Automation Maintenance Technician - Evening Shifts

Red River Commodities; Horace (ND); On-site; USD 41,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

On-demand pay

Paid time off

Paid Holidays

401k & company match

Profit Sharing

Employee Assistance Program

Job summary

Red River Commodities seeks an Automation Maintenance Technician for evening shifts to support the SunGold Horace facility. You will maintain automated packaging systems, troubleshoot electrical and PLC controls, and collaborate with operations to maximize uptime.

The role requires 3–7+ years in automated packaging, a technical degree, and willingness to work 2nd/3rd shifts with potential overtime. Competitive pay and benefits offered.

Qualifications

• Technical degree in Industrial Maintenance or Mechatronics preferred.
• 3–7+ years of maintenance experience in automated packaging environments.
• Experience with high-speed packaging/CPG operations preferred.
• Familiarity with PLC systems (Allen-Bradley or similar) strongly preferred.
• Ability to read schematics and diagnose electrical, mechanical issues.
• Flexibility for off-shift or overtime as needed.

Responsibilities

• Perform preventive and predictive maintenance on automated packaging equipment.
• Troubleshoot electrical, mechanical, and controls issues to minimize downtime.
• Repair or replace faulty components to restore performance.
• Calibrate equipment to maintain performance within specifications.
• Support automation upgrades and commissioning activities.

Skills

Automation & Controls

Electrical troubleshooting

Mechanical troubleshooting

PLC systems

Allen-Bradley PLCs

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Technical degree

Tools

Allen-Bradley PLCs

VFDs & drives

Robotics

Job description

Automation Maintenance Technician - Evening Shifts

Full-time Regular Manual Labor SunGold Horace, Horace, ND, US

4 days ago Requisition ID: 2223

Salary Range: $30.00 To $40.00 Annually

Red River Commodities is a leading processor of sunflower seeds and specialty grains, specializing in high-quality, nutritious food products. We pride ourselves on our sustainable practices, innovation, and commitment to delivering superior products to our customers. Our team shares core values focused on quality, innovation, responsibility, and community. We work hard, play harder, embrace authenticity, and always support one another to achieve our goals.

Location:11505 38th St S, Horace, ND 58047

Wage:$30 - $40 per hour (+$2 shift differential 6pm-6am)

2nd Shift: 3:00pm - 11:30pm

3rd Shift:11:0pm - 7:30am

Position Summary

The Automation Maintenance Technician is responsible for supporting the operation, maintenance, and optimization of automated packaging, pack-off, and palletizing equipment within the SunGold facility. This role plays a critical part in ensuring equipment uptime, production efficiency, and product quality in a high-volume, automated manufacturing environment.

This position requires advanced troubleshooting capabilities across electrical, mechanical, and PLC-controlled systems and partners closely with operations and maintenance teams to improve equipment reliability and performance.

Key Responsibilities

Equipment Maintenance & Reliability

• Perform preventive and predictive maintenance on automated packaging equipment, including fillers, conveyors, robotics, and palletizing systems
• Troubleshoot and diagnose electrical, mechanical, and controls-related issues to minimize downtime
• Repair or replace faulty components to restore equipment functionality and performance
• Maintain and calibrate equipment to ensure operation within established performance parameters (centerline conditions)

Automation & Controls Support

• Troubleshoot PLC-controlled systems, sensors, HMIs, and automation components
• Support approved modifications or improvements to control systems and automation equipment
• Assist in commissioning and startup of new automated equipment
• Partner with engineering and external vendors on system upgrades and enhancements

Performance Optimization

• Monitor equipment performance and identify opportunities to improve throughput, efficiency, and reliability
• Make real-time adjustments to optimize production performance and reduce downtime
• Analyze equipment data and trends to proactively address issues

Safety & Quality

• Ensure equipment operates in compliance with safety standards and company policies
• Monitor equipment performance to maintain product quality standards
• Support food safety and quality initiatives in alignment with GMP, HACCP, and company standards

Qualifications

• Technical degree in Industrial Maintenance, Mechatronics, Electrical Technology, or related field preferred
• 3–7+ years of maintenance experience, with a focus on automated manufacturing or packaging environments
• Experience supporting high-speed packaging or CPG manufacturing operations preferred
• Familiarity with PLC systems (Allen-Bradley or similar) strongly preferred
• Strong knowledge of automation systems, controls, and mechanical equipment
• Ability to troubleshoot:
  • Electrical systems (motors, drives, sensors)
  • PLC and control processes
  • Mechanical systems (conveyance, robotics, packaging equipment)
• Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics and technical documentation
• Strong problem-solving and critical thinking skills
• Ability to work independently in a fast-paced production environment
• Strong communication and cross-functional collaboration skills
• Basic data analysis and equipment performance tracking
• Manufacturing / production facility environment
• Requires working near automated equipment, machinery, and moving parts
• May require off-shift, weekend, or overtime work based on plant operations
• One role per shift supporting 24/7 operations

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand, walk, and move throughout the production floor for extended periods
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds occasionally
• Ability to work in varying temperatures and production environments

Company Benefits:

At Red River Commodities, we value our employees and are committed to providing a supportive and rewarding work environment. As a member of our team, you will enjoy a competitive salary, comprehensive health benefits, and opportunities for career growth and development. Below are some additional benefits that we offer.

• On-demand pay available through Tapcheck
• Paid time off
• Paid Holidays
• 401k & company match
• Profit Sharing
• Employee Assistance Program

Red River Commodities and its subsidiaries are an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws. This applies to all employment practices within our organization. Red River Commodities makes hiring decisions based solely on qualifications, merit, and business needs at the time.

We are committed to maintaining a legal and compliant workplace. As part of our hiring process, Red River Commodities participates in the E-Verify program.