Automation Controls Technician (2nd Shift)

Perdue Chicken; Bridgewater (VA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in premium proteins is seeking an Automation Technician responsible for troubleshooting and maintaining production equipment. The role involves electrical controls, automation systems, and requires a strong background in electrical maintenance and programming. Candidates should have an Associate’s degree and experience in an industrial environment, preferably in food manufacturing.

Qualifications

• 4+ years experience in automation maintenance or projects.
• Electrical certification and technical school training preferred.

Responsibilities

• Troubleshoot and maintain various building systems and equipment.
• Install and modify controls and automation systems.
• Train Junior Mechanics on equipment and procedures.

Skills

Troubleshooting

Electrical Maintenance

Automation

Programming

Problem Solving

Education

Associate’s Degree in Electrical Engineering Technology

Tools

Allen Bradley PLC

R-30iA Controller

R-30iB Controller

Job description

Perdue Foods has a goal of becoming the most trusted name in premium proteins by creating products for consumers and for retail and foodservice customers around the globe while changing the way animals are raised for food. It is part of Perdue Farms, a fourth-generation, family-owned food and agricultural business deeply rooted in tradition yet with a forward-thinking mindset. We believe that success starts with our people, and our culture is built on a foundation of teamwork, integrity, and respect, where every voice matters and everyone is encouraged to contribute to our shared goals. We are dedicated to creating a supportive, inclusive environment where associates feel valued and inspired to make an impact, both within the company and in the communities we serve. From promoting growth and development to prioritizing work-life balance, we’re committed to helping our team members thrive. That's Perdue.

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: 2nd Shift (Monday - Friday 6:00pm - 6:00am; Weekend overtime required as business needs dictate)

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 e 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.

Minimum Education

• Education and/or a combination of education and experience equivalent to an Associate’s Degree in Electrical Engineering Technology, Automation, or related discipline

Experience Requirements

• 4+years experience with1-3 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.
• Valid drivers license (Class C) required.
• Required skills may also include trouble shooting 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 trouble shooting 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 air born 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 employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.