Automation Technician

Conagra Brands; Waterloo (IA); On-site; USD 86,000 - 94,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Life insurance

Disability insurance

401(k)

Job summary

Conagra Brands seeks an Electrical/Automation Technician at our Waterloo, IA facility (The Pudding Plant) to support automation and electrical systems, ensure safety, and improve equipment reliability on a 7:00 PM–7:30 AM schedule.

You will troubleshoot PLCs, HMIs, VFDs, and servo systems, develop diagrams, maintain documentation, and drive continuous improvement in a high‑volume food manufacturing environment.

Qualifications

• Associate degree in Industrial Automation Technology, Electronic Engineering, Industrial Maintenance, or a related technical field, or equivalent experience.
• Two+ years of experience troubleshooting automation and controls systems in a manufacturing environment.
• Experience with programmable logic controllers, human-machine interfaces, and SQL Server systems.
• Experience with variable frequency drives, servo systems, and ladder logic.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate and assist with control system startup and commissioning.
• Perform automation preventative maintenance and electrical preventative maintenance on packaging equipment.
• Develop process control flow diagrams and instrumentation diagrams.
• Maintain documentation for hazardous locations and preventative maintenance programs.
• Identify and repair critical electrical and programming issues in a timely manner.
• Monitor plant electrical systems and associated equipment.
• Troubleshoot programmable logic controllers, human-machine interfaces, variable frequency drives, servo systems, and related automation equipment.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives focused on equipment reliability, safety, and operational efficiency.
• Ensure compliance with electrical safety requirements, plant procedures, and applicable regulations.

Skills

Automation troubleshooting

Control systems

PLC

HMI

VFD

Servo systems

Ladder logic

SQL Server

Education

Associate degree in Industrial Automation Technology / related field

Tools

SQL Server

Job description

Shift Details

Shift: 7:00 PM-7:30 AM

Hourly Rate: $41.60 an hour + $1.50 shift differential

Reporting to the Sr. Engineer, you will support automation and electrical systems at our Waterloo, Iowa manufacturing facility, known as "The Pudding Plant," where we produce Snack Pack Pudding and David's Sunflower Seeds for consumers across the world. You will ensure compliance with electrical codes, troubleshoot plant equipment, support automation initiatives, and help maintain reliable operation of critical manufacturing systems.

Benefits available on Day 1 2-2-3 schedule | 7pm - 7am

A Taste of Your Responsibilities

• Coordinate and assist with control system startup and commissioning.
• Perform automation preventative maintenance and electrical preventative maintenance on packaging equipment.
• Develop process control flow diagrams and instrumentation diagrams.
• Maintain documentation for hazardous locations and preventative maintenance programs.
• Identify and repair critical electrical and programming issues in a timely manner.
• Monitor plant electrical systems and associated equipment.
• Troubleshoot programmable logic controllers, human-machine interfaces, variable frequency drives, servo systems, and related automation equipment.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives focused on equipment reliability, safety, and operational efficiency.
• Ensure compliance with electrical safety requirements, plant procedures, and applicable regulations.

Ingredients Required for Your Success

• Associate degree in Industrial Automation Technology, Electronic Engineering, Industrial Maintenance, or a related technical field. or equivalent experience.
• Two+ years of experience troubleshooting automation and controls systems in a manufacturing environment.
• Experience with programmable logic controllers, human-machine interfaces, and SQL Server systems.
• Experience with variable frequency drives, servo systems, and ladder logic.
• Commitment to safety, quality, and continuous improvement.

Physical Requirements

More information on the essential tasks and facility will be shared during the hiring process. Please be aware that in a manufacturing environment, the noise levels can be high and the temperatures may vary. Depending on the role, physical and environmental requirements can differ but include:

• Being on your feet, walking around the facility, climbing stairs/ladders or kneeling for extended periods of time.
• Performing consistent repetitive tasks.
• Frequently lifting, pushing or carrying materials.

#LI-Onsite

Anticipated Close Date: October 25, 2026

Location: Waterloo, Iowa

Our Benefits

We care about your total well-being and will support you with the following, subject to your location and role:

• Health: Medical, dental and vision insurance, company-paid life, accident and disability insurance
• Wealth: Great pay, 401(k)/pension eligibility, financial wellness programs and stock purchase plan
• Growth: Career development opportunities, employee resource groups and team collaboration
• Balance: Paid-time off and volunteer opportunities

Our Company

At Conagra Brands, we have a rich heritage of making great food. We aspire to have the most impactful, energized and inclusive culture in food. As a member of our 18,000+ person team across 40+ locations, you are empowered to reach your potential, make an impact and own your career. We're in the business of building champions – within our people and our iconic brands like Birds Eye, Slim Jim and Reddi Wip. Our focus on innovation extends beyond making great food, it also reflects our commitment to embracing new solutions that positively impact our team, the communities we serve and the health of our planet.

Foodies Welcome.

Conagra Brands is an equal opportunity employer and considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to sex, race, color, religion, ethnic or national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, pregnancy, leave status, disability, veteran status, genetic information and/or any other characteristic or status protected by national, federal, state or local law. Reasonable accommodation may be made upon request.

Conagra Brands is an equal opportunity employer and considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to sex, race, color, religion, ethnic or national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, pregnancy, leave status, disability, veteran status, genetic information and/or any other characteristic or status protected by national, federal, state or local law. Reasonable accommodation may be made upon request.

Foodies Welcome.

Conagra Brands is an equal opportunity employer and considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to sex, race, color, religion, ethnic or national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, pregnancy, leave status, disability, veteran status, genetic information and/or any other characteristic or status protected by national, federal, state or local law. Reasonable accommodation may be made upon request.