Automation and Controls Technician Night Shift 5PM-5AM $97,000/Year 1

Bel Group; Brookings Township (SD); On-site; USD 87,000 - 107,000; Full time

Job summary

Bel Group seeks an Automation and Controls Technician for the Brookings facility to support night shift operations. You will optimize plant automation, troubleshoot PLCs, and coordinate with maintenance and production personnel to ensure reliable electrical systems.

Responsibilities include programming RSLogix 5000, maintaining motor drives and controls, and upholding safety standards. AAS or equivalent training plus 2+ years in industrial automation is preferred; journeyman license is a plus.

Qualifications

• Requires education generally equivalent to a High School Diploma plus a minimum of 2 years of trades training in electricity, electronics and industrial automation.
• An AAS degree in industrial electricity, automation, industrial maintenance, electronics or similar technical degree is desired, but not required.
• Current electrical journeyman’s license or willingness to work toward these credentials is desired.
• Requires a minimum of 2 years experience relating to electrical repairs, programmable logic controls, and wiring in an industrial setting.
• Mechanical and maintenance skills sufficient to fill in for maintenance positions plant-wide during vacations or other absences.
• Ability to read and understand technical documents/manual and electrical schematics.

Responsibilities

• Serve as technical resource to the Automation Supervisor for the optimization and maintenance of plant automation and controls equipment.
• Assist managers, supervisors and plant personnel in diagnosing and correcting malfunctions in machinery and equipment.
• Provide troubleshooting and problem solving assistance to technicians through knowledge of PLC programming, troubleshooting and electrical maintenance.
• Program and troubleshoot in RSLogix 5000 and create and modify screens for HMI stations.
• Maintain automated electrical systems such as motor controls and drives, power supplies, programmable controllers and communication networks.
• Evaluate work quality of electrical and automation technicians and provide constructive feedback and training to fellow team members.
• Effectively communicate information regarding automation and maintenance interventions and situations to maintenance supervisors, especially from overnight operations.
• Make decisions and solve problems - Analyze information and evaluate results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
• Demonstrate compliance with all plant safety rules, participate in safety-related groups and be proactive in the development of plant safety culture.
• Inspect electrical systems, equipment, and components to identify hazards, defects, and the need for adjustment or repair, and to ensure compliance with codes.

Skills

PLC programming

Electrical maintenance

Troubleshooting

HMI development

Team communication

Education

High School Diploma

AAS in industrial electricity/automation

Electrical journeyman license desired

Tools

RSLogix 5000

HMI software

Job description

Automation and Controls Technician Night Shift 5PM-5AM

Salary: $97,000/Year

Posting Start Date: 10/29/26

Country: United States

Job Location: Brookings

Type of contract: Unlimited-term

Job Id: 53193

The Bel Group is a major player in the food industry through portions of dairy, fruit and plant-based products, and one of the world leaders in branded cheeses. Its portfolio of differentiated and internationally recognized brands includes The Laughing Cow®, Kiri®, Babybel®, Boursin® Nurishh®, Pom'Potes® and GoGo squeeZ®, as well as some 30 local brands. Together, these brands helped the Group generate sales of €3.74 billion in 2024.

Do you want to join a company with strong brands that puts consumers and responsibility at the heart of the decision-making process? Then Bel is made for you!

Are you bold, pragmatic, and determined? Do you want to contribute to the transformation of an international agri-food company? Them come join us and measure the impact of your talent and energy in realizing an ambitious and sustainable company project!

#IWorkForAllForGood

Job Description Summary

The Automation and Controls Technician will serve as a technical resource within the Maintenance Department and will assist the Automation Supervisor in overseeing plant automation and controls systems. The position will work in conjunction with the area Maintenance Supervisors, Technicians and Production Supervisors to maintain and optimize the plant programmable logic controllers and other automation equipment. The Technician will also fill in for maintenance technicians as needed and provide communications from the maintenance supervisors to the night shift maintenance technicians.

