Automation & Controls Technician in Greenville

Energy Jobline ZR; Greenville (SC); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Benefits starting Day 1

On-the-job training

Medical

Dental

Vision

401K with company match

Employee Stock Purchase Plan

Life Insurance

Paid vacations and holidays

Job summary

West Fraser is seeking an Automation & Controls Technician to remotely monitor critical devices from our Greenville office and support a network of OSB and lumber mills. You will assist with setup, calibration, and repair of equipment, analyze issues, and help upgrade facilities to meet automation standards.

The ideal candidate will have PLC/HMI programming skills, experience with Rockwell ControlLogix, and a willingness to work flexible shifts in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Qualifications

• Associate’s degree or higher in Mechatronics, Industrial Electrical, or Engineering Technology, or equivalent experience.
• Strong collaboration and communication skills with ability to translate technical info for varied audiences.
• Experience with Rockwell ControlLogix and PLC programming or troubleshooting.
• Proficiency in virtualization concepts (VMware ESX) and basic IT fundamentals.
• Familiarity with VB, SQL, Python, or JSON programming is a plus.
• Willingness to learn OSB/lumber manufacturing processes and work in a 24/7 shift environment.

Responsibilities

• Monitor and support automation devices remotely from Greenville office, including electrical, mechanical, and control systems.
• Assist in setup, calibration, and repair of devices across mills.
• Analyze system issues and support breakdown recovery and upgrades.
• Develop PLC programs and HMIs per standards; support data collection and reporting.
• Provide onboarding, training, and continuous improvement support to automation team.

Skills

Teamwork

Communication

Problem solving

Willingness to learn

Shift flexibility

Education

Associate's degree in Mechatronics/Engineering Technology or equivalent

Tools

Rockwell ControlLogix

VMware ESX

VB

SQL

Python

Json

HMI programming

MES/ NAS/ MPC systems

Job description

Job DescriptionJob Description

As an Automation & Controls Technician at West Fraser, you will play a key role in the expansion of the automation and predictive controls capabilities (AI) of our OSB and lumber manufacturing network by providing remote technical support for our daily operations. Further responsibilities will include:

• From our Greenville office remotely monitoring the status of critical devices including electrical and mechanical components, circuitry, controls, robotics and other manufacturing machinery and assist in service, repair, and calibration of these devices for multiple OSB and lumber mills
• Analyzing and identifying causes of system issues and assist in breakdown recovery
• Assisting in set-up of new and replacement equipment
• Providing programming support for day-to-day process changes
• Troubleshooting as needed in coordination with onsite technicians
• Answering and logging system issues or requests for assistance from automated system monitors or mill manufacturing staff
• Assisting in upgrading facilities to conform to enhanced automation and digitization standards including providing onsite support of infrastructure installation and commissioning
• Implementing and maintaining West Fraser Analytics System (NAS), Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES), Model Predictive Control (MPC), and Rockwell ECO System across all facilities

An Automation & Controls Technician will also support West Fraser’s mills with continuous improvement and project management objectives by:

• Developing PLC programs and HMIs in accordance with West Fraser standards and capital expense guidelines
• Providing data and support of mill level project analysis and execution
• Configuring tags and templates for process data collection, trending, and reporting
• Auditing changes in the mill automation environment
• Keeping firmware and software revisions up to date
• Support Automation team as needed

The ideal candidate will have:

• An Associate’s degree, equivalent, or greater in Mechatronics, Industrial Electrical, Engineering Technology OR equivalent prior experience as a Technician with good programming/technical skills and prior OSB experience
• Highly collaborative, technology savvy (proficiency in use of collaboration tools), and willing to learn
• Experience with VMware ESX, virtualization and other computer science fundamentals is
• Proficient in programming and troubleshooting of Programmable Logic Controllers (preferably Rockwell ControlLogix)
• Ability to visualize physical processes to remotely assist field personnel in set up and troubleshooting
• Experience with VB, SQL, Python or Json programming is favorable
• Knowledge of, or willingness to learn the OSB and lumber manufacturing process
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills including ability to interpret and disseminate technical info to a wide range of skill sets and support roles
• Ability to work in shifts and variable schedules to support a 24/7 manufacturing schedule
• Ability to work well as a team and independently
• Traveling 20% of less to mill locations

Our highly competitive compensation package and outstanding benefits include:

• Benefits starting Day 1
• Competitive starting pay
• On-the-job training
• A culture that strongly believes in promoting from within
• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• 401K with company match and additional retirement contribution
• Employee Stock Purchase Plan
• Life Insurance
• Insurance
• Paid vacations and holidays

West Fraser is a diversified wood products company producing lumber, OSB, LVL, MDF, plywood, pulp, newsprint, wood chips, and energy with over 60 facilities in Canada, the United States, and Europe. We are the largest lumber producer in North America, a leading global manufacturer of wood-based panels, and the world’s largest producer of oriented strand board (OSB).
We are a growing company, believe strongly in promoting from within, and pride ourselves on providing a challenging environment with continuous development. The successful candidate should be interested in future growth opportunities within the company.

West Fraser is an Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/V/D & Drug-Free Workplace (DFW)