Plant Controls Technician / Automation Specialist
Verde Farms
Pedricktown, NJ, USA
Posted on Jun 4, 2024
Title: Plant Controls Technician / Automation Specialist
Reports To: Vice President of Operations
Overview:
The Facilities Maintenance Mechanic is responsible for maintaining, troubleshooting, and improving automated systems and control equipment within our manufacturing plant. This role requires a deep understanding of control systems, electrical systems, and industrial automation to ensure optimal performance and reliability of production processes.
Duties and Responsibilities:
- Diagnose and repair issues with PLCs (Programmable Logic Controllers), HMIs (Human-Machine Interfaces), VFDs (Variable Frequency Drives), and other automation equipment.
- Perform routine inspections and preventive maintenance on control systems and automation equipment to ensure continuous and efficient operation
- Develop and modify PLC programs using software such as Allen-Bradley RSLogix, Siemens Step 7, or similar platforms.
- Configure and program HMI interfaces for effective operator control and data visualization.
- Integrate new machinery and equipment into existing control systems.
- Lead and support automation projects from conception through implementation, including project planning, design, installation, testing, and commissioning.
- Collaborate with engineering, maintenance, and production teams to identify automation improvement opportunities and implement solutions.
- Provide technical support and training to maintenance and production personnel on the operation and troubleshooting of automated systems.
- Develop and maintain documentation for control systems, including wiring diagrams, schematics, and software programs.
- Be readily available for emergency repairs in breakdown situations.
- Maintain communication with other departments, management and employees and notify them of any problems and/or concerns that may restrict the efficiency of the plant, production, or warehouse facilities.
- Ensure all paperwork is filled out in a clear, legible, and accurate format, and completed with required information. Ensure all required information is documented in accordance with SOPs.
- Assist in maintaining parts and supplies inventory by reporting low supply levels to management.
- Utilizing continuous improvement mindset, assisting in identifying opportunities to improve processes.
- Maintain a clean, sanitary, and safe work area.
- Follow all required work safe practices. This would include lockout-tagout requirements and wearing of all required PPE in designated areas, confined space safety, safe chemical handling, fall restraints, etc.
- Responsible for following all food safety rules, Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs),and food quality rules related to designated area.
- Perform other duties as assigned by management, within scope and abilities.
Job Requirements:
- Associate degree in Electrical Engineering Technology, Automation Technology, or related field; Bachelor’s degree preferred
- Minimum of 3-5 years of experience in industrial automation, controls, or a related field.
- Proficiency in PLC programming (e.g., Allen-Bradley, Siemens, Mitsubishi).
- Experience with HMI and SCADA systems (e.g., Wonderware, Ignition).
- Strong knowledge of industrial communication protocols (e.g., Ethernet/IP, Modbus).
- Familiarity with electrical schematics and control panel design.
- Basic understanding of robotics and motion control systems is a plus
- Strong problem-solving and analytical skills.
- Excellent communication and teamwork abilities.
- Ability to manage multiple tasks and projects simultaneously.
- Detail-oriented with a commitment to quality and continuous improvement.
- Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing
- Ability to diagnose problems and find solutions
- Mechanical mindset with ability to think outside the box
- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees and other departments
- Ability to operate a variety of vehicles and equipment in a safe and effective manner
- Ability to work in a fast paced, cold temperature environment
- Experience working on processing machinery in the foodservice industry a plus
- Understand and abide by all safety regulations as well as policies and procedure set forth by Verde Farms
- Ability to maintain regular and predictable attendance.
- Ability to work overtime, as warranted by business needs
- Bilingual English/Spanish a plus
- Ability to pass a pre-employment drug test