Blending Machine Operator

Jobtailor; Lancaster (Lancaster County); On-site; USD 65,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Jobtailor is seeking an experienced PLC Technician to program, troubleshoot, and maintain PLC-controlled equipment in a fast-paced, manufacturing environment. The role supports conveyors, presses, dryers, HMIs, sensors, and motor controls while ensuring safety and reliability of production lines.

You will read electrical drawings and schematics, modify logic, and implement improvements in collaboration with maintenance and operations teams. On-site work with potential overtime may be required.

Qualifications

• Associate’s degree or technical school certificate.
• Minimum 3 years of experience programming, troubleshooting, or maintaining PLC-controlled equipment in manufacturing or related environments.
• Working knowledge of PLC programming, ladder logic, HMI systems, VFDs, sensors, motor controls, relays and control panels.
• Ability to read electrical drawings and control schematics.
• Experience troubleshooting industrial electrical systems up to 480 V and safe work practices around energized equipment.

Responsibilities

• Program, troubleshoot, modify, and maintain PLC systems used in factory operations across processing, packaging, and utility areas.
• Support automated equipment including conveyors, presses, dryers, HMIs, sensors, drives, and safety systems.
• Diagnose electrical, mechanical, instrumentation, and network issues to minimize downtime and restore safe operation.
• Develop and modify PLC logic, HMI screens, alarms, recipes, setpoints, and control sequences for improvements.
• Maintain backups, drawings, I/O lists, and change records for control systems.
• Collaborate with Maintenance and Operations to identify recurring issues and implement corrective actions.
• Assist with installation, commissioning, testing, and startup of new equipment and upgrades.
• Provide basic training on control systems and safe restart procedures.

Skills

PLC Programming

Ladder Logic

HMI Systems

VFDs

Industrial Sensors

Motor Controls

Electrical Drawings Interpretation

Control Schematics

Wiring Diagrams

Technical Documentation

Education

Associate’s Degree

Technical School Certificate

Tools

PLC Programming Software

HMI Software

CMMS Systems

Microsoft Office

Plant Communication Protocols

Job description

Responsibilities

• Program, troubleshoot, modify, and maintain PLC systems used in factory production, processing, packaging, by-product handling, receiving, storage, and utility operations


• Support automated equipment including conveyors, presses, dryers, optical sorters, scales, sensors, drives, motor controls, safety circuits, HMI panels, and related control devices


• Diagnose electrical, mechanical, instrumentation, network, and control system issues to reduce downtime and restore equipment to safe operating condition


• Develop and modify PLC logic, HMI screens, alarms, recipes, setpoints, interlocks, and control sequences for operational needs and continuous improvement projects


• Maintain current backups, documentation, drawings, I/O lists, program versions, and change records for control systems


• Work with Maintenance and Operations personnel to identify recurring equipment issues, complete root cause analysis, and implement corrective actions


• Assist with installation, commissioning, testing, and startup of new equipment, upgraded controls, and automation improvement projects


• Provide technical support and basic training to maintenance technicians, operators, and supervisors on control system operation, troubleshooting, and safe restart procedures


• Coordinate with outside contractors, OEM technicians, and vendors on equipment upgrades, software changes, troubleshooting, and repairs


• Ensure PLC programming and automation work complies with company safety policies, lockout/tagout requirements, electrical safety expectations, machine guarding requirements, and applicable codes


• Support preventive maintenance by inspecting control panels, verifying sensors and safety devices, reviewing alarm history, and identifying equipment reliability improvements


• Partner with production leadership to improve throughput, quality, safety, traceability, runtime, and efficiency across factory processing lines


• Respond to urgent breakdowns and provide on-call or overtime support when required by production demands


• Perform other duties and special projects as assigned

Requirements

• Associate’s degree or technical school certificate


• Minimum of 3 years of experience programming, troubleshooting, or maintaining PLC-controlled equipment in a manufacturing, processing, warehouse, agricultural, food, tobacco, or industrial environment


• Working knowledge of PLC programming, ladder logic, HMI systems, VFDs, industrial sensors, motor controls, safety circuits, relays, starters, and control panels


• Ability to read and interpret electrical drawings, control schematics, ladder logic, wiring diagrams, equipment manuals, and technical documentation


• Experience troubleshooting industrial electrical systems up to 480 volts and understanding safe work practices around energized equipment


• Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to diagnose issues quickly and communicate recommended repairs clearly


• Ability to work independently, prioritize multiple issues, and support production needs in a fast-paced manufacturing environment


• Strong verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to document changes, repairs, and system information accurately


• Basic computer skills, including Microsoft Office applications and the ability to work with PLC programming software, HMI software, CMMS systems, and equipment interfaces


• Must be authorized to work in the United States


• Preferred: Experience with Allen-Bradley/Rockwell Automation, Siemens, Schneider, or comparable PLC platforms


• Preferred: Experience with HMI/SCADA systems, industrial networking, Ethernet/IP, Profibus, Modbus, or other plant communication protocols


• Preferred: Experience in electrical, automation, industrial maintenance, mechatronics, or a related field


• Preferred: Experience with optical sorters, conveyors, presses, dryers, dust collection equipment, scales, packaging lines, or tobacco processing equipment


• Preferred: Knowledge of National Electrical Code (NEC), OSHA requirements, NFPA 70E, machine safety practices, lockout/tagout, and industrial control panel standards


• Preferred: Experience supporting continuous improvement, TPM, downtime reduction, or reliability improvement initiatives


• Preferred: Ability to assist with electrical design, control panel modifications, wiring changes, and field device selection


• Preferred: Bilingual communication skills, English and Spanish

Core Competencies

Demonstrates expertise in PLC Programming, HMI Systems, and troubleshooting industrial electrical systems, ensuring compliance with safety standards and effective communication of technical information. Capable of supporting continuous improvement initiatives and collaborating with production teams to enhance operational efficiency.

Highest-signal resume keywords

• PLC Programming


• HMI Systems


• Troubleshooting Industrial Electrical Systems


• Root Cause Analysis


• Electrical Safety Compliance

ATS Optimization Keywords

Hard Skills

• PLC Programming


• Ladder Logic


• HMI Systems


• VFDs


• Industrial Sensors


• Motor Controls


• Electrical Drawings Interpretation


• Control Schematics


• Wiring Diagrams


• Technical Documentation

Soft Skills

• Problem-Solving


• Communication Skills


• Ability to Work Independently


• Prioritization Skills


• Fast-Paced Environment Adaptability

Certifications & Qualifications

• Technical School Certificate


• Associate’s Degree

Industry Keywords

• Manufacturing


• Processing


• Industrial Maintenance


• Mechatronics


• National Electrical Code (NEC)


• OSHA Requirements


• NFPA 70E


• Lockout/Tagout


• Continuous Improvement


• TPM

Tools & Technologies

• Microsoft Office


• PLC Programming Software


• HMI Software


• CMMS Systems


• Plant Communication Protocols