Essential duties and responsibilities

• Serve as technical resource to the Automation Supervisor for the optimization and maintenance of plant automation and controls equipment.
• Assist managers, supervisors and plant personnel in diagnosing and correcting malfunctions in machinery and equipment.
• Provide troubleshooting and problem solving assistance to technicians through knowledge of PLC programming, troubleshooting and electrical maintenance.
• Program and troubleshoot in RSLogix 5000 and create and modify screens for HMI stations.
• Maintain automated electrical systems such as motor controls and drives, power supplies, programmable controllers and communication networks.
• Evaluate work quality of electrical and automation technicians and provide constructive feedback and training to fellow team members.
• Effectively communicate information regarding automation and maintenance interventions and situations to maintenance supervisors, especially from overnight operations.
• Make decisions and solve problems - Analyze information and evaluate results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
• Demonstrate compliance with all plant safety rules, participate in safety-related groups and be proactive in the development of plant safety culture.
• Inspect electrical systems, equipment, and components to identify hazards, defects, and the need for adjustment or repair, and to ensure compliance with codes.

General Electrical and Maintenance Responsibilities

• Perform general electrical construction work including conduit fabrication, wire pulls, wiring termination, motor replacements and general electric / electronic work.
• Study blueprints and manufacturers manuals to determine correct installation and operation of machinery.
• Plan layout and installation of electrical wiring, equipment and fixtures, based on job specifications and local codes.
• Understanding of NFPA arc flash hazards and acceptable industry practices to remain within compliance of these rules
• Perform business management duties such as maintaining records and files with a CMMS system, preparing reports, ordering supplies and equipment.
• Communicate with supervisors, peers, and production employees. Provide information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e‑mail, or in person.
• Perform maintenance and electrical technician work on a fill-in basis for technician absences throughout the facility.
• Serve to communicate with and update maintenance supervisors about overnight maintenance and equipment issues throughout the facility.

Protective Equipment

Employees must wear safety glasses, protective gloves, ear protection, arc flash attire and any other required personal protective gear mandated by the job or conditions.

Qualifications and Competencies

1.) Minimum degree and experience required:

• Requires education generally equivalent to a High School Diploma plus a minimum of 2 years of trades training in electricity, electronics and industrial automation.
• An AAS degree in industrial electricity, automation, industrial maintenance, electronics or similar technical degree is desired, but not required.
• Current electrical journeyman’s license or wiliness to work toward these credentials is desired.
• Requires a minimum of 2 years experience relating to electrical repairs, programmable logic controls, and wiring in an industrial setting.
• Mechanical and maintenance skills sufficient to fill in for maintenance positions plant-wide during vacations or other absences
• A complete commitment to personal and coworker safety and adherence to rules and procedures is expected.
• Ability to read and understand technical documents/manual and electrical schematics.
• Ability to function as a team member and contribute to group goals.
• Requires good knowledge of the principles of electricity and mechanical aptitude.
• Requires the ability to work in confined spaces.
• Requires good oral communication skills to effectively deal with coworkers.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand, use hands to finger, handle, or touch objects or controls, climb or balance, and/or talk or hear. The employee is regularly required to stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl or walk. The employee is occasionally required to sit or reach above shoulders.

The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds while performing electrical repairs and changing-out motors and pumps. Specific vision requirements of this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, color vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.

The employee frequently works near moving mechanical parts, in proximity to the risk of electric shock, and in outdoor weather conditions.

The employee must regularly work in non-weather related wet and humid conditions. The employee must occasionally work in high precarious places, in proximity to fumes or airborne particles, in proximity to toxic or caustic chemicals, in non-weather related extreme cold or heat, and near sources of vibration.

The noise level in the work environment is usually loud

Department

Automation & Controls Technician Brookings, SD BEL USA - SD Plant Maintenance and Engineering