Automation & Controls Specialist

Hill's Pet Nutrition; Tonganoxie (KS); On-site; USD 64,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

Dental benefits

Vision benefits

401(k) with company match

Paid vacation

Job summary

Colgate-Palmolive in Kansas is seeking an Automation & Controls Specialist for the 3rd shift (11:00 PM to 7:30 AM). The role centers on hands-on maintenance of plant floor electrical, automation, and control systems, including AMR/LGV fleets and PLCs.

You will diagnose, calibrate, and repair VFDs, motors, sensors, and instrumentation, while mentoring Tier 1/2 staff and contributing to safety and reliability on the line.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma with 5+ years in plant tech or 2-year technical degree with PLC/AMR/LGV experience.
• Bachelor's degree with PLC experience or related automation background.
• Experience with 480 VAC 3-phase, 120 VAC and 24 VDC control circuits preferred.
• Strong PLC programming in Ladder Logic (ControlLogix/GuardLogix) preferred.
• Experience with AMRs/LGVs/industrial robotics in high-speed manufacturing.

Responsibilities

• AMR & LGV fleet support and maintenance.
• System integration with robotic cells, vision systems, and safety interlocks.

Skills

PLC Programming

AMRs

LGVs

Electrical troubleshooting

Robotics systems

Education

High School Diploma

Technical degree (Automation/PLC)

Bachelor’s degree (Engineering)

Tools

Allen-Bradley PLCs

PanelView

AOI blocks

Schematic reading

Job description

No Relocation Assistance Offered

Job Number #176505 - Tonganoxie, Kansas, United States

Who We Are

Colgate-Palmolive Company is a global consumer products company operating in over 200 countries specializing in Oral Care, Personal Care, Home Care, Skin Care, and Pet Nutrition. Our products are trusted in more households than any other brand in the world, making us a household name!

Join Colgate-Palmolive, a caring, innovative growth company reimagining a healthier future for people, their pets, and our planet. Guided by our core values—Caring, Inclusive, and Courageous—we foster a culture that inspires our people to achieve common goals. Together, let's build a brighter, healthier future for all.

Work visa sponsorship is not available for this position. Accordingly, all applicants must be currently authorized to work in the U.S. on a full-time basis and must not require the Company's sponsorship to continue to work legally in the United States.

At Hill’s we have a purpose to transform the lives of millions of pet families through pioneering innovation, science-led nutrition, and the best and brightest people. If you’re interested in work that matters, fueled by passion for pets, we invite you to apply.

Founded more than 75 years ago with an unwavering commitment to pet nutrition, Hill’s mission is to help enrich and lengthen the special relationships between people and their pets. Our decades of science and research guide us in creating nutrition that’s a step ahead so pets and pet parents can enjoy every day together. As the US #1 Veterinarian recommended pet food brand, knowledge is our first ingredient with 220+ veterinarians, PhD nutritionists and food scientists working to develop breakthrough innovations in pet health.

3rd shift (11:00 PM to 7:30 AM)

Automation & Controls Specialist

The Automation & Controls Specialist is responsible for providing hands-on technical support, continuous maintenance, and expert troubleshooting of plant floor electrical, automation, and control systems. This role focuses directly on the physical repair, calibration, and commissioning of field instrumentation, sensors, motors, Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs), electrical distribution circuits, and PLC systems utilizing ladder logic.

Additionally, this position is responsible for supporting, troubleshooting, and optimizing the facility's Autonomous Mobile Robot (AMR) and Laser Guided Vehicle (LGV/AGV) fleets. Beyond technical execution, this role serves as a key technical mentor for Tier 1 and Tier 2 maintenance engineers, elevating the site's overall technical capability.

Key Responsibilities

AMR & LGV Fleet Support

• Robotics Fleet Maintenance: Support, troubleshoot, perform diagnostics, electrician and mechanical repair, and maintenance for the plant's Autonomous Mobile Robot (AMR) and Laser Guided Vehicle (LGV/AGV) fleets.
• System Integration: Maintain and troubleshoot collaborative and industrial robotic cells, vision systems, and safety interlocks integrated with automated guided vehicles.

Hands-On Repair, Motors, VFDs & Electrical Systems

• Drives & Motors: Commission, perform preventative maintenance on, and troubleshoot Variable Frequency AC Drives (VFDs), 3-phase motor starters, and servo motors and drives.
• Electrical Diagnostics: Read and interpret electrical schematics and P&ID prints to diagnose and repair 3-phase 480 VAC power circuits, 120 VAC control loops, and 24 VAC/VDC systems in compliance with NEC regulatory standards.
• Sensor & Instrumentation Calibration: Perform hands-on replacement, adjustment, and calibration of discrete and analog sensors (pressure, level, temperature), flow meters, load cells, photoelectric sensors, solenoids, control valves, metal detectors, container fill detectors, and vacuum detection systems.

PLC & Ladder Logic Automation

• Ladder Logic Troubleshooting: Program, maintain, and troubleshoot Allen-Bradley ControlLogix and GuardLogix PLCs utilizing ladder logic programming, Sequencer programming, and Add-On Instruction (AOI) blocks.
• Hardware & I/O Maintenance: Power up electrical control panels, configure hardware per application specifications, and maintain control system I/O structures including Flex IO and Point IO modules.
• System Backups & Integrity: Follow strict software/hardware backup procedures for PLCs, Panelview operator interfaces, programmable switches, and VFDs while documenting all modifications made to electrical schematics.

Technical Mentorship & Tier 1/2 Support

• Mentorship & Coaching: Act as a hands-on technical mentor to Tier 1 and Tier 2 maintenance engineers, technicians, and system operators to build shift-level competency in electrical diagnostics, ladder logic, and robotic systems.
• Training Content Creation: Conduct technical training using written SOPs, digital flow tools, and audiovisual content covering control systems, electrical troubleshooting, and plant safety standards.
• Shift Support: Serve as a primary technical escalation resource during shift operations, which includes climbing, bending, crawling, and physical positioning around process equipment.

Required Qualifications

• High School Diploma with 5+ years of plant technical/maintenance experience related to PLC Programming, AMRs, LGVs, OR 2+ years technical degree in related to PLC Programming AMRs, LGVs, OR a Bachelor’s Degree with a minimum of 1 year of PLC experience

Preferred Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience with 480 VAC 3-phase, 120 VAC, and 24 VDC control circuits; expert schematic reading; NEC regulatory knowledge; hands‑on repair of VFDs, motors, and field sensors.
• Strong ability to program, edit, and troubleshoot Allen‑Bradley PLCs (ControlLogix/GuardLogix) using ladder logic, Sequencers, and AOI blocks.
• Experience troubleshooting and configuring AMRs, LGVs, AGVs, or industrial robotics platforms within a high-speed manufacturing environment.
• Excellent interpersonal and coaching skills with proven success in training Tier 1 and Tier 2 technical personnel.
• Familiarity with Panelview, Wonderware/AVEVA platforms, basic Industrial Ethernet/IP networking, and digital collaboration tools

Compensation And Benefits

Salary Range $64,000.00 - $80,000.00 USD

Pay is determined based on experience, qualifications, and location. Salaried employees may also be eligible for discretionary bonuses, profit-sharing, and long-term incentives for Executive-level roles.

Benefits: Salaried employees enjoy a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, basic life insurance, paid parental leave, disability coverage, and participation in the 401(k) retirement plan with company matching contributions subject to eligibility requirements. Additional benefits include a minimum of 15 vacation/PTO days (hourly employees receive a minimum of 120 hours) and 13 paid holidays (vacation days are prorated based on the employee's hire date within the calendar year). Paid sick leave is adjusted based on role and location in accordance with local laws. Detailed information regarding paid sick leave entitlements will be provided to employees upon hiring and may be subject to adjustments based on changes in legislation or company policies.

Our Commitment to Inclusion

Our journey begins with our people—developing strong talent with diverse backgrounds and perspectives to best serve our consumers around the world and fostering an inclusive environment where everyone feels a true sense of belonging. We are dedicated to ensuring that each individual can be their authentic self, is treated with respect, and is empowered by leadership to contribute meaningfully to our business.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Colgate is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, ethnicity, age, disability, marital status, veteran status (United States positions), or any other characteristic protected by law.

Reasonable accommodation during the application process is available for persons with disabilities. Please complete this request form should you require accommodation.

For additional Colgate terms and conditions, please click here.