Controls Technician

Hill's Pet Nutrition; Richmond (IN); On-site; USD 64,000 - 88,000; Full time

Job summary

Hill's Pet Nutrition in Richmond, Indiana is seeking a Controls Technician to manage installation, maintenance, and improvement of the plant's control systems. You will coordinate with integrators and contractors, train staff during startups, and support continuous improvement initiatives on the plant floor.

The role requires hands-on electrical/automation experience, familiarity with PLCs, SCADA (WonderWare), and rock-solid problem-solving in a manufacturing environment.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma required.
• 2+ year Industrial Technology Certificate, Automation or Electrical Electronic Technology degree or equivalent work experience.
• 2+ years experience in developing and/or changing electrical schematics.
• Ability to work in confined spaces and lift up to 50 lbs.

Responsibilities

• Install, maintain, support and improve plant floor control system.
• Serve as liaison with integrators and contractors.
• Train maintenance resources and operators during startup of new/modified control systems.
• Provide on-call support for on-shift technical resources.
• Work with OEMs/consultants to resolve system issues.

Skills

PLC programming

WonderWare Intouch

Archestra

Allen-Bradley controls

Robotic automation

SCADA programming

Industrial automation

Electrical troubleshooting

Electrical schematics

Problem-solving

Education

High School Diploma

Industrial Technology Certificate / Automation or Electrical Tech degree or equivalent

BS in Controls or Electrical Engineering Technology (preferred)

Tools

MS SQL

WonderWare Historian

AB PanelView

MS SQL Server

Job description

Relocation Assistance Offered Within Country

Job Number #173160 - Richmond, Indiana, United States

Who We Are

Colgate-Palmolive Company is a global consumer products company operating in over 200 countries specializing in Oral Care, Personal Care, Home Care, Skin Care, and Pet Nutrition. Our products are trusted in more households than any other brand in the world, making us a household name! Join Colgate-Palmolive, a caring, innovative growth company reimagining a healthier future for people, their pets, and our planet. Guided by our core values—Caring, Inclusive, and Courageous—we foster a culture that inspires our people to achieve common goals. Together, let's build a brighter, healthier future for all.

Work visa sponsorship is not available for this position. Accordingly, all applicants must be currently authorized to work in the U.S. on a full-time basis and must not require the Company's sponsorship to continue to work legally in the United States.

At Hill’s we have a purpose to transform the lives of millions of pet families through pioneering innovation, science-led nutrition, and the best and brightest people. If you’re interested in work that matters, fueled by passion for pets, we invite you to apply.

Founded more than 75 years ago with an unwavering commitment to pet nutrition, Hill’s mission is to help enrich and lengthen the special relationships between people and their pets. Our decades of science and research guide us in creating nutrition that’s a step ahead so pets and pet parents can enjoy every day together. As the US #1 Veterinarian recommended pet food brand, knowledge is our first ingredient with 220+ veterinarians, PhD nutritionists and food scientists working to develop breakthrough innovations in pet health.

Role Summary

Are you ready to drive innovation at the heart of our manufacturing operations? As a Controls Technician you will be responsible for the installation, maintenance, support and improvement of the facilities plant floor control system. You will be the Plant liaison with outside integrators and contractors to ensure the plant’s business needs are met on time and within budget; Training of the facilities maintenance resources and operating technicians during the startup of new or modified control systems and you will act as a resource for the maintenance team when technical issues are beyond their understanding and ability to resolve. You will drive innovation and support for continuous improvement projects.

Responsibilities

• Manage Input/Output checkout for new projects and process improvements
• Maintain and modify PLC programs to support the day to day operation of the facility
• Work on Continuous Improvement projects throughout the entire plant and troubleshoot system failures when they occur
• Support the implementation of PLC programs for projects.
• Install and use WonderWare SCADA software to support plant projects.
• Maintain and upgrade the plant SCADA System
• Manage change control and keep validation of plant PLC’s and SCADA system current
• Work closely with Maintenance and Operator Technician teams to assure that they are properly trained in the use of the plant control systems. Work with Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM) and Consultants to solve system related problems.
• Provide on-call support for on-shift Technical Resources.
• Work in conjunction with the Network administrator to maintain the Facility Controls Network (hardware and software).
• Understand and comply with Hill’s policies, safety standards, Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) and Food Safety. Identify and report Food Safety issues to management.

Required Qualifications

• High School Diploma
• 2+ year Industrial Technology Certificate, Automation or Electrical Electronic Technology degree or equivalent work experience
• 2+ years experience in developing and/or changing electrical schematics
• Ability to bend, climb, crawl, work in confined spaces, work in hazardous condition spaces, work in extreme weather conditions, use hazardous materials, and lift up to 50 lbs. on a continual basis and work in a standard office environment

Preferred Qualifications

• BS or equivalent Engineering/Engineering Technology in Controls or Electrical discipline.
• 5+ years in PLC Field and General SCADA Programming Knowledge (with knowledge of WonderWare Intouch and Archestra Allen-Bradley ControlLogix, PLC 5 and SLC 5/05 software)
• MSsql
• Industrial SQL and Wonderware Historian
• AB Panelview
• Sigmatek PLC and Operator interface
• Robotic automation (Fanuc, UR, Okura, etc.)

Compensation And Benefits

Salary Range $64,000.00 - $87,500.00 USD

Pay is determined based on experience, qualifications, and location. Salaried employees may also be eligible for discretionary bonuses, profit-sharing, and long-term incentives for Executive-level roles.

Benefits: Salaried employees enjoy a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, basic life insurance, paid parental leave, disability coverage, and participation in the 401(k) retirement plan with company matching contributions subject to eligibility requirements. Additional benefits include a minimum of 15 vacation/PTO days (hourly employees receive a minimum of 120 hours) and 13 paid holidays (vacation days are prorated based on the employee's hire date within the calendar year). Paid sick leave is adjusted based on role and location in accordance with local laws. Detailed information regarding paid sick leave entitlements will be provided to employees upon hiring and may be subject to adjustments based on changes in legislation or company policies.

Our Commitment to Inclusion

Our journey begins with our people—developing strong talent with diverse backgrounds and perspectives to best serve our consumers around the world and fostering an inclusive environment where everyone feels a true sense of belonging. We are dedicated to ensuring that each individual can be their authentic self, is treated with respect, and is empowered by leadership to contribute meaningfully to our business.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Colgate is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, ethnicity, age, disability, marital status, veteran status (United States positions), or any other characteristic protected by law.

Reasonable accommodation during the application process is available for persons with disabilities. Please complete this request form should you require accommodation.