Junior Controls Technician

Join a team that nourishes life from farm to table! Upstate Niagara Cooperative, proudly owned by 200+ local family farms, is one of America’s largest and most stable dairy cooperatives. Guided by farmer- and employee-led values, we process and market high-quality milk, yogurt, dips, sour cream, cottage cheese, and more under our trusted brands: Upstate Farms®, Bison®, Milk for Life®, and Intense Milk®. Here, you’ll support sustainable farming, strong communities, and the mission to deliver fresh, local dairy to families every day.

The Junior Controls Technician assists in the installation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair of industrial control systems, automation equipment, PLCs, HMIs, sensors, and related electrical systems. This role works under the guidance of senior technicians and engineers to support production equipment reliability, operational efficiency, and safety compliance.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist with troubleshooting electrical and control system issues on manufacturing equipment.
• Support installation, testing, and commissioning of PLC-controlled equipment and automation systems.
• Perform preventive and predictive maintenance on control panels, sensors, drives, motors, and instrumentation.
• Read/interpret/revise electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, and technical manuals.
• Maintain and update control system documentation and maintenance records.
• Assist with programming modifications to PLCs, HMIs, and VFDs under supervision.
• Install and terminate wiring for control panels and field devices.
• Calibrate sensors, transmitters, and instrumentation equipment.
• Support continuous improvement and automation projects.
• Follow all plant safety procedures, lockout/tagout (LOTO) requirements, and electrical safety standards.
• Coordinate with production, maintenance, and engineering teams to minimize downtime.
• Maintain inventory of spare parts and control system components.

Required Qualifications

• Associate degree or technical certification in Electrical Technology, Automation, Mechatronics, Industrial Controls, or related field.
• Basic understanding of electrical systems, PLCs, HMIs, and industrial automation.
• Ability to read electrical prints and schematics.
• Familiarity with troubleshooting electrical circuits using multimeters and testing equipment.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with Allen-Bradley, Siemens, Mitsubishi, or Schneider control systems.
• Exposure to Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs) and servo systems.
• Knowledge of industrial networks such as Ethernet/IP, Profinet, or Modbus.
• Internship, co-op, or maintenance experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Basic PLC programming experience.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand, walk, climb ladders, and work in industrial environments.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to work around moving machinery and electrical equipment while using appropriate PPE.

Key Skills

• Electrical troubleshooting
• PLC fundamentals
• Automation systems
• Technical documentation
• Preventive maintenance
• Communication and teamwork
• Attention to detail
• Safety awareness
• Continuous improvement mindset

Pay:

$27.00-$32.00 per hour*

*The hourly rate as indicated in the CBA. The posted pay rate reflects just one component of our total rewards package. Other components of the total rewards package may include participation in group health and/or dental insurance, retirement plan, paid time away from work, and paid holidays.

Upstate Niagara Cooperative, Inc. is committed to equal employment opportunity for all, without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, citizenship, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, veteran status, disability, genetic information, or any other protected characteristic.