1st Shift - Maintenance Electronic Technician (MET)

Pilgrim; Columbia Township (MO); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Principe Foods in Columbia, MO is seeking a 1st Shift Maintenance Electronic Technician to support and improve production by hands-on work with PLCs, control systems, and electrical equipment. The role emphasizes troubleshooting, programming, and optimizing to ensure safe, reliable operations.

Essential duties include PLC/HMI programming, electrical maintenance, RCA, system upgrades, schematic interpretation, cross-functional collaboration, operator training, and SAP documentation.

Qualifications

• Degree or 2+ years of experience in Electrical, Electronics, or Mechanical.
• Hands-on experience with PLCs, HMIs, drives, and industrial electrical systems.
• Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work independently and prioritize tasks in a fast-paced environment.
• Basic computer skills (Excel, Word, Outlook).

Responsibilities

• Program and troubleshoot PLC and HMI systems
• Maintain and repair control systems, motor controls, and electrical equipment
• Diagnosing and resolving equipment and process issues using root cause analysis (RCA)
• Support installation, startup, and commissioning of new equipment and upgrades
• Read and apply electrical and mechanical schematics for troubleshooting and system improvements
• Work with operations, maintenance, and engineering teams to improve system performance
• Train operators and technicians on equipment and control systems
• Perform daily inspections of electrical systems, lighting, and connections
• Utilize OEM technical support when needed to solve complex issues
• Maintain spare parts inventory and order materials as required
• Document work and track time in SAP

Skills

PLC troubleshooting

HMI systems

Electrical systems

Root cause analysis

Electrical safety

Documentation SAP

Education

Degree or 2 years experience in Electrical, Electronics, or Mechanical

Job description

1st Shift - Maintenance Electronic Technician (MET)

Position Title: 1st Shift - Maintenance Electronic Technician (MET) , Slicers, & Process Food Machines - ( Weber, Multivac, Handtmann, Ishida, etc.)

Type of Job Description: New Job Description

Job Catalog Position Title: Plant Floor Systems Technician

Department: Maintenance

Location: Columbia, MO

Business Unit: JBS Prepared Foods

Reports to: Maintenance Supervisor

Years of Experience: 1 to 2 years

Number of employees Supervised: None

Since 1945, Principe has combined its Italian heritage with true craftsmanship to deliver the best Italian meats and charcuterie in the world. To meet growing consumer demand for great-tasting, high-quality Italian meats and charcuterie, Principe Foods is opening a new facility, combining old world traditions with innovative recipes, and expanding the authentic artisan offerings of Principe in the United States.

JBS Prepared Foods, a division of JBS USA, the leading global supplier of diversified, high-qualify food products, acquired Principe Foods in February 2022.Swift was founded nearly 150 years ago by Gustavus Swift, a pioneer whose passion and innovative spirit transformed the meat industry.

Now it is your turn to join a company with the mission to use these 100-plus years of knowledge to be the BEST in all we do; completely focused on our business, ensuring the BEST products and services to our customers; a relationship of trust with our suppliers and profitability for our shareholders.All this, we do to provide an opportunity for a better future for all of our TEAM MEMBERS.

We are looking for a Technical Specialist for the JBS Prepared Foods Columbia site that:

Job Description

The Technical Specialist will support and improve production by working hands-on with PLCs, control systems, and electrical equipment. This role focuses on troubleshooting, programming, and optimizing equipment to ensure safe, reliable, and efficient operations.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Program and troubleshoot PLC and HMI systems
• Maintain and repair control systems, motor controls, and electrical equipment
• Diagnosing and resolving equipment and process issues using root cause analysis (RCA)
• Support installation, startup, and commissioning of new equipment and upgrades
• Read and apply electrical and mechanical schematics for troubleshooting and system improvements
• Work with operations, maintenance, and engineering teams to improve system performance
• Train operators and technicians on equipment and control systems
• Perform daily inspections of electrical systems, lighting, and connections
• Utilize OEM technical support when needed to solve complex issues
• Maintain spare parts inventory and order materials as required
• Document work and track time in SAP

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Degree or at least 2 years of experience in Electrical, Electronics, or Mechanical
• Hands-on experience with PLCs, HMIs, drives, and industrial electrical systems
• Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills
• Ability to work independently and prioritize tasks in a fast-paced environment
• Basic computer skills (Excel, Word, Outlook)
• Strong focus on safety and quality
• Willingness to work flexible hours when needed

DECISION – MAKING AUTHORITY

• Lead troubleshooting and drive permanent solutions to recurring issues
• Improve equipment reliability and reduce downtime
• Support continuous improvement and system upgrades
• Help develop operator skills and technical knowledge

BUDGETARY OR PROPERTY RESPONSIBILITY

None

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Occasionally lift and/or move up to 50

Frequently required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl and talk or hear.

Office and plant setting. The plant environment will include wet or humid conditions (non-weather related), extreme cold (non-weather related), working near moving mechanical parts.

Noise level in the work environment is usually moderate but can be loud when in the production area.

More about us

Opportunity for career growth - we prefer to promote internal employees into management roles as they are ready for new responsibilities

Comprehensive benefits package for full time employees including Medical, 401(k) and free tuition to select schools