Automation Technician — Food Processing & Packaging

Pilgrim; Ottumwa (IA); On-site; USD 55,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

JBS Prepared Foods in Ottumwa seeks an Automation Technician to maintain, troubleshoot, repair, and optimize automated equipment in a bacon processing facility. You will work with conveyors, PLC/PAC systems, robotics, and high-speed slicing/packaging equipment to ensure safe, efficient production.

Responsibilities include reading schematics, using diagnostic tools, and documenting maintenance while collaborating with maintenance, production, and management teams to improve reliability.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• 5+ years of manufacturing or food-processing maintenance involvement with electrical, mechanical, hydraulic, and pneumatic systems.
• Strong teamwork and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Troubleshoot, repair, install, calibrate, and maintain electrical, mechanical, pneumatic, and hydraulic equipment
• Support conveyors, motors, PLC/PAC systems, VFDs, vision systems, robotics, scales, printers, industrial computers, and high-speed slicing/packaging equipment
• Read and interpret electrical schematics, manuals, and work instructions
• Use diagnostic and calibration tools including digital multimeters and software
• Complete maintenance documentation and support preventive and predictive maintenance programs
• Work with maintenance, production, and management teams to improve equipment reliability and performance
• Follow all safety, food safety, quality, and regulatory requirements

Skills

Teamwork

Communication

Troubleshooting

Electrical systems

Mechanical systems

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Associate degree or technical training

Tools

Allen-Bradley

Siemens

Schneider

Beckhoff

Industrial drive systems

PLC/SCADA

Job description

JBS Prepared Foods in Ottumwa seeks an Automation Technician to maintain, troubleshoot, repair, and optimize automated equipment in a bacon processing facility. You will work with conveyors, PLC/PAC systems, robotics, and high-speed slicing/packaging equipment to ensure safe, efficient production.

Responsibilities include reading schematics, using diagnostic tools, and documenting maintenance while collaborating with maintenance, production, and management teams to improve reliability.