Automation Contols/PLC Specialist

Amcor LLC; Ames (IA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision plans

Paid time off

Company holidays

Wellbeing programs

401(k) with company match

Tuition Reimbursement

Discretionary bonus program

Job summary

Amcor in Ames, IA is seeking an Automation Controls Technician to maintain instrumentation, control systems, and SCADA interfaces across a 24/7 production environment. You will troubleshoot PLCs (Allen Bradley/Siemens), HMIs, VFDs, and drive equipment, develop system documentation, and support safety compliance with LOTO and electrical standards.

Team-oriented, this role emphasizes installation, upgrades, preventive maintenance, and project-driven improvements to ensure reliability and

Qualifications

• Associate degree required; 5–10 years in manufacturing maintenance preferred.
• Experience with plastic manufacturing technology is strongly preferred.
• Proven record with industrial communication and PLC messaging.
• Strong math skills and the ability to read technical diagrams.
• Capable of leading projects and meeting budgets.

Responsibilities

• Maintain automation systems, instrumentation, and communication networks.
• Troubleshoot PLCs/SCADA/HMI/Drives and perform repairs as needed.
• Assist in installation, repair, and preventive maintenance programs.
• Develop and maintain system documentation and interfacing diagrams.
• Support safety compliance and lockout/tagout procedures.
• Lead small projects and coordinate with plant personnel.

Skills

PLC maintenance

Troubleshooting

Electrical safety

Project management

Documentation

Education

Associate degree in PLCs/Robotics/Automation

Tools

SCADA

HMI

AutoCAD

Drives

Network switches/routers

Radio communication devices

Job description

Job DescriptionPosition Overview:The Automation Controls Technician is responsible for maintaining instrumentation, control systems, and electronic communications in support of plant production, quality, GMP and safety goals. The ideal candidate would have a strong work ethic and background fixing electromechanical systems, providing production efficiency and performance metrics for entire production lines. Implement process / production monitoring and product quality controls, including network integration and SCADA interface, on new and existing production systems. They will provide technical guidance and assistance to the troubleshooting, operation, and maintenance of control systems including hardware and software. Working as part of a team, the technician will provide technical knowledge and guidance for designated interface groups, and carry out installation, diagnostics, repair, and ensure the reliability of industrial control systems and equipment.Essential Responsibilities and Duties:Responsible for the support and maintenance of the Automation systems.Proven ability to modify and troubleshoot competently PLCs, HMIs, VFDs, etc. (Allen Bradley/Siemens preferably).Assists in the installation, repair, and maintenance of electrical systems, equipment, and components.Works directly with plant personnel in SCADA implementation and controls systems design.Develops and maintains documentation for system architecture and interfacing.Perform planning, scheduling, installation, monitoring, configuration, troubleshooting, repair, backup and upgrade for production environment.Support Preventive Maintenance (PM) programs and identify improvement opportunities.Assist with new equipment installations and system upgrades.Ensure safety compliance with policies like lockout/tagout (LOTO) and Electrical SafetyAdheres to safety protocols and procedures to prevent accidents and electrical hazardsEnsures all maintenance personnel are properly trained and aware of potential safety and/or health risks.Building and maintaining vendor relationships.Qualifications:Associates degree in PLCs, Robotics, Automation or similar. An equivalent combination of education and five to ten years of relevant maintenance experience in a manufacturing environment required. Prior experience with plastic manufacturing technology is strongly preferred.Proven record with Industrial communication and PLC messaging.Experience in a 24 / 7 high-volume manufacturing environment is highly desired.SCADA, PLCs, HMI, AutoCAD, Drives, Network Switches/Routers, and Radio communication devicesStrong knowledge in plastic equipment maintenance is strongly preferred.Ability to read, write, and interpret technical diagrams and procedures. Strong mathematical skillsrequired. A high degree of organizational skills is required.Experience in practicing advanced methods in the application of PLC, motion controls, and SCADA systemsStrong project and time management skills and demonstrated ability to complete projects promptly within budget.Strong troubleshooting skills required. Incumbent must have the ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.Experience leading and managing projects.Work Environment:Plant Manufacturing SettingThe information contained herein is not intended to be an all-inclusive list of the duties, responsibilities, skills and/or abilities.About Amcor:We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protectedOur ExpectationsWe expect our people to be guided by The Amcor Way and demonstrate our Values every day to enable the business to win. We are winning when:Our people are engaged and developing as part of a high-performing Amcor teamOur customers grow and prosper from Amcor’s quality, service, and innovationOur investors benefit from Amcor’s consistent growth and superior returnsThe environment is better off because of Amcor’s leadership and productsAccelerate the possible by joining a winning Amcor team that’s transforming the packaging industry and improving lives around the world.At Amcor, we unpack possibility through our innovative and responsible packaging to provide solutions that benefit our customers, our people and our planet. More than 10,000 consumers worldwide encounter our products every second and rely on us for safe access to food, medicine and other goods. We value their trust by making safety our guiding principle. It’s our core value and integral to how we do business.Beyond this core principle, our shared values and behaviors unite us as we work together to elevate customers, shape lives and protect the future. We champion our customers and help them succeed. We play to win – adapting quickly in an everchanging world – and make smart choices to safeguard our business, our communities and the people we serve for generations to come. And we invest in our world-class team, empowering our colleagues to unpack their potential, because we believe when our people grow, so does our business.To learn more about playing for Team Amcor, visit www.amcor.com I LinkedIn I Glassdoor I Facebook I YouTubeEqual Opportunity Employer/Minorities/Females/Disabled/Veterans/Sexual Orientation/Gender IdentityAmcor is an Equal Opportunity Employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.If you would like more information about your EEO rights as an applicant under the law, please click on the \"Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal\" Poster. If, because of a medical condition or disability, you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please call 224-313-7000 and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information.E-VerifyWe verify the identity and employment authorization of individuals hired for employment in the United States.BenefitsWhen you join Amcor, you will have access to a comprehensive benefits and compensation package that includes:Medical, dental and vision plansPaid time off, starting at 40 hours per year for full-time hourly employees, may vary by locationCompany-paid holidays starting at 8 days per year and may vary by locationWellbeing programs & Employee Assistance ProgramHealth Savings Account/Flexible Spending AccountLife insurance, AD&D, short-term & long-term disability, and voluntary benefitsPaid Parental LeaveRetirement Savings Plan with company matchTuition Reimbursement (dependent upon approval)Discretionary bonus program (initial eligibility dependent upon hire date)