Automation Controls Technician – 1st Shift Full Time NEW

Summary

Bring automation to life on the manufacturing floor. The Automation Controls Technician plays a critical role in designing, programming, maintaining, and optimizing automated and robotic systems that keep operations running efficiently and reliably. This role partners closely with cross functional teams to troubleshoot and improve control processes, support new technology implementations, and enhance existing equipment capabilities. The Automation Controls Technician is a hands-on technical contributor who helps drive innovation, uptime, and continuous improvement across the plant.

Schedule: 1st Shift: Alternating weekly schedule with 5 days one week (Monday – Thursday, Saturday; off Friday and Sunday) and 6 days the next (Monday – Friday, Sunday; off Saturday).

Principal Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Design, program, and implement automated control systems.
• Troubleshoot and repair electrical and mechanical issues in automated/robotic equipment.
• Troubleshoot and perform repairs on AC/DC/Servo Motor Control System and Instrumentation Control Systems.
• ​Conduct regular maintenance and inspections of control systems and equipment.
• Document maintenance activities, repairs, and system changes.
• Respond to emergency breakdowns and troubleshooting control system issues promptly.
• Collaborate cross-functionally to design and integrate automation/robotic solutions.​
• Test and calibrate instrumentation and control devices.
• Contribute to the development of preventive maintenance schedules for automation equipment.​ ​
• Monitor and optimize control system performance.
• Install and configure/program industrial robots and robotic systems. Programming (PLCs and HMIs).
• Ensure compliance with safety regulations and standards. Understand safety compliance and standards for robotic equipment.
• ​Provide training and support to operators on control system usage.
• Mentor and train other Maintenance Technicians
• ​Participate in continuous improvement.​

Minimum Education and Experience

• High School Diploma or GED.
• 8+ Years experience in industrial automation, controls systems, PLC programming, and troubleshooting, preferably in a food manufacturing environment.
• Strong understanding and practical application of PLCs, HMI systems, robotics. and industrial control systems.
• Industry certifications such as Certified Automation Professional (CAP), Certified Control Systems Technician or related certifications are advantageous.
• In depth knowledge of electrical systems, control devices, instrumentation, and process control.
• Maintain Perdue Farms QEW Certification.
• Commitment to Continuous Learning to achieve increasing levels of expertise.
• Fanuc Certified Service Engineer (CSE) or Master Certified preferred.
• Pallet Tool/Pick Tool and Programming (Part of Fanuc Robotics).
• Line Tracking Setup (Non-Vision) (Part of Fanuc Robotics).
• KAREL Programming (Part of Fanuc Robotics).

Preferred Education and Experience

• 2-year Technical Degree in Mechatronics/Robotics or equivalent combination of experience and education​.

Physical Requirements and Environmental Factors

• Sitting, standing, walking, climbing, kneeling, reaching overhead and/or at shoulder level, lifting (50 lbs.) and/or repetitive tasks throughout the day.
• Position requires occasional moving to other offices or buildings.
• Day travel to nearby locations is sometimes required.
• May need to access files, supplies, and equipment.

When in a plant environment:

• Exposure primarily consists of wet and moist floors which include metal and plastic grating surfaces.
• May be exposed to temperatures of 28 degrees to 100 degrees Fahrenheit with both ambient and 100% humidity.
• May handle products from 25 degrees to 50 degrees Fahrenheit.
• May be exposed to noise ranges of 50 db to 110 db.
• May be exposed to all chemicals used in poultry, food, and processing plant.

Job Type: Full-time

Expected hours: No less than 40 per week

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Disability insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person