Controls Technician

JOB OVERVIEW : The Controls Technician supports reliable operation of all plant automation systems, including PLCs, HMIs, instrumentation, and electrical controls. This role focuses on troubleshooting, maintaining, and improving existing systems—not designing new architectures. The Controls Technician collaborates closely with Maintenance, Engineering, and Operations to ensure equipment uptime, product quality, and safe plant operation.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Automation & Controls

• Troubleshoot and resolve issues with PLCs, HMIs, VFDs, sensors, and control circuits.
• Perform minor/moderate PLC program edits (e.g., adjusting timers, counters, setpoints, and minor logic edits) under supervision or per established standards.
• Assist with implementation and testing of system updates, equipment installs, and control upgrades.
• Calibrate and maintain instrumentation such as flow, temperature, level, and pressure devices.
• Maintain accurate documentation for control panels, wiring diagrams, and logic changes.

Electrical & Mechanical Troubleshooting

• Support Maintenance teams in diagnosing electrical failures related to automation and machine control.
• Perform wiring repairs, replace components (relays, contactors, sensors), and ensure proper control system grounding and wiring integrity.
• Conduct routine inspections to identify potential control system failures before they occur.

Preventative & Predictive Maintenance

• Execute PM tasks for controls, instrumentation, and electrical systems.
• Support PLC/HMI backup procedures and version control processes.
• Make recommendations to improve system reliability, safety, and uptime.

Safety & Compliance

• Follow all LOTO, arc flash, electrical safety, and plant GMP requirements.
• Ensure all automation work complies with applicable codes and company policies.
• Participate in safety audits, equipment risk assessments, and corrective actions.

JOB QUALIFICATIONS

Education & Experience

Required

• 2–5 years of experience working with industrial automation or controls in a manufacturing or processing environment.
• Technical certificate or Associate degree in Electrical, Automation, Mechatronics, Industrial Technology, or similar; or equivalent hands‑on experience.
• Working proficiency with Allen‑Bradley PLCs (basic to moderate troubleshooting, minor edits), HMIs (navigating screens, alarms, diagnostics), VFDs, motor controls, and control panel components, Industrial networking fundamentals (EtherNet/IP preferred)
• Solid understanding of electrical systems: 24VDC, 120/480VAC, relays, sensors, schematics.

Preferred

• Experience in food & beverage, dairy, or other regulated processing environments.
• Familiarity with CIP systems, process control, or fluid handling automation.
• Training or certification in NFPA 70E, ISA, or Rockwell Automation fundamentals.
• Experience in dairy, food & beverage, or GMP regulated environments.

Competencies

• Strong troubleshooting of automated machinery.
• Ability to make controlled PLC/HMI edits.
• Proficient reading of schematics, P&IDs, and wiring diagrams.
• Solid understanding of instrumentation and control loops.
• Root cause analysis and problem-solving mindset.
• Strong follow through and ownership of assigned tasks.
• Collaborative approach with Maintenance and Operations.
• Calm and systematic under pressure.
• High level of safety awareness and safety‑focused decision making.
• Detail‑oriented, disciplined documentation.

Physical & Mental

• Ability to analyze multi‑variable technical problems and choose safe, effective solutions.
• High attention to detail when working with electrical/automation systems.
• Comfortable working independently while knowing when to escalate.
• Mental acuity to make quick, high-stakes decisions, under pressure during equipment failures or production crises.
• Ability to process and synthesize information – read analyze, and interpret – from multiple sources.
• Working memory to retain and manipulate multiple variables while troubleshooting.
• Numerical and spatial reasoning to understand layouts, diagrams, calculations, etc.
• Visual acuity for detailed electrical work, color‑coded wiring, and instrumentation.
• Ability to wear PPE including safety glasses, gloves, hearing protection, and arc‑flash gear when required.
• Ability to communicate via speech and hearing.
• Withstand noise produced by machinery, up to 90 decibels.
• The ability to climb and balance is essential
• Work in confined spaces.
• Work in cold, wet, humid environments and in high allergen environments is essential.

Work Location & Hours

• This role is not eligible for remote work. Remote candidates will not be considered for this role.
• This position is based in Rohnert Park, CA.
• Primarily based in a manufacturing facility with routine time spent on the production floor.
• Flexibility to work an extended schedule, different shifts, to be on call before or after hours, and to work weekends as business needs arise, is required.
• Ability to travel to different work locations and meeting sites, =< 10% of time.

Above description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work to be performed and not construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required for the position.

Straus is an equal opportunity employer. We strictly prohibit and do not tolerate discrimination against employees, applicants or any other covered persons because of race, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, marital status, gender identity or expression, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any legally protected characteristic.

You do not need to match every listed expectation to apply for this position. Here at Straus Family Creamery, we know that diverse perspectives foster the innovation we need to be successful, and we are committed to building a team that encompasses a variety of backgrounds, experiences, and skills.

Founded in 1994, Straus Family Creamery is a mission-driven, family-owned-and-operated business dedicated to making premium organic dairy products, with minimal processing. The Straus Dairy Farm and Creamery, located in the small town of Marshall on the Northern California Coast, was the first certified organic dairy farm west of the Mississippi River and the first 100% certified organic creamery in the United States.
In addition to the Straus Dairy Farm, Straus Family Creamery buys certified organic, Non-GMO Project Verified milk from 11 other organic family farms in Northern California’s Marin and Sonoma Counties. The combination of rich soil, one of the nation’s most diverse grassland systems, and a mild coastal climate create the ideal setting for organic dairy farming. Land stewardship and sustainable farming are deeply rooted principles in certified organic farming practices.