Plant Controls Technician

Job Summary

The Plant Controls Technician is responsible for supporting the operation, troubleshooting, and maintenance of automation and control systems used in manufacturing and production environments. This role focuses on hands-on technical execution, responding to equipment issues, performing routine controls maintenance, and supporting system reliability. The position works under established standards, procedures, and engineering direction to support up time, training, upgrades, commissioning, and efficiency initiatives.

Job Responsibilities

1. *Controls & Automation Support

1. • Troubleshoot and support day-to-day operation of automated production systems, responding to equipment downtime and alarms.
   • Perform basic PLC diagnostics, I/O checks, and parameter adjustments under established procedures.
   • Assist with startup, shutdown, and recovery of automated control systems following maintenance or outages.
   • Escalate complex controls issues to Engineering or external vendors as appropriate.

2. *Maintenance & Reliability

2. • Partner with Maintenance to identify failing components and recommend repairs or replacements.
   • Support installation and wiring of field devices under direction.
   • Perform corrective maintenance to minimize downtime and to eliminate recurring system failures.

3. *Documentation & Compliance

3. • Follow established safety procedures, lockout/tagout (LOTO), and electrical safety standards.
   • Update basic documentation such as wiring changes, I/O lists, and maintenance logs as required.
   • Adhere to company standards, GMPs, and operational procedures applicable to the facility.

4. *Collaboration & Production Support

4. • Work closely with Maintenance, Operations, and Engineering teams to minimize downtime.
   • Provide technical support during production runs and changeovers.
   • Participate in shift handoffs and communicate equipment status effectively.

Job Requirements

• High School diploma or GED required. Minimum of two years of work experience required.

• Hands-on experience preferred supporting electro-mechanical or automation systems in a manufacturing environment.

• Experience in food & beverage or GMP-regulated manufacturing environments preferred.

• Previous experience with Human Machine Interfaces and working knowledge of CILs, Rapid Changeovers and Equipment Centerlines.
• Basic knowledge of PLC-controlled equipment, handshake signals, safety interlocks, and industrial control components. 
• Ability to read and interpret basic electrical schematics and drawings.
• Strong troubleshooting skills and ability to follow established procedures.
• Willingness to work flexible schedules, including nights or weekends, as needed to support operations.
• Ability to assist Operations in approaches to Problem-Solving, Root-Cause-Analysis, and Corrective Actions.
• Demonstrate a strong willingness to grow and continuously learn, through ongoing training and hands-on experience particularly in automation and controls.

Physical Requirements

• Speaking: Often (investigates, coordinates, recommends, reports)
• Acute Vision: Constantly (observing both near and far, reading documents)
• Mobility: Frequent travel throughout facility and equipment
• Bending/Squatting: Frequent bending and squatting to complete maintenance/installation tasks.
• Dexterity: Frequent use of hands to preform maintenance/repair tasks.
• Lifting: Lift up to 50 lbs.
• Climbing: Occasional use of ladders or stairs.
• Standing: Frequently (standing on feet for extended periods of time), up to 12 hours.
• Climate: Frequent work in a non-climate-controlled environment (cold, hot)