Automation & Controls Technician

General Mills; Geneva (IL); On-site; USD 82,000 - 107,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Vacation up to 120 hours annually

11 paid holidays

401(k) with company match

Medical, dental, life insurance

Career growth and cross-training

Job summary

General Mills Geneva plant is seeking an Automation and Controls Technician to install, program, and optimize packaging and processing controls. You will work with Wonderware/ArchestrA and FANUC robotics to improve cycle times, accuracy, and reliability on a 24/7 production line.

You will read electrical schematics, perform parameter tuning, and participate in root cause analysis and continuous improvement projects while supporting a safety-first environment and cross-training teammates.

Qualifications

• Minimum of a high school diploma or GED with 2+ years in Controls Programming and Industrial Controls Technology.
• 3+ years of experience programming and troubleshooting FANUC robotics in a manufacturing setting.
• Experience integrating FANUC robots with PLC systems and optimizing robot performance.

Responsibilities

• Support, create, integrate, troubleshoot and improve processing/packaging controls systems (Wonderware, ArchestrA, PLC).
• Troubleshoot and maintain FANUC robotics systems and integrate with PLCs.
• Read/update electrical and control schematics; participate in Root Cause Analysis and Continuous Improvement.

Skills

English communication

Team collaboration

Problem solving

Safety compliance

Physical ability to lift 50 lbs

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

FANUC robotics

PLC programming

HMI development

VFDs and servo drives

Electrical schematics

Job description

COMPANY OVERVIEWWe exist to make food the world loves. But we do more than that. Our company is a place that prioritizes being a force for good, a place to expand learning, explore new perspectives and reimagine new possibilities, every day. We look for people who want to bring their best — bold thinkers with big hearts who challenge one another and grow together. Because becoming the undisputed leader in food means surrounding ourselves with people who are hungry for what’s next.POSITION OVERVIEWAutomation and Controls TechnicianStarting Pay: $39.58 per hour up to $45.88 per hourShift differential for 2nd and 3rd shift8-hour shiftWhy Join Our TeamOur Geneva facility, located in the western Chicago suburbs in Kane County, joined the General Mills North America plant network in 2024. Here, we proudly produce Betty Crocker desserts, our iconic Gushers and Fruit Snacks. Our team is driven by being humble, hungry and smart and making a positive impact both within the company and in the local community (StandingforGood). General Mills is dedicated to employee growth. If you're looking for a safety-first environment where you can develop leadership skills, expand technical capabilities, and drive results, then GMI Geneva is an excellent place to build your career.What We Have to Offer$39.58 per hour up to $45.88 per hour depending upon skillset and experienceTech I: $39.58 per hourTech II: $45.88 per hourTech III: $51.39 per hour (Internal Advancement Opportunity)Additional $1.00 per hour shift differential for 2nd shiftAdditional $2.00 per hour shift differential for 3rd shiftUp to 120 hours of vacation annually11 paid company holidays401(k) with company matchMedical, dental, life insuranceCareer growth and cross-training opportunitiesYour Work Schedule and Shift Information8-hour shifts1st shift: 6:45 am to 3 pm2nd shift: 2:45 pm to 11 pm3rd shift: 10:45 pm to 7 amOn call rotation of approximately 1 week per monthAbility and willingness to work scheduled on-call and weekend coverageAbility and willingness to work overtime, any shift, including days, nights, weekends, holidays and emergency eventsPlant operation is 24 hours a day, 7 days a weekKEY ACCOUNTABILITIESAs part of our manufacturing team, you will:Be responsible for supporting, creating, integration, troubleshooting and improving a variety of processing/packaging controls systems including Wonderware, ArchestrA Systems, PLCProgram, troubleshoot and maintain FANUC robotics systems, including integration and support of PLC systemsPerform program adjustments and parameter tuning on robotic systems (e.g., FANUC) to enhance operational efficiency, including reducing cycle times and improving accuracy and repeatabilityRead and update electrical and control schematics, piping and instrumentation diagramsProvide technical support/skills for equipment troubleshooting and controls/equipment modificationsUnderstand, initiate, and participate in Root Cause Analysis (Why, Why)Participate in Continuous Improvement initiatives to increase platform performanceAssist in training new employeesMINIMUM QUALIFICATIONSMinimum of a high school diploma or GEDMust possess the ability to understand and effectively communicate with co-workers, supervisors, and others in the workplace regarding work matters (our business is generally conducted in English)2+ years (minimum) experience in Controls Programming and Industrial Controls Technology or equivalent education in a related field/industry3+ years (minimum) experience in programming and troubleshooting FANUC robotics within a manufacturing environmentExperience integrating FANUC robots with PLC systemsAbility to optimize robot performance for cycle time, accuracy, and repeatability through program adjustments and parameter tuningKnowledge and practical application with the following technology areas: PLC’s, HMI’s, process instrumentation, machine control systems, VFD’s, servo drives, robotics, power distribution (<600V), control system networking, and electrical safetyWorking knowledge of pneumatic and hydraulic systemsExperience in a manufacturing/production environmentAbility to lift up to 50 lbs.Ability to stand, walk, climb, bend, push, pull, and twist for extended periodsWillingness to work in hot, cold, noisy, wet, or dusty conditionsAbility to climb and/or work at heights while utilizing stairs, ladders, personnel lifts, or platformsAbility to follow human and food safety, quality, and grooming standardsAbility to wear such as protective clothing and equipment (Personal Protective Equipment -PPE) such as safety shoes, safety glasses, hearing protection, hard/bump cap, hair/beard net, gloves, and face masks (when required)Ability to work around high-speed machinery and food allergensELIGIBILITYApplicants must meet a minimum 18-year age qualification.EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER (EOE)General Mills is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, marital or familial status, status regarding public assistance, or membership or activity in a local human rights commission.Check out why General Mills Manufacturing is a great place to grow a career: