Controls Technician

Campbell Soup Company; Lakeland (FL); On-site; USD 55,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

Campbell Soup Company in Lakeland, FL is seeking a skilled Controls Technician to maintain and improve plant electrical, control, and automation systems. You will diagnose issues with PLCs, HMIs, SCADA, robotics, and motion control to keep operations safe and productive.

This role collaborates with Maintenance, Engineering and Operations, uses SAP/CMMS for work orders, and requires hands-on troubleshooting, documentation, and adherence to safety and GMP standards.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED; vocational/technical training in electrical/electronic/industrial controls or 5+ years experience.
• Ability to troubleshoot independently with strong analytical skills.
• Experience with PLCs, ladder logic, and control-system diagnostics.

Responsibilities

• Maintain, troubleshoot, and repair plant electrical, controls, and automation systems.
• Diagnose faults using root-cause analysis; implement corrective actions.
• Support PLC-based systems, HMIs, SCADA, servo systems, and robotics.
• Ensure safety, GMP, and environmental compliance; document changes and maintenance in CMMS/SAP.

Job description

Company Overview

Since 1869, we've connected people through food they love. We’re proud to be stewards of amazing brands that people trust. Our portfolio includes the iconic Campbell’s brand, as well as Cape Cod, Chunky, Goldfish, Kettle Brand, Lance, Late July, Pacific Foods, Pepperidge Farm, Prego, Pace, Rao’s Homemade, Snack Factory, Snyder’s of Hanover. Swanson, and V8. Here, you will make a difference every day. You will be supported to build a rewarding career with opportunities to grow, innovate and inspire. Make history with us.

Job Details

Job Title: Controls Technician

Pay Rate: $40.00

Schedule: 6am - 6pm (2-2-3) schedule. 12 hr days.

Reports to (Title): Maintenance Supervisor

Location: Lakeland

Job Summary

The Controls Technician is responsible for the maintenance, troubleshooting, and continuous improvement of plant electrical, controls, and automation systems. This role ensures safe, reliable, and efficient plant operations by diagnosing and resolving issues involving PLCs, HMIs, SCADA systems, robotics, servo systems, industrial networks, and associated electrical and electromechanical equipment. The Controls Technician works independently and collaboratively with Maintenance, Engineering, Operations, and external vendors to support equipment reliability and process performance.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Controls & Electrical Systems Support
  • Maintain, troubleshoot, and repair plant electrical, controls, and automation systems
  • Diagnose electrical, electronic, mechanical, and control system failures using root cause analysis
  • Independently perform advanced troubleshooting and implement corrective actions without assistance
  • Support PLC-based systems, including program diagnostics, downloads/uploads, and modifications
• Automation & Equipment Troubleshooting
  • Troubleshoot and support: PLC systems (Allen-Bradley preferred) HMIs and SCADA systems (e.g., Wonderware, Intellution) Servo systems, robotics, and motion control PID control loops, heat systems, and process controls Identify and resolve issues in sensors, relays, instrumentation, and industrial communication systems
• Installation, Modification & MOC
  • Install, modify, and validate electrical wiring and control components in compliance with code
  • Execute Management of Change (MOC) processes and maintain accurate documentation
  • Support fabrication, installation, and system modifications to meet engineering and regulatory requirements
• Maintenance & Reliability
  • Perform preventive and predictive maintenance on electrical and control systems
  • Maintain accurate records of repairs, calibrations, and inspections
  • Utilize SAP (or equivalent CMMS) for work orders, parts, and maintenance documentation
  • Support reliability and waste reduction initiatives across the plant
• Systems & Process Support
  • Troubleshoot bulk ingredient systems, refrigeration systems, and process equipment
  • Support industrial communication networks (Ethernet/IP, Modbus, DH+, etc.)
  • Utilize electrical test equipment to diagnose circuit and component failures
• Safety, Quality & Compliance
  • Adhere to all safety standards including Lockout/Tagout, Arc Flash, and electrical safety programs
  • Follow GMP, food safety, and environmental compliance requirements
  • Perform scheduled safety and environmental inspections and ensure corrective actions are completed
  • Identify and escape safety, compliance, or system design risks
• Collaboration & Training
  • Interface with operators, maintenance technicians, engineering, vendors, and contractors to resolve issues
  • Provide technical guidance and support during equipment troubleshooting and installations
  • Train and mentor maintenance technicians, setup technicians, and operators as needed

Scope of Responsibility

• Responsible for maintaining and improving plant control systems and automation reliability
• Operates with a high level of independence in troubleshooting and decision making
• Direct impact on equipment uptime, process consistency, and operational efficiency
• All other duties as assigned

Technical & Functional Knowledge

• PLC troubleshooting and programming support (Ladder Logic, I/O diagnostics)
• Industrial networks: Ethernet/IP, DeviceNet, ControlNet, Modbus, DH+
• SCADA and HMI systems used in manufacturing environments
• Servo systems, VFDs, robotics, and motion control
• Electrical systems from 24V DC to 480V AC
• PID loops, sensors, relays, and instrumentation
• Refrigeration and process control systems
• Explosion-proof and intrinsically safe environments
• Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics, ladder logic, and engineering drawings
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and CMMS systems (SAP preferred)

Education & Experience Required

• High School Diploma or GED
• Vocational or technical training in electrical, electronics, or industrial controls OR minimum 5 years of relevant experience
• Demonstrated ability to independently troubleshoot and repair complex control systems

Preferred

• Technical certification or diploma in Industrial Controls or Automation
• 5+ years of PLC troubleshooting experience using Ladder Logic
• Experience with Allen-Bradley hardware and software platforms
• Experience supporting robotic or automated manufacturing systems

Additional Requirements

• Must be willing to work flexible schedules, including nights, weekends, and overtime
• Must participate in ongoing technical training to stay current with advancing technologies

Position awarded based on qualifications, experience, attendance, and business need

Position awarded based on qualifications, experience, attendance, and business need

Physical & Work Environment

• Work performed in a manufacturing environment with exposure to: Moving machinery and electrical systems Noise and temperature variation Industrial hazards and elevated/confined spaces Requires standing, walking, climbing bending and hands-on troubleshooting Required use of appropriate PPE

Benefits

Individual base pay depends on work location and additional factors such as experience, job-related skills, and relevant education or training. Total pay may include other forms of compensation. In addition, we offer competitive health, dental, 401k and wellness benefits beginning on the first day of employment.

Equal Opportunity

The Company is committed to providing equal opportunity for employees and qualified applicants in all aspects of the employment relationship, including consideration for employment, without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, marital status, protected veteran status, disability, age, religion, or any other classification protected by law.

Company Culture

We’re proud to be a purpose-driven company, connecting people through food they love. Are you our missing ingredient?