Automation Technician I

Agropur Cooperative; South Dakota; Hybrid; USD 45,000 - 51,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Life insurance

Disability insurance

401(k) with company match

3 weeks PTO

Holiday pay + floating holidays

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

Agropur Cooperative seeks an Automation Technician I in the United States, SD region, to troubleshoot and repair instrumentation and computer-controlled systems. The role involves monitoring automated systems, troubleshooting PLCs and HMIs, performing calibration and preventive maintenance, and ensuring safety and quality compliance.

Night shifts include a $1.50/hour differential, with opportunities for advancement.

Qualifications

• Associate’s or Technical Degree in Electrical Technology or related field is required.
• Minimum one year of related experience is required.
• Experience with reading electrical schematics and wiring control panels is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Monitor automated systems using a computer.
• Troubleshoot automation system using PLC programs.
• Monitor and troubleshoot HMI systems and calibrate plant equipment.
• Perform scheduled maintenance and complete documentation for work orders.
• Ensure safety and quality policies are followed and support production personnel.

Skills

PLC programming

HMI systems

Electrical diagnostics

Preventive maintenance

Electrical safety

Education

Associate’s or Technical Degree in Electrical Technology

Tools

Maximo CMMS

Fluke Multimeter

Hart Calibration Equipment

Job description

Type d’emploi: Permanent

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

Your role in achieving results

• 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.

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.

What we are looking for to deliver these results:

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.
• A role for those who want to contribute to measurable and sustainable results.

AA/EEO – Minority/Female/Disability/Veteran/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity Agropur accueille des personnes de toutes origines et de tous horizons. Nous sommes fier.ère.s d'être un employeur avec une communauté diverse et nous nous engageons à offrir une expérience respectueuse et inclusive à tous les employé.e.s et candidat.e.s. Nous collaborerons donc avec les candidat.e.s qui demanderont des mesures d’adaptation. Prendre note qu’une connaissance adéquate du français est requise pour les postes offerts au Québec. Agropur a recours à des technologies d’intelligence artificielle afin d’appuyer nos recruteurs dans la présélection, l’évaluation et la sélection des candidats à ce poste. Dans ce texte, l’emploi du masculin pour désigner des personnes n’a d’autres fins que celle d’alléger le texte. Conformément aux directives de l’OQLF, la connaissance de l’anglais est exigée pour ce poste afin de communiquer avec des collègues et des partenaires situés à l’extérieur du Québec.