Controls Specialist

Heartland Food Products Group; Indianapolis (IN); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Heartland Food Products Group is seeking a Controls Specialist to lead PLC, VFD, and HMI control work at our Indianapolis plant. You will troubleshoot, document, and implement control solutions to improve uptime and throughput.

This on-site role collaborates with Maintenance, Engineering, IT and Operations to optimize equipment performance. The ideal candidate has an Associate degree in Industrial Technology and 2–3 years' manufacturing experience, plus experience with Allen-Bradley PLCs and

Qualifications

• Associates Degree in Industrial Technology or Engineering Technology.
• 2–3 years of control systems experience in manufacturing.
• Experience with Allen-Bradley PLCs and instrumentation calibration.
• Strong troubleshooting and documentation skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead SME on PLC, VFD, and HMI controls for manufacturing.
• Troubleshoot downtime and perform root-cause analysis.
• Develop PLC code changes to support production.
• Maintain electrical schematics and panel layouts.
• Collaborate with Maintenance, Engineering, IT and Operations.
• Document changes and perform preventive maintenance.

Skills

PLC programming

VFD control

HMI setup

Electrical schematics

Troubleshooting

Project management

Communication

Education

Associate degree in Industrial Technology

Tools

Allen-Bradley PLC

Microsoft Office

Job description

Heartland Food Products Group is a global leader in the consumer packaged goods (CPG) industry, producing low-calorie sweeteners, coffee, coffee creamers and liquid water enhancers. We manufacture and market Splenda, the #1 brand in the low calorie sweetener category and the most recognized in the world.

We make coffee, tea and water taste better and help people live happier, healthier and longer lives by making it easy to reduce sugar.

We offer an excellent compensation and benefits package. Come grow with us!

This role is not a remote opportunity, it is on-site at our Manufacturing Plant in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Scope

The Controls Specialist will be the lead subject matter expert on all manufacturing equipment controls to include Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC), Variable Frequency Drives (VFD), and Human Machine Interfaces (HMI) and associated process instrumentation to include pressure, flow, temperature, and I/P analog applications. This position will also be responsible for troubleshooting, implementing and documenting control solutions for our manufacturing equipment and processes. Act as a liaison for internal and external resources.

Essential Duties and Key Responsibilities

• Be available to support manufacturing operations by troubleshooting, documenting, and assisting in root cause analysis of controls related downtime and repair events
• Strong project management skills, effective communication skills, be self-directed, and have the ability to multi-task and deliver results in a dynamic environment.
• Develop ad-hoc PLC code changes as necessary to support production
• Identify and present Continuous Improvement opportunities.
• Implement approved Improvement modifications to control systems
• Assist in maintaining electrical schematics and panel layout drawings by providing redline updating
• Work with Maintenance, Engineering, IT and Operations to improve equipment functionality, throughput and uptime.
• Document control system and equipment configuration changes and keep the documentation updated and accessible.
• Perform Preventive maintenance and system management of PLC systems such as program back-ups, UPS systems, firmware/software updates, configurable parameter documentation and control cabinet/wiring termination management, I/O commissioning, Instrumentation calibration and updating electrical schematics and associated documentation.
• All of duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Associates Degree in an Industrial Technology, Electromechanical Technology or Engineering Technology.
• 2-3 years of control system experience working in a manufacturing environment with a focus on troubleshooting, process improvement, instrumentation calibration and preventive maintenance on electrical systems.
• Experience with Microsoft applications (Outlook, Excel, Word).
• Experience in Allen Bradley (A/B) PLC control level issue diagnosis
• Able to read and clearly update control layout and schematics.
• Passion for troubleshooting electrical controls
• Demonstrated ability to multi-task and prioritize different projects and workload.
• Proven ability to communicate effectively, (written and verbally) with peers, management, contractors and vendors.
• Self-motivated and customer centric.
• Demonstrate a very high sense of urgency. Speed to market is critical.
• Demonstrated critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
• Must demonstrate the ability to work within a team environment
• Must have good job performance and attendance records

Physical Demands

• Must be able to physically perform the functions of climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, grasping, feeling, talking, hearing, and repetitive motions
• Must be able to work seated using a computer and phone for long periods of time.
• Must be able to work extended hours, such as daily overtime and an occasional weekend
• Must possess visual acuity to document company records
• Continuous walking throughout plant and distribution center.