Automation Maintenance Technician (Bacon)

Iowa Ag; Ottumwa (IA); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health care

Life insurance

401(k) plan

Job summary

Iowa Ag in Ottumwa is seeking an Automation Technician to maintain and optimize high-speed food processing and packaging equipment. You will work in a world-class bacon processing facility, collaborating with various teams to ensure compliance with safety regulations.

The ideal candidate has 5–10 years of experience in food processing, strong troubleshooting skills, and preferably an associate degree in a technical field. A comprehensive benefits package is offered, including healthcare and a 401(k) plan.

Qualifications

• 5–10 years of experience in food processing/manufacturing.
• Expertise in electrical, electronics, mechanical, hydraulic, and pneumatics.
• Experience troubleshooting and problem solving in a manufacturing environment.

Responsibilities

• Maintain, troubleshoot, and optimize food processing equipment.
• Collaborate with teams to drive maintenance programs.
• Follow safety regulations and ensure food safety compliance.

Skills

Electrical schematics reading

Troubleshooting

Preventative maintenance

Teamwork

Interpersonal skills

Education

High School Diploma/GED

Associate degree in a technical field

Tools

PLC programming

Diagnostic equipment

Forklifts

Job description

Description

Automation Technician

Bacon Maintenance Department

Ottumwa

As an Automation MultiCraft Technician at a fast‑paced world‑class bacon processing facility, you will maintain, troubleshoot, and optimize high‑speed food processing equipment, high‑speed packaging equipment, industrial smokehouses, chillers, and automated rail systems. You will perform installation, upgrade, calibration, repair, and replacement of electronic, electrical, mechanical, pneumatic, and hydraulic components and equipment across various machinery including conveyors, motors, meters, instrumentation, control panels, PLC/PAC systems, variable frequency drives, vision systems, robotics, scales, production printers, and computers. You will collaborate with maintenance, production, and management personnel to drive preventative and predictive maintenance programs.

You must be able to read electrical schematics, use diagnostic equipment such as digital multimeters, and operate industrial equipment including forklifts and scissor lifts. You must follow safety regulations (Iowa OSHA, NEC, NFPA) and demonstrate Electrical Arc Flash awareness and use of PPE. You will assist in ensuring HACCP, SOPs, and food safety quality requirements comply with all regulations.

Minimum Qualifications

• High School Diploma/GED and equivalent work experience in a technical field
• 5–10 years of experience in food processing/manufacturing, with expertise in electrical, electronics, mechanical, hydraulic, and pneumatics

Preferred Qualifications

• Associate degree in a technical field or at least two years of vocational/formal training in maintenance
• Experience troubleshooting and problem solving in a manufacturing/food processing environment
• Four years of PLC/control system troubleshooting, programming, and repair experience
• Self-motivated, team oriented, with excellent interpersonal skills
• Experience working with Allen Bradley, Siemens, Schneider, Beckhoff, and various drive technologies

Benefits

We offer a full range of benefits including health care, life insurance, and a 401(k) plan.

JBS Prepared Foods is an equal‑opportunity employer. EOE/M/F/Vet/Disabled.