Senior Controls Technician

Job Description The Senior Controls Technician provides leadership in PM capability, work order (WO) completion, breakdown elimination, and technical support to deliver safety, quality, and efficiency targets. Primary focus is on controls, instrumentation, or electrical system issues, with supporting involvement in mechanical WOs as needed. This role proactively identifies and addresses risks to safety, food safety, quality, and production losses. The technician leads and coaches root cause problem solving with Make and Pack Technicians, communicates priorities effectively, and escalates issues within their area and across shifts. What are we looking for? Education/Training: Minimum: High School Diploma or equivalent. Technical degree/trade certification or 5–10 years of equivalent work experience required. Preferred: 5+ years of maintenance experience at Mars. Previous maintenance/TPM experience at NEA factory. Technical degree in industrial electrical/controls or related field. 5–10 years of experience in a TPM/technical manufacturing environment. Experience working in quality and safety. Functional knowledge of HACCP concepts. Knowledge/Skills/Abilities: Minimum: Strong working knowledge of electrical, hydraulic, and pneumatic schematics and mechanical drawings to solve problems promptly. Ability to troubleshoot AC/DC electrical components including motor starters, switches, and sensors using basic test equipment (multimeters, amp probes). Ability to troubleshoot basic pneumatic and mechanical drive systems at the component level on assigned equipment (e.g., sorting systems and palletizing robots). Flexible schedule as needed to support production and multi-task in a fast-paced environment. Willingness to develop welding, basic machinist, fabrication/layout skills. Strong PLC/instrumentation troubleshooting skills. Preferred: Advanced understanding of AC/DC electrical systems (up to 480-volt 3-phase), hydraulic and pneumatic schematics, and mechanical drawings for problem solving. Technical/trade certifications in welding, advanced machinist skills, fabrication, and blueprint interpretation. Physical Requirements: Frequent lifting/carrying (10–50 lbs). Frequent pushing/pulling (50–200 lbs). Frequent handling, grasping, bending, and stooping. Ability to work at elevated heights, climb stairs, and lean over equipment. Ability to stand for extended periods (minimum eight hours per shift). Must be able to work under stressful conditions (heat, cold, confined spaces) and have mobility to climb stairs and ladders. Key responsibilities Understand site control systems, including PLCs, VFDs, and other controlled equipment. Help develop Reliability Technicians’ understanding of site control equipment to troubleshoot and reduce unplanned downtime. Act as a reliable resource for problem solving and root cause analysis on control-related systems. Troubleshoot, repair, and overhaul equipment within close tolerances. Calibrate site instrumentation (temperature, pressure, vacuum, pH, level, flow). Document WOs/PMs using SAP PM (computerized maintenance management system). Communicate effectively with machine operators, peers, supervisors, and management daily. Provide support where needed and complete other duties as assigned by the Reliability Manager. Engage in Total Productive Maintenance (TPM) concepts through pillar teams and training fellow staff in autonomous activities; conduct breakdown analysis. Participate in Mars Supply Excellence program to drive reliability improvements and autonomous maintenance support. Adhere to Lock-Out/Tag-Out (LOTO) and confined space procedures and GMP/food safety requirements related to uptime. Follow safety, GMP, quality, food safety, and sanitation standards. Collaborate effectively in a team, building integrity and trust with peers. Maintain and troubleshoot electrical and control systems down to the component level, including 480V power distribution, instrumentation, motor controls, VFDs, servo systems, I/O devices, PLCs, HMIs, and control networks. Troubleshoot machine breakdowns using control system programs, PLCs, HMIs, servo systems, electrical schematics, programming software, meters, and test equipment. Identify and recommend changes to improve plant performance by updating PLC logic, HMI programs, and servo controller logic. What can you expect from Mars? Work with over 130,000 diverse Associates guided by the Five Principles. Join a purpose-driven company focused on building a better tomorrow. Best-in-class learning and development, including Mars University. Industry-competitive salary and benefits package, including a company bonus. The base pay range for this position at commencement of employment is USD 43.37 to USD 59.63, with total compensation including variable pay, medical and dental benefits, 401(k), and paid time off. Details of participation in benefit plans will be provided if an offer is made. This pay range applies to all US locations listed within the job posting. #J-18808-Ljbffr Mars, Incorporated and its Affiliates