Automation Controls Supervisor: PLC & Systems Optimization

West Fraser; Town of Texas, Northern (WI, KY); Hybrid; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Benefits starting Day 1

On-the-job training

Promotions from within

401K with company match

Job summary

West Fraser is seeking an Electrical Controls Supervisor to support the mill's operational and maintenance objectives, helping the site reach top quartile performance. You will troubleshoot electrical, instrumental, and process systems, including valves, sensors, drives, and PLCs to diagnose and repair issues.

This role requires strong analytical skills, a proven ability to train mill staff, lead the electrical team, manage projects, engage with vendors, and implement safety‑driven improvements

Qualifications

• Familiar with Allen Bradley products, VFD Drives, Soft Starters, and HMIs.
• Experience with PLC 5 and Control Logix PLC platforms.
• Experience with communication network protocols: Ethernet, DeviceNet, ControlNet.
• Proficient in computer and Microsoft Office software packages.
• Experience working with high and low voltages.
• Demonstrated supervisor abilities.
• Ability to manage small projects and day-to-day work planning.
• Experience following electrical schematics.
• Good track record with troubleshooting skills.

Responsibilities

• Work with the team at the facility and will be responsible for helping to maintain and improve the PLC and other automation control systems while ensuring that all work is completed in a safe reliable manner.
• Demonstrated ability to train/impart knowledge to mill personnel. Bring the skill level at the mill up to match the systems now in place.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively engage and work with mill-level personnel, develop an understanding of mill needs, and deliver the required help in an effective manner.
• Demonstrated ability to manage and develop electrical team
• Excellent troubleshooting skills – Drives, PLC issues, control issues, electrical. Ability to troubleshoot from afar and talk mill folks effectively through issues.
• Responsible for maintenance and care of the various optimization systems (software and hardware).
• Willingness to respond to emergency situations at a given mill, bring a “whatever it takes” mindset to the position.
• Ability to recognize opportunities for improvement and help local mill management see the same. Aid mill in implementing these improvements.
• Assist as required in project planning, startups, helping the mill to meet/exceed ramp expectations. Ability to work with vendors and help expeditiously move the mill beyond the vendors' expertise.

Skills

Allen-Bradley controls

PLC programming

Industrial networks

MS Office

Electrical safety

Supervisory experience

Project planning

Electrical schematics

Troubleshooting

Job description

West Fraser is seeking an Electrical Controls Supervisor to support the mill's operational and maintenance objectives, helping the site reach top quartile performance. You will troubleshoot electrical, instrumental, and process systems, including valves, sensors, drives, and PLCs to diagnose and repair issues.

This role requires strong analytical skills, a proven ability to train mill staff, lead the electrical team, manage projects, engage with vendors, and implement safety‑driven improvements