Automation & Controls Reliability Specialist

Job Description

Job Description

Build What’s Next in Sustainable Packaging

At Novolex, our mission is to deliver innovative packaging for foodservice, grocery, retail, and industrial customers—responsibly. As an Automation & Controls Reliability Specialist, you’ll be a key force behind reliable operations, leveraging advanced controls, robotics, and disciplined problem solving to elevate safety, quality, and uptime.

About the Company

We’re a market leader with deep manufacturing and sourcing expertise across resin, paper, molded fiber, aluminum, and more. Our portfolio spans 120 product categories, 250 brands, and 39,000+ SKUs.

Our Sustainability Pillars

We advance sustainability through three pillars—products, operations, and people—guiding our goals and the wide-ranging initiatives that support them.

Your Mission

Imagine arriving to a shift where a drive alarm has halted a key line. You quickly analyze PLC tags, isolate a faulty encoder signal, update ladder logic, and coach the shift team on preventive steps—getting production back on track with lessons learned documented. That’s a snapshot of how you’ll help us win every day.

Core Responsibilities

• Foster a zero-incident EHS culture; lead/assist investigations, remove hazards, and share learnings from incidents and near-misses.
• Calibrate, adjust, and repair equipment, instruments, and fixtures to maintain capability.
• Tackle advanced PLC/HMI/motor/drive troubleshooting—Allen Bradley required—plus at least one other platform (Mitsubishi, Schneider, GE, Opto 22).
• Read/modify PLC ladder logic; execute electrical/electronic modifications including drive integrations and controller programming.
• Apply AC vector and servo drive expertise; diagnose AC/DC circuits, sinking/sourcing, analog signals.
• Maintain Fanuc robotic automation (palletizers, case erectors, pick-and-place).
• Leverage fundamentals in hydraulics, pneumatics, mechanical systems, and PC components.
• Interpret drawings, wiring diagrams, schematics, and specifications; use CAD (AutoCAD, Visio, etc.).
• Continuously update knowledge on cutting-edge automation and controls.
• Use PDCA to reach root cause, implement countermeasures, and improve operations.
• Provide senior-level technical support to shift electricians; deliver training across the plant.
• Direct contractors effectively to cut planned/unplanned downtime.
• Own documentation—procedures, manuals, and as-built records of equipment/process changes.
• Adapt to business needs with occasional weekends/holidays and call-ins.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent; apprenticeship or equivalent training.
• Associate’s degree in maintenance or industrial technology preferred.
• At least five years of industrial maintenance, with extensive automation/controls work.
• Proficiency with Microsoft applications, Outlook, and SAP.
• Knowledge of OSHA Electrical Standards and NEC.
• Strong diagnostics and logic; decisive under tight timelines; clear communicator; proactive team contributor.

Rewarding What You Deliver

Estimated pay range: $59,500/yr. to $99,100/yr., plus bonus and benefits. This national range reflects minimum and maximum targets. Actual pay within the range is based on skills, experience, and relevant education/training. New hires typically do not start at the top of the range; offers reflect specific circumstances.

Benefits include a company-match 401(k); comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage; FSA/HSA options; paid vacation and sick leave; paid parental leave; paid holidays; and a wellness program.

Your Development & Community Total Well-Being

We provide competitive health benefits and resources to support mental, physical, and financial wellness. Program details may vary by location.

Community Impact

Through our Focused Giving Program, we support sustainability initiatives and efforts combating food insecurity, alongside local, facility-driven activities.

Career Growth

Access MyLearning for structured curricula, an LMS for continuous skill building, and Tuition Reimbursement (Non-Union) to further your formal education.

Preferred Proficiencies

• Commercial Electrical Expertise; Electrical Installation, Troubleshooting, and Repair
• OSHA 10-Hour Certification (OSHA 10); High Voltage Systems
• Pneumatics Troubleshooting; Powerhouse Operation
• Industrial Electrical Experience

Equipment & Platforms

• Packaging Machines
• Corrugated Press
• Extrusion Machine
• Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) (Allen Bradley, Mitsubishi, Schneider Electric, Fanuc)

Equal Opportunity

Novolex is committed to providing equal employment opportunity in all employment practices, including but not limited to selection, hiring, promotion, transfer, and compensation to all qualified applicants and employees without regard to age, race, color, national origin, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, handicap or disability, genetics, citizenship status, service member or veteran status, or any other category protected by federal, state, or local law. Any individual who, because of his or her disability, needs an accommodation in connection with an aspect of the Company's application process should contact View email address on us.fitly.work.