Automation Technician

Nissin Foods; Piedmont (SC); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Nissin Foods in Piedmont, SC is seeking an Automation Technician to support, troubleshoot, and improve automated production equipment in a food manufacturing setting.

The role emphasizes PLC programming, HMI development, servo and VFD control, and Ignition SCADA familiarity to maximize uptime and ensure food safety and quality.

Candidates should have 3+ years in industrial automation and an associate degree or technical certification; teamwork and safety compliance are essential.

Qualifications

• Associate degree or technical certification in Automation Technology, Electrical Engineering Technology, Mechatronics or related field; equivalent experience accepted.
• 3+ years of industrial automation experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Strong experience with PLC programming and troubleshooting, HMI development, servo drive and VFD programming.

Responsibilities

• Troubleshoot and repair automated manufacturing equipment to minimize downtime.
• Program, modify, and troubleshoot PLC-controlled systems.
• Develop and maintain HMI applications for production equipment.
• Configure, troubleshoot, and optimize servo motion control systems.
• Program and commission Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs).
• Diagnose electrical, instrumentation, and control system issues.
• Support and maintain SCADA systems, including Ignition (preferred).
• Configure and troubleshoot industrial Ethernet networks and communication protocols.
• Perform preventive and predictive maintenance on automation systems.
• Assist with installation, startup, and commissioning of new production equipment.
• Collaborate with engineering, maintenance, production, and quality teams to improve equipment reliability and process efficiency.
• Maintain accurate documentation including electrical drawings, PLC backups, and equipment changes.
• Ensure compliance with all food safety, quality, OSHA, and company safety standards.

Skills

PLC programming

HMI development

Servo/motion control

VFD programming

Education

Associate degree or technical certification in Automation Technology, Electrical Engineering Technology, Mechatronics

Tools

Ignition SCADA

Industrial networks (Ethernet/IP, Modbus TCP)

Job description

Automation Technician

US-SC-Piedmont

Job ID: 2026-1216

Type: Full-Time

# of Openings: 1

Category: Manufacturing

Greenville

Overview

We are seeking a skilled Automation Technician to support, troubleshoot, maintain, and improve automated production systems in a fast-paced food manufacturing environment. The ideal candidate will have experience programming and troubleshooting PLCs, HMIs, servo systems, and variable frequency drives (VFDs). Experience with Ignition SCADA and industrial networking is highly desirable. This role is critical to maximizing equipment uptime, improving production efficiency, and ensuring food safety and quality standards are maintained.

Responsibilities

• Troubleshoot and repair automated manufacturing equipment to minimize downtime.
• Program, modify, and troubleshoot PLC-controlled systems.
• Develop and maintain HMI applications for production equipment.
• Configure, troubleshoot, and optimize servo motion control systems.
• Program and commission Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs).
• Diagnose electrical, instrumentation, and control system issues.
• Support and maintain SCADA systems, including Ignition (preferred).
• Configure and troubleshoot industrial Ethernet networks and communication protocols.
• Perform preventive and predictive maintenance on automation systems.
• Assist with installation, startup, and commissioning of new production equipment.
• Collaborate with engineering, maintenance, production, and quality teams to improve equipment reliability and process efficiency.
• Maintain accurate documentation including electrical drawings, PLC backups, and equipment changes.
• Ensure compliance with all food safety, quality, OSHA, and company safety standards.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Associate degree or technical certification in Automation Technology, Electrical Engineering Technology, Mechatronics, or related field (or equivalent experience).
• 3+ years of industrial automation experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Strong experience with:
  • PLC programming and troubleshooting
  • HMI development and support
  • Servo drive programming and motion control
  • Variable Frequency Drive (VFD) programming and configuration
• Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, and control drawings.
• Strong troubleshooting skills involving electrical, mechanical, and automation systems.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Willingness to work overtime, weekends.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with Ignition SCADA.
• Experience with industrial networking including:
  • Ethernet/IP
  • Modbus TCP
  • And other industrial communication protocols
• Experience with vision systems, barcode scanners, or robotics.
• Previous experience in food, beverage, or consumer packaged goods manufacturing.
• Familiarity with FDA, GMP, HACCP, and SQF requirements.

Desired Skills

• Excellent analytical and troubleshooting abilities.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills.
• Ability to prioritize multiple tasks in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Continuous improvement mindset with experience supporting Lean Manufacturing initiatives.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office and maintenance management software (CMMS).

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to stand, walk, bend, climb ladders, and work in manufacturing environments for extended periods.
• Comfortable working in hot, cold and wet production areas.
• Ability to work around moving machinery while following all safety procedures.

Work Environment

Work Environment: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Ability to work in a manufacturing environment with a variation of temperatures.
• Ability to work near moving mechanical machinery/equipment.
• Exposed to fumes or airborne particles and vibration.
• Ability to work in high, precarious places.
• Other job duties or tasks as needed.

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