Automations Controls Technician I (Days)

SunOpta; Allentown (Lehigh County); On-site; USD 45,000 - 64,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Paid Family leave

Paid maternity leave

401(k) with Match

Voluntary Life, Accident, Critical Ill

Hospital indemnity

Paid Holidays

Tuition assistance

Short-term and Long-term Disability

Job summary

SunOpta Plant in Allentown, PA is hiring an Automation Controls Technician I to support installation, maintenance, troubleshooting and repair of PLC-based control systems and industrial equipment.

This entry-level role works under close supervision to ensure manufacturing and facility automation systems operate safely, efficiently and reliably, with opportunities to learn from senior technicians and engineers.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Associate degree or technical certificate in Automation, Electronics, Mechatronics, or related field preferred.
• 0-2 years of experience in industrial maintenance, automation, or controls (internship or apprenticeship acceptable).
• Basic understanding of PLCs, industrial controls, and electrical systems.

Responsibilities

• Assist with installation, startup, and maintenance of PLC-based control systems.
• Troubleshoot basic electrical, mechanical, and control system issues.
• Support preventive and corrective maintenance on automated equipment.
• Read and interpret electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, and technical manuals.
• Perform basic PLC monitoring, I/O checks, and parameter adjustments.
• Assist with sensor, actuator, VFD, HMI, and motor troubleshooting.
• Document maintenance activities, repairs, and system changes.
• Follow safety procedures, lockout/tagout (LOTO), and company standards.
• Work collaboratively with maintenance, engineering, and operations teams.
• Escalate complex issues to senior technicians or engineers as needed.

Skills

PLC basics

Electrical systems

Troubleshooting

Reading schematics

Teamwork

Education

High school diploma or GED

Associate degree or technical certificate in Automation/Electronics/Mechatronics

Tools

Allen-Bradley PLC

Siemens PLC

HMIs

VFDs

Job description

About SunOpta

SunOpta delivers customized supply chain solutions and innovation for top brands, retailers, and foodservice providers across a broad portfolio of beverages, broths, and better-for-you snacks. With over 50 years of expertise, SunOpta fuels customers' growth with high-quality, sustainability-forward solutions distributed through retail, club, foodservice, and e-commerce channels across North America.

Job Summary

The Automation Controls Technician I supports the installation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair of automated control systems and industrial equipment. This entry-level role works under close supervision to ensure manufacturing and facility automation systems operate safely, efficiently, and reliably.

Essential Functions of the Job

• Assist with installation, startup, and maintenance of PLC-based control systems
• Troubleshoot basic electrical, mechanical, and control system issues
• Support preventive and corrective maintenance on automated equipment
• Read and interpret electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, and technical manuals
• Perform basic PLC monitoring, I/O checks, and parameter adjustments
• Assist with sensor, actuator, VFD, HMI, and motor troubleshooting
• Document maintenance activities, repairs, and system changes
• Follow safety procedures, lockout/tagout (LOTO), and company standards
• Work collaboratively with maintenance, engineering, and operations teams
• Escalate complex issues to senior technicians or engineers as needed
• Accountable to the SunOpta Manufacturing Food Safety and Quality Principles.
• All other duties, as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• None.

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required
• Associate degree or technical certificate in Automation, Electronics, Mechatronics, or related field preferred
• 0-2 years of experience in industrial maintenance, automation, or controls (internship or apprenticeship acceptable)
• Basic understanding of PLCs, industrial controls, and electrical systems
• Familiarity with hand tools, electrical test equipment, and basic troubleshooting techniques
• Ability to read basic electrical diagrams and technical documentation

Preferred Qualifications

• Exposure to PLC platforms (Allen-Bradley, Siemens, etc.)
• Basic knowledge of HMIs, VFDs, and industrial networks
• Strong mechanical and electrical aptitude
• Willingness to learn and take direction
• Good communication and teamwork skills

Additional Considerations

• Location: This role is at our SunOpta Plant in Allentown, PA.
• Pay Rate: $39.25 / hour.
• Ability to stand, walk, bend, and lift up to 50 lbs.
• Ability to work in industrial environments (noise, heat, moving equipment).
• May require shift work, overtime, or on-call support.

Featured Benefits

• Medical insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Paid Family leave
• Paid maternity leave
• 401(k) with Match
• Voluntary Life, Accident, Critical Illness and Hospital indemnity
• Paid Holidays
• Tuition assistance
• Short-term and Long-term Disability insurance

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time, with or without notice.

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER EOE M/W/VET/DISABLED