Automation Technician

Agropur; Little Chute (WI); On-site; USD 42,000 - 59,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, Vision

Life Insurance

Short & Long-term Disability

401(k) with 7% company contributions

3 weeks PTO on day 1

Paid holidays & 2 floating holidays

Paid parental leave

Advancement Opportunities

Healthy work/life balance

Job summary

Agropur seeks an Automation Technician I at our Little Chute, WI plant to troubleshoot and repair instrumented, computer-controlled systems. The role supports automated operations with PLC/HMI expertise and a focus on safe, efficient production.

Starting rate is $36.56/hour with a $1.50 night shift premium; schedule is nights, Monday–Friday, 2pm–10pm, with on-the-job training on days initially. Benefits include PTO, holidays, health coverage, and a 401(k).

Qualifications

• Minimum one year of related experience required.
• Experience reading mechanical drawings and electrical schematics including redlining for updates.
• Experience wiring electrical control panels or equipment remote actuators and inputs/outputs; familiarity with plumbing, pneumatic/hydraulic lines.

Responsibilities

• Monitor Automated Systems using a computer.
• Troubleshoot the automation system with PLC programs.
• Monitor and troubleshoot HMI systems; make adjustments as needed.
• Perform checks and calibration of plant floor equipment.
• Perform scheduled maintenance work.
• Complete documentation for scheduled maintenance work.
• Support maintenance work orders from Planners.
• Conduct daily preventive maintenance of electrical circuits.
• Install new electrical circuits.
• Assist production personnel with troubleshooting production problems.
• Maintain the control system and plant automation activities.
• Install and test systems; modify PLC programs to improve efficiency.
• Calibrate instruments across the plant.
• Follow Quality Assurance and food safety policies.

Skills

Electrical troubleshooting

PLC programming

HMI systems

Electrical schematics

Reading mechanical drawings

Math proficiency

Excel/Office

Effective communication

Problem solving

Independent work

Education

Associate/Technical degree in Electrical Technology

Tools

Fluke Multimeter

Process Meter

Hart Calibration Equipment

Job description

Job Type RegularThe Automation Technician I uses knowledge of electronics, mechanics and computers to troubleshoot and repair instrumentation and computer-controlled systems.

People are at the heart of our success. Our culture encourages collaboration, transparency, and accountability in order to generate value and achieve sustainable results. Being part of the team means committing to an environment where everyone’s impact truly matters.

At Agropur, accountability means owning challenges and taking concrete action to achieve results.

An Environment That Empowers You To Take Action

• Starting Rate: $36.56 hourly
• Night Shift Premium $1.50/hour
• Schedule: NIGHTS, Monday - Friday, 2pm - 10pm
• Flexibility to train on Day Shift for the first few months
• Mandatory on-call rotation once trained
• Two pay increases within a year, up to $1.00
• Sunday Double Time
• Competitive and comprehensive compensation and benefits package focusing on your physical, financial, and emotional health to include the following perks as well as the standard benefit offerings:
• Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Short and Long-term Disability Insurance
• 401(k) with up to 7% company contributions
• 3 Weeks PTO on day 1
• Paid holidays and 2 floating holidays
• Paid parental leave
• Advancement Opportunities
• Healthy work/life balance

What You’ll Be Responsible For Each Day

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Monitor Automated Systems using a computer.
• Troubleshoot the automation system using various PLC programs.
• Monitor and troubleshoot HMI Systems, making adjustments or modifications as needed.
• Perform checks and calibration of plant floor equipment.
• Perform scheduled maintenance work.
• Perform Completion of Documentation for scheduled maintenance work.
• Perform work orders assigned by the Planners.
• Perform daily preventive maintenance of electrical circuits.
• Install new electrical circuits.
• Help plant production personnel troubleshoot production problems.
• Maintain the Controls system.
• Oversee the everyday automation activities of the manufacturing plant.
• Install and test systems.
• Make program changes as needed to help the production areas run more efficiently.
• Resolve and repair all system faults and anomalies.
• Calibrate instruments throughout the plant.
• Understand and comply with all Quality Assurance policies, and immediately report any potential food safety issues to management.
• Maintain, inspect and modify automation equipment, technologies and processes.
• Provide technical assistance for automation problems to operators and managers.
• Make adjustments or modifications to existing PLC Programs.
• Help plant production personnel troubleshoot production problems.
• Conduct work in a safe manner and abide by all company safety policies.
• Troubleshoot electrical circuits, motors and equipment controls.
• Perform all functions that consist of Maximo (Computerized Maintenance Program).
• Perform basic mechanical duties in the plant as needed.
• Help troubleshoot and maintain the plant.

Other Duties And Responsibilities

• This position uses electrical measuring equipment i.e. Fluke Multimeter, Process Meter, & Hart Calibration Equipment.
• Understand and adhere to Good Manufacturing Practices.
• Safety Protocol
• Stop any observed unsafe acts and obey facility safety rules and procedures.
• Correct or report any observed safety hazards.
• Support safety policies and programs.

This list of duties and responsibilities is not all-inclusive and may be expanded to include other duties and responsibilities, as management may deem necessary from time to time.

Education Required

• Associate’s or Technical Degree in Electrical Technology or related field required.
• Equivalent combination of education and/or experience may be considered.

Experience Required

• Minimum one (1) year of related experience required.
• Experience with reading mechanical drawings and electrical schematics including knowledge of redlining schematics for updates required.
• Experience with wiring electrical control panels or equipment remote actuators and inputs and outputs as well plumbing equipment, pneumatic or/and hydraulic lines required.
• Experience planning, selecting, testing, installing and maintaining equipment and other types of systems required.

Skills Required

• Communicate effectively both verbally and in writing with executives, managers, colleagues and individuals inside and outside the organization.
• Demonstrate attention to detail and accuracy in work.
• Ability to apply logic and methods to solve difficult problems with effective solutions.
• Result driven, bottom-line orientated, strives to exceed goals, and motivates self and others to achieve positive outcomes.
• Ability to work with minimum supervision, adapt to a changing environment quickly, and think independently.
• Demonstrate excellent organizational skills, establish priorities, ability to multitask, and meet deadlines.
• Demonstrate functional and technical knowledge, ability to learn new skills quickly, and achieve a high level of accomplishment.
• Ability to make decisions in a timely manner, sometimes with incomplete information and under tight deadlines and pressure.
• Accurately scopes out length and difficult of tasks and projects, sets objectives and goals, breaks down work into the process steps, develops schedules and assignments, anticipates and adjusts for problems or roadblocks, measures performance against goals, evaluates results.
• Intermediate math skills (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, comparative analysis, measurements, statistical analysis).
• Intermediate computer skills with Microsoft Excel, Power Point, Word, Outlook and field-specific software.
• Exhibit a professional manner in dealing with others and works to maintain constructive working relationships.

Where You’ll Be Working

• Our Little Chute, WI, plant is home to about 140 employees. This facility is a top manufacturer of IQF sticks that are supplied to the appetizer industry. Next to the plant is our well-known Simon’s Specialty Cheese store, which has about 20 employees. Simon’s is a Wisconsin-themed store, with everything from meats and cheese to clothing and craft spirits.
• Agropur’s US operations produce 1 billion pounds of quality, award‑winning cheese each year. We create more than 20 different varieties and provide whey protein and dry ingredients which are by‑products of the cheesemaking process. As one of the world’s largest dairy producers, Agropur partners with some of the most recognizable food, beverage and nutrition brands to help feed the world. Better Dairy. Better World. Agropurus.com

An environment that values engagement and encourages everyone to take initiative.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.

Agropur welcomes people from all backgrounds and origins. We are proud to be an employer with a diverse community and are committed to providing a respectful and inclusive experience for all employees and applicants. We will work with candidates who request accommodation. Please note that an adequate knowledge of French is required for positions in Quebec.

Agropur uses artificial intelligence technology to assist our recruiters in screening, assessing, or selecting applicants for this position.

In this text, the use of the masculine gender to designate persons is intended only to lighten the text.