Automation/Controls Technician

Perdue Chicken; Perry (GA); On-site; USD 45,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player seeks a skilled Automation Technician to join their team. This role involves troubleshooting, maintaining, and upgrading various building systems and production equipment. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience with PLC programming, electrical troubleshooting, and automation systems, ensuring efficient operations in a dynamic manufacturing environment. Join a company dedicated to premium quality and innovation, where your expertise will contribute to a trusted name in the industry. If you thrive in a fast-paced environment and enjoy hands-on technical challenges, this opportunity is perfect for you.

Benefits

Health insurance

Retirement plan

Paid time off

Employee discounts

Qualifications

• 4+ years of experience in automation maintenance in an industrial environment.
• Strong understanding of PLC systems and electrical troubleshooting.

Responsibilities

• Troubleshoot and maintain building systems and production equipment.
• Implement electrical controls and automation systems for manufacturing.

Skills

PLC programming

Electrical troubleshooting

HMI programming

Communication skills

Teamwork

Analytical skills

Flexible schedule

Education

Associate’s Degree in Electrical Engineering Technology

Technical school training

Tools

Microsoft Office

Electronic testing equipment

Job description

Perdue Foods is part of Perdue Farms, a family-owned company heading into its second century of growth and innovation. With a goal of becoming the most trusted name in premium proteins, we create products for consumers and for retail and foodservice customers around the globe, while changing the way animals are raised for food.

Summary

This role is responsible for troubleshooting and performing preventative maintenance on various building systems, production equipment, conveyers, automation equipment and robotic equipment. This position is responsible for installing, maintaining, repairing, troubleshooting, programming, and modifying controls and automation systems.

Principal and Essential Duties & Responsibilities

1. Proposing, specifying, designing, programming, and implementing electrical controls and automation systems for a manufacturing facility.
2. Review technical specifications and schematics for new equipment to ensure that sound engineering practices are followed, and that Machine Build Standards, NEC, and OSHA requirements are met.
3. Review and modify existing equipment as required to meet safety and ergonomic requirements.
4. Perform system evaluations, electrical design and automation system programming support for all plant manufacturing operations.
5. Perform root-cause analysis, troubleshoot, repair, and maintain mechanical and electrical equipment such as: blending, conveying, filling, packaging, coding/printing compressed air, vacuum, hydraulic and refrigeration systems.
6. Upgrading of existing equipment and integration of existing equipment with new automation. Alterations to existing manuals and wiring diagrams, implementation of training packages for equipment altered.
7. Competent and capable with high-voltage wiring and multi-craft repair. Troubleshoot electrical wiring, relay logic, control, and safety circuits.
8. Troubleshoot electronic boards, PLC’s, touch screens, VFD’s, HMI displays, contactors and motors.
9. Troubleshoot mechanical systems related to production and plant support equipment ranging from single phase to three phase equipment along with voltages ranging from 5VDC – 480 VAC.
10. Interpret electrical schematics, mechanical drawings, blueprints and layouts.
11. Perform preventative and predictive maintenance of all equipment. Base knowledge of mechanical maintenance repair. Industrial Equipment to include: Electro-mechanical equipment, hydraulics, pneumatics systems, motion controls, and programmable logic controllers.
12. Train Junior Mechanics on equipment, procedures and troubleshooting practices.
13. Follow all company policies including, but not limited to general manufacturing and safety practices.
14. Ensure that work is completed in accordance with relevant codes and proper documentation.
15. Participate in continuous improvement activities and performance teams for suggesting methods to improve processes, efficiency, quality and service.
16. Be able to provide after-hours telephone and on-site troubleshooting assistance to plant electrical, engineering and production departments in a 24-hour, 7 days a week operation.
17. Follow all company policies and procedures including, but not limited to GMP, HACCP, Health and Safety, Attendance.

Qualifications/Skills

1. Must have good understanding of PLC systems and ability to create PLC program code and program documentation. Should have good practical experience in PLC systems for process or material handling work.
2. Experience with Allen-Bradley HMI programming experience.
3. Experience with Allen-Bradley variable frequency AC drives and reduced voltage starters preferred.
4. Experience specifying, installing and troubleshooting thermocouples, pressure transducers, proximity sensors, etc.
5. Proficient troubleshooting including, but not limited to electrical/electronic circuits.
6. Proficiency at using tools including, but not limited to electronic testing equipment.
7. Capability of using a Windows based PC and Microsoft Office applications.
8. Must have excellent communication skills and the ability to relate well to a wide range of constituents.
9. Must be able to function well as a member of a team.
10. Ability to work a flexible schedule including weekends, Holidays and overtime as needed.
11. Education and/or a combination of education and experience equivalent to an Associate’s Degree in Electrical Engineering Technology, Automation, or related discipline and 1-3 years of automation maintenance and/or automation projects in an industrial environment, preferably in a food manufacturing environment.
12. Electrical certification, maintenance manufacturing experience, technical school training or welding experience.
13. Understanding of Allen Bradley PLC – Design, Programming, Installation, Operation, Maintenance and Troubleshooting.
14. Electrical Maintenance with R-30iA and R-30iB Controllers.

Experience Requirements

4 plus years experience. Reading, writing, math and analytical skills required. Valid drivers license (Class C) required. Required skills may also include troubleshooting switches, 3 phase motor and service light fixtures and ballasts.

Experience Preferred

• Fanuc Certified Service Engineer (CSE) or Master Certified Preferred.
• Pallet Tool/Pick Tool and Programming (Part of Fanuc Robotics).
• Line Tracking Setup (Non-Vision) (Part of Fanuc Robotics).
• KAREL Programming (Part of Fanuc Robotics).

Environmental Factors and Physical Requirements

Must be able to move throughout assigned areas of responsibility carrying required equipment and tools to perform troubleshooting procedures, repairs and preventative maintenance. Must be able to reach vertical heights up to 150' to perform repairs, preventative maintenance and monitor equipment both open and in confined spaces. Must be able to work outside in all seasonal weather, stand for 8 to 14 hours. Exposure to airborne dust, chemicals, such as hexane, caustic soda, butanone, ethanol and aluminum chloride. When in a plant environment: Exposure primarily consists of wet and moist floors which include metal and plastic grating surfaces. May be exposed to temperatures of 28 degrees to 100 degrees Fahrenheit with both ambient and 100% humidity. May handle product 25 degrees to 50 degrees Fahrenheit. May be exposed to noise ranges of 50 db. to 110 db. May be exposed to all chemicals used in poultry, food, processing facility. Must wear and use protective and safety equipment required for the job as directed by the Company. May need to climb ladders.

Perdue Farms, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.

About the company

The Perdue name means the best quality, nutrition, and safety. Perdue chicken is 100% veggie fed with no animal-by-products. Taste the difference.