Automation Technician - Tipton - Flex Shift

Ventura-Coastal; Tipton (IA); On-site; USD 47,000 - 67,000; Full time

Job summary

Ventura Coastal in Tipton, IA is seeking an Automation Technician to support instrumentation and troubleshooting across two manufacturing plants. You will report to the Sr. Director of Maintenance and perform diagnostic checks, calibration, and minor PLC/Electrical adjustments.

Primary location is Tipton with potential assignment to either plant and after-hours service calls. The role emphasizes food safety, adherence to SQF and HACCP, documentation, and collaboration with Project Managers and

Qualifications

• High School diploma with post-secondary training in electronics and automation.
• 2-5 years’ experience with food processing systems and equipment.
• Advanced PC skills and proficiency in Microsoft Office products including MS Project.

Responsibilities

• Support the Automation Engineer and Maintenance Department on instrumentation and troubleshooting.
• Perform routine diagnostic checks and calibration on all automated systems.
• Repair and/or replace components such as sensors or electrical wiring.
• Provide daily support to Plant Operators, Supervisors, QA & Project Managers to move projects forward.
• Write small PLC programs and coordinate with maintenance management to improve processes.
• Adhere to change control and change management processes and maintain documentation.

Skills

PLC programming

Troubleshooting

Instrumentation

Electrical wiring

Education

High School diploma with electronics/automation training

Tools

MS Project

Microsoft Office

Wonderware InTouch

Job description

Location: 531 West Poplar Avenue| Tipton | CA | 93272Hourly Rate: $41.60 hour(Overtime and weekends may be required)We are hiring for a Flex Shift positionJob SummaryThe Automation Technician will report to the Sr. Director of Maintenance and is responsible for supporting the Automation Engineer and Maintenance Department on instrumentation and troubleshooting in both manufacturing plants to reduce human intervention and maximize efficiency. The technician will perform routine diagnostic checks and regular calibration checks on all automated systems within the two manufacturing plants.The technician may be assigned to either plant as needed but work in Tipton as their primary location. The Automation Technician can expect to receive service calls after hours as needed.Primary ResponsibilitiesFood Safety is the responsibility of all Ventura Coastal manufacturing employees. All Ventura Coastal manufacturing employees must be aware of CCPs in their area and how to document them appropriately. All staff must report food safety and quality problems to their immediate supervisor. The Automation Technician is essential for timely calibration on equipment to ensure compliance with SQF and HACCP standards.Understand, troubleshoot, document & maintain control networks under the direction of the Automation Engineer and/or Sr. Director of Maintenance.Perform routine diagnostic checks on all automated systems.Perform calibration checks as required in accordance with OEM recommendations and FDA standards.Repair and/or replace any necessary components such as sensor or electrical wiring.Understand the juice, oil and peel process flow such that the technician can assist Project Managers and/or maintenance technicians with necessary repairs and/or capital projects.Provide daily support to the Plant Operators, Supervisors, Quality Control & Project Managers as needed to move forward projects and address production issues.Working with the Automation Engineer and Maintenance Department to perform minor PLC and electrical adjustments as required.Write small PLC programs and coordinating with plant maintenance management personnel to improve and drive process improvements in the plant at the direction of the Sr. Maintenance Director.Continually assess production processes and their technical implementations. Document areas of opportunity for potential process improvement and how to better leverage the process or application functionality so respective processes have a defined, articulated roadmap to optimization.Provide technical support to all functional areas to optimize and streamline the technology and processes supporting plant automations.Adhere to existing change control and change management processes.Maintain clear documentation for both system and business operating procedures.Assist with upgrades and implementation of new systems.Responsible for developing skills and staying current with new technology related to plant automations.Troubleshoot reporting and data discrepancy issues quickly and accurately.Thoroughly test changes and validate tag dataDemonstrates reliable attendance, consistent punctuality and a conscientious attitude always.Performs other duties and assignments as directed by the Sr. Director of Maintenance.Qualifications and Education RequirementsHigh School diploma with some post-secondary school training in electronics and automation.2-5 years’ experience with food processing systems and equipment.Process Manufacturing for Food & Beverage Industry support experience is preferred.An advanced PC user and proficient in Microsoft Office products including MS Project.Practical experience with instrumentation, implementing systems and developing PLC code.Experience developing & troubleshooting Wonderware InTouch Systems preferred.Self-motivated and able to keep up to date on the necessary business and technical skills to perform primary responsibilities.Exceptional organizational and planning skills as well as analytical abilities, problem solving/troubleshooting, and follow through.Able to work with minimal supervision keeping management informed with timely project status reports.Strong process discipline and experience with use cases and accurate analysis.Strong verbal and written communication as well as presentations skills to work with cross-functional teams to support operational initiatives.Physical RequirementsThe ability to meet flexible and changing priorities and the ability to work under pressure is a must. Sitting, standing, and walking will vary daily based on operational needs. Minimal climbing, lifting and bending required. Travel between production facilities required. Could be called upon at any hour of the day 24/7/365 to address process issues.