critical process analytical equipment such as metal detectors, weigh scale feeders, and electronic sorting machines. The Controls and Instrumentation Technician works with Maintenance, Operations, Engineering, contractors, and vendors to minimize downtime, improve reliability, support capital projects, and ensure compliance with food safety, quality, environmental, and safety requirements.

Essential Job Functions

• Troubleshoot, repair, program, and maintain PLCs, HMIs, VFDs, servo systems, industrial networks, SCADA systems, and process control equipment.
• Install, calibrate, commission, and maintain instrumentation including pressure, temperature, flow, level, analytical, weight, and process control devices.
• Diagnose and repair electrical and control systems associated with manufacturing equipment, production processes, motor controls, control panels, and safety circuits.
• Maintain and support building automation, HVAC, utility control systems, and related facility infrastructure.
• Read and interpret electrical schematics, PLC logic, P&IDs, loop diagrams, blueprints, manuals, and technical documentation.
• Troubleshoot and communicate modifications to control logic, HMI screens, parameters, and system settings to improve safety, reliability, product quality, uptime, and operational efficiency.
• Support equipment startup, commissioning, shutdown work, capital projects, and facility improvement projects.
• Use CMMS to document work performed, equipment history, corrective actions, parts used, and preventive maintenance activities.
• Participate in root cause analysis and implement corrective actions to reduce recurring failures and unplanned downtime.
• Maintain backups of PLC, HMI, SCADA, and building control programs and keep related documentation current.
• Support contractors, vendors, operators, and maintenance team members by providing technical guidance and troubleshooting support.
• Follow GMPs and all procedures related to food safety, food security, food quality, environmental compliance, Lockout/Tagout, electrical safety, and plant safety requirements.
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned or required by supervisor.

Minimum Job Requirements

• High School Diploma or GED required. Technical certificate or associate degree in Electrical Technology, Instrumentation, Industrial Automation, Mechatronics, or related field preferred.

Minimum Number Of Year(s) Of Experience Required In Addition To Education Plus Type(s) Of Functional Experience

• Minimum 3 years of controls, instrumentation, industrial electrical, or automation maintenance experience in a manufacturing environment.

Other Required Type(s) Of Functional Experience (e.g. Production/Operations, Accounting, Forklift Operator, Inventory Control, etc.)

• Working knowledge of PLC programming, troubleshooting, configuration, and industrial communication networks.
• Experience with Allen-Bradley platforms, HMI systems, VFDs, motor controls, instrumentation calibration, and electrical troubleshooting.
• Ability to troubleshoot HVAC controls, building automation, fans, facility systems, and utility control equipment.
• Good computer skills, including Microsoft Office and CMMS usage.

Total Minimum Number Of Years Of Experience Required In Lieu Of Degree (if applicable)

• 4 years

Other Job Requirements (e.g. Certifications/Licenses, CPG Experience, Work Overtime/Weekends, etc.)

• Ability to work overtime, weekends, holidays, shutdowns as required by business needs. May be required to successfully complete a PLC/electrical assessment.

Preferred Skills And Experiences (Specialized Education, Specific Software Experience, etc.)

• Food, beverage, CPG, agricultural processing, or high-speed manufacturing experience.
• Experience with FactoryTalk, Wonderware/InTouch, Ignition, Siemens, RSLogix/Studio 5000, industrial Ethernet, and building automation platforms.
• Experience supporting boilers, chillers, air compressors, wastewater systems, refrigeration, HVAC, dust collection, and energy management systems.
• Strong troubleshooting, documentation, communication, and continuous improvement skills.
• Ability to explain technical issues clearly to team members with varying levels of technical knowledge.

Physical Demands

• Must be able to physically move throughout the facility, including climbing stairs, ladders, elevated platforms, catwalks, and working in tight access areas.
• Must be able to stand, walk, bend, kneel, crawl, reach, and work around industrial equipment for extended periods.
• May be required to lift, push, pull, or carry up to 50 pounds as needed to perform assigned duties.
• Must be able to work at a desk or computer as needed for troubleshooting, documentation, programming, and reporting.

Work Environment

• Must be able to work in a plant environment with exposure to dust, high noise, temperature and humidity extremes, electrical hazards, moving equipment, chemicals, fumes, poor lighting, and wet operating conditions. Work may occur indoors, outdoors, on elevated platforms, in confined or tight spaces, and around production, utility, and facility systems. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Blue Diamond Growers is an Equal Opportunity and E-Verify Employer

EOE/Minorities/Females/Vet/Disability