Scale Technician

Scale Technician

DemKota Ranch Beef - Aberdeen, SD 57401

Position Summary

The Industrial Scale Technician is a specialized instrumentation role responsible for the precision inspection, testing, programming, calibration, and maintenance of all plant weighing and data-collection systems. Operating in a heavy-duty processing environment, this facility utilizes a vast network of unique scale systems—ranging from sensitive inline process scales (under 20 lbs.) to massive, high-capacity static systems (over 3,000 lbs.). The successful candidate must possess strong technical comprehension of electronics, industrial wiring protocols, and digital indicators to ensure 100% accuracy, operational efficiency, and regulatory compliance.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Inspect, test, calibrate, and certify industrial weigh scales across the entire facility to maintain exact plant accuracy standards.
• Troubleshoot, diagnose, and repair complex scale errors, digital weight indicator faults, and communication failures.
• Wire and interface scale indicators to critical peripherals, including remote displays, printers, and Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs).
• Program digital scale indicators to correctly control output signals, data strings, and automated line cut-offs.
• Utilized advanced diagnostic tools, including multi-meters, load cell simulators, soldering equipment, and specialized calibration weights.
• Establish secure physical data connections using industrial communication protocols (RS232, RS485, RS422, and 4-20mA current loops).
• Install, wire, and troubleshoot remote control interfaces and other plant Radio Frequency (RF) devices.

• Execute high-precision daily startup and shutdown calibration verifications, generating strict reports on the condition and accuracy of every device tested.
• Maintain absolute reliability in attendance and promptness to ensure all production scales are certified before the processing lines launch.
• Adhere strictly to all facility safety policies, including Lockout/Tagout (LOTO), fall protection, and food safety/sanitation guidelines.

Qualifications

Requirement - Description

Technical Comprehension - Strong, proven troubleshooting and problem-solving abilities, specifically regarding low-voltage electrical wiring, digital signals, and mechanical components.

Experience - Previous experience in industrial instrumentation, scale calibration, agricultural electronics (such as yield monitors or feed mixers), or advanced automation maintenance is highly preferred.

Computer Skills - Strong baseline computer literacy required to navigate scale programming software, interface with PLCs, and manage digital calibration logs.

Physical Capability - Ability to stand, walk, bend, twist, and reach for prolonged periods throughout a 12-hour shift. Must be able to frequently lift and maneuver heavy test weights and scale components weighing up to 50 pounds.

Education & Language - Ability to read and interpret technical diagrams, wiring schematics, and programming manuals effectively. High school diploma or equivalent preferred, but specialized technical capability and instrumentation aptitude are the deciding factors.

Work Environment

• Position operates across diverse environments within the plant, including wet food production settings, dry warehouse zones, and the technical maintenance shop.
• Comfortable working in a heavy industrial processing facility with exposure to varied temperature zones (both hot and cold areas) and high noise levels.

Benefits Package

• 401(k) with company matching
• Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Health Savings Account (HSA)
• Life Insurance
• Paid Time Off (PTO)