Automation Controls Technician (1st Shift)

Perdue Farms; North Carolina; On-site; USD 45,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a skilled Automation Technician to join their innovative team. In this role, you will be responsible for troubleshooting and performing preventative maintenance on various building systems and production equipment. Your expertise will ensure the smooth operation of automation systems, contributing to the company's goal of becoming the most trusted name in premium proteins. With a focus on continuous improvement and safety, you will play a vital role in maintaining high standards in a dynamic manufacturing environment. If you are passionate about automation and ready to make a difference, this opportunity is for you.

Qualifications

• 1-3 years of automation maintenance experience in an industrial environment.
• Electrical certification and welding experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Install, maintain, and troubleshoot automation systems and equipment.
• Perform preventative and predictive maintenance on production equipment.
• Train Junior Mechanics on equipment and troubleshooting practices.

Skills

Troubleshooting

Preventative Maintenance

Electrical Design

Automation Systems

High Voltage Wiring

Root-Cause Analysis

Mechanical Systems

Analytical Skills

Education

Associate’s Degree in Electrical Engineering Technology

Technical School Training

Tools

Allen Bradley PLC

Fanuc Robotics

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.

Schedule: 1st Shift (6am to 6pm, 2-2-3 schedule)

Principal and Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Proposing, specifying, designing, programming, and implementing electrical controls and automation systems for a manufacturing facility.
• 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.
• Review and modify existing equipment as required to meet safety and ergonomic requirements.
• Perform system evaluations, electrical design and automation system programming support for all plant manufacturing operations.
• 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.
• 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.
• Competent and capable with high voltage wiring and multi-craft repair. Troubleshoot electrical wiring, relay logic, control, and safety circuits.
• Troubleshoot electronic boards, PLC’s, touch screens, VFD’s, HMI displays, contactors and motors.
• 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.
• Interpret electrical schematics, mechanical drawings, blueprints and layouts.
• Perform preventative and predictive maintenance of all equipment. Base knowledge of mechanical maintenance and repair. Industrial Equipment to include: Electro-mechanical equipment, hydraulics, pneumatics systems, motion controls, and programmable logic controllers.
• Train Junior Mechanics on equipment, procedures and troubleshooting practices.
• Follow all company policies including, but not limited to general manufacturing and safety practices.
• Ensure that work is completed in accordance with relevant codes and proper documentation.
• Participate in continuous improvement activities and performance teams for suggesting methods to improve processes, efficiency, quality, and service.
• 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.
• Follow all company policies and procedures including, but not limited to GMP, HACCP, Health and Safety, and attendance.

Education and Experience Requirements

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.

Electrical certification, maintenance manufacturing experience, technical school training or welding experience.

Understanding of Allen Bradley PLC – Design, Programming, Installation, Operation, Maintenance and Troubleshooting.

Electrical Maintenance with R-30iA and R-30iB Controllers.

Experience Requirements

Valid drivers license (Class C) required.

Required skills may also include troubleshooting switches, 3 phase motor and service light fixtures and ballasts.

Reading, writing, math and analytical skills required.

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.