Batching Systems Automation Technician

MWI Animal Health; Town of Texas (WI); Remote; USD 75,000 - 105,000; Full time

Job summary

MWI Animal Health is seeking a Batching Systems Automation Technician to install, configure, and support PLC-based batching and control systems for production animal operations. The role involves remote work with frequent travel to rural facilities for installation, troubleshooting, repair, and training.

The ideal candidate has 1–3 years in industrial automation or electrical systems, plus the ability to troubleshoot hardware/software and communicate effectively with customers in diverse

Qualifications

• Must have either an associate degree or completion of technical trade school/apprenticeship.
• 1–3 years in agricultural operations, automation, PLCs or electrical systems.
• Strong troubleshooting skills for hardware/software and effective communication.

Responsibilities

• Install, configure, and support PLC-based batching and control systems.
• Integrate batching systems with scales, meters, pumps, and augers.
• Troubleshoot automation and control system faults, remotely or on-site.
• Provide operator training and real-time customer support.

Skills

Troubleshooting

Professional communication

Bilingual Spanish

Education

Associate’s degree in Agricultural Engineering / Electrical Engineering / Animal Science

Technical trade school or apprenticeship in electrical systems / automation

Tools

Linux OS

SQL databases

Java-based applications

Job description

Job Details

This role is in support of Cencora’s veterinary and livestock production solutions marketed through our MWI Animal Health business. MWI Animal Health is a leading brand of Cencora, serving animal health markets globally.

Batching Systems Automation Technician

Remote – TEXAS (PANHANDLE REGION)

Position Overview

The Batching Systems Automation Technician is responsible for installing, configuring, maintaining, and supporting industrial automation systems used in production animal operations (primarily dairy and feedlot). These systems control the batching and delivery of feed ingredients and additives and represent mission‑critical infrastructure.

This role requires a cross-disciplinary skill set spanning industrial automation, electrical systems, livestock production, networking, and various software environments. Technicians must be capable of independently troubleshooting hardware, software, and mechanical systems under time-sensitive conditions, both remotely and in active industrial environments.

The position is primarily remote but requires frequent travel to rural customer facilities for installation, troubleshooting, repair, and training.

This position operates at the intersection of industrial automation and production agriculture and requires strong independent judgment and problem-solving ability.

Key Responsibilities

• Install, configure, and support PLC-based batching and control systems
• Integrate automation systems with scales, flow meters, pumps, augers, and other batching equipment
• Support integration between batching software and field equipment
• Diagnose and resolve automation and control system faults

Electrical and Communications Systems

• Applying working knowledge of:
  • 120V / 240V / 480V AC systems (single and three-phase power)
  • 12V / 24V DC control systems
  • Relays, switches, contactors, circuit protection, and UPS devices
  • RS-232, RS-422, and RS-485 serial networks
  • Ethernet configurations in high-interference environments
  • 900 MHz radio systems (client/server configurations)
• Build and repair communication cabling and connections
• Interpret electrical schematics and wiring diagrams
• Diagnose and troubleshoot electrical issues both on-site and remotely
• Coordinate with millwrights, electricians, plumbers, and other tradespeople
• Work safely in industrial environments with heavy equipment and electrical hazards

Software Systems & Data Infrastructure

• Install, operate, and support system control software on Linux-based systems
• Support system updates, configuration changes, and software deployments
• Utilize command-line tools to monitor and troubleshoot system behavior
• Work with SQL databases using query tools and management software
• Support Java-based applications and related services
• Analyze and interpret time-series system logs to diagnose system behavior

Technical Support & Customer Training

• Deliver training to operators and other key personnel on system use and workflows
• Assist customers in diagnosing software, electrical, and automation issues
• Provide real‑time technical support during active operations
• Communicate effectively with users of varying technical backgrounds
• Utilize bilingual skills or translation tools when necessary

Quality Assurance & System Auditing

• Assist in verifying batching accuracy and system performance
• Monitor system operations including timing, sequencing, and communication
• Prepare accurate and actionable reports of system observations

Work Environment & Expectations

• Combination of remote/office and agricultural facilities in all weather conditions
• Frequent travel to rural customer locations (company vehicle provided)
• Travel requirements:
  • Up to 50% during initial training (home location dependent)
  • Approximately 25% ongoing
• Participation in a rotating 24/7 on‑call support schedule

Required Qualifications

• Associate’s degree in Agricultural Engineering, Precision Agriculture, Electrical Engineering, Animal Science, Industrial Technology, or related technical field

OR

• Completion of technical trade school or apprenticeship training in electrical systems, automation, or industrial technology
• 1 – 3 years of experience in one or more of the following:
  • Agricultural operations
  • Industrial automation and networking
  • PLC systems
  • Electrical systems
• Proficiency in:
  • Troubleshooting hardware/software systems
  • Professional communication (verbal and written)

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree
• Bilingual Spanish
• Experience with:
  • Livestock operations and high-volume feed batching
  • Industrial communications (serial, radio, etc.)
  • Linux operating systems
  • SQL databases

Key Competencies

• Technical troubleshooting and problem-solving
• Ability to work independently in field environments
• Strong communication and customer support skills
• Attention to detail in system analysis

Additional Requirements

• Valid driver’s license
• Ability to pass background and drug screening
• Ability to travel and work safely in outdoor/industrial environments
• Ability to lift equipment and work around machinery

Bachelor's degree in information technology, computer science, information systems, business administration, engineering, or a related field, or equivalent experience required.

2+ years of experience in IT operations, systems administration, infrastructure support, or a related field required.

CompTIA Server+, ITIL Foundation, Microsoft Certified: Azure Fundamentals, or equivalent certification preferred.

What Cencora offers

We provide compensation, benefits, and resources that enable a highly inclusive culture and support our team members’ ability to live with purpose every day. In addition to traditional offerings like medical, dental, and vision care, we also provide a comprehensive suite of benefits that focus on the physical, emotional, financial, and social aspects of wellness. This encompasses support for working families, which may include backup dependent care, adoption assistance, infertility coverage, family building support, behavioral health solutions, paid parental leave, and paid caregiver leave. To encourage your personal growth, we also offer a variety of training programs, professional development resources, and opportunities to participate in mentorship programs, employee resource groups, volunteer activities, and much more. For details, visit https://www.virtualfairhub.com/cencora

Full time

Equal Employment Opportunity

Cencora is committed to providing equal employment opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, age, disability, veteran status or membership in any other class protected by federal, state or local law.

The company’s continued success depends on the full and effective utilization of qualified individuals. Therefore, harassment is prohibited and all matters related to recruiting, training, compensation, benefits, promotions and transfers comply with equal opportunity principles and are non‑discriminatory.

Cencora is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities during the employment process which are consistent with legal requirements. If you wish to request an accommodation while seeking employment, please call 888.692.2272 or email [e-mail]. We will make accommodation determinations on a request‑by‑request basis. Messages and emails regarding anything other than accommodations requests will not be returned.

Affiliated Companies

Affiliated Companies: MWI Veterinary Supply Company