Automation Technician I

Agropur Cooperative; Lake Norden (SD); On-site; USD 38,000 - 54,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision insurance

401(k) with company match

3 weeks PTO

Tuition reimbursement

Shift differential

Job summary

Agropur is seeking an Automation Technician I to monitor automated systems and perform troubleshooting using PLC programs and HMIs. The role includes calibrating plant equipment, supporting maintenance activities, and helping production teams resolve control-system issues, ensuring safe and efficient operations.

The position emphasizes hands-on maintenance, adherence to quality standards, and collaboration with cross-functional teams to keep manufacturing processes running smoothly.

Qualifications

• Associate/Technical Degree in Electrical Technology or related field required.
• Minimum one year of related experience.
• Experience reading electrical schematics and mechanical drawings.

Responsibilities

• Monitor automated systems using a computer.
• Troubleshoot automation systems using PLC programs.
• Monitor and troubleshoot HMI systems; calibrate plant equipment.
• Perform preventive and scheduled maintenance.

Skills

Effective communication

Attention to detail

Problem solving

Organizational skills

Multitasking

Independent work

Education

Associate/Technical Degree in Electrical Technology

Tools

Maximo

Job description

The 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 everything we do. We believe in working together, speaking honestly, taking ownership, and creating value in everything we deliver. Our culture is built on collaboration, accountability, and a shared commitment to growing stronger together. Joining the team means being part of an environment where people support each other and take pride in making a real impact. At Agropur, every role exists to deliver concrete results. What matters is real impact, not the volume of activity. An environment that allows you to focus on what truly matters.

Starting Rate: $33.64/hour $1.50hr shift differential for night shift Two pay increases in the first year up to $1.00.

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Short and Long-term Disability Insurance

401(k) with up to a 7% company match

3 Weeks PTO

Paid holidays and 2 floating holidays

Advancement Opportunities

Tuition Reimbursement

Healthy work/life balance

Shift time- 5/2/2/5 6 to 6 1 month of days and 1 month of nights

• 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.
• Bend and install electrical conduit following all appropriate local and national codes.
• 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.
• 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.

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.

EEO / Diversity

AA/EEO – Minority/Female/Disability/Veteran/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity 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.

Agropur is an E-Verify Employer (US Operations).