Controls Technician

Dairy Farmers of America; Springfield (OH); On-site; USD 38,572 - 55,104; Full time

Job summary

Dairy Farmers of America is seeking an experienced maintenance technician to install, calibrate, and maintain control systems for automated plant equipment. You will troubleshoot across electrical, mechanical, hydraulic, and pneumatic domains and perform preventative maintenance and part replacements.

The role requires hands-on experience with test equipment, reading blueprints, and collaborating with the maintenance team and operators to improve efficiency and reliability.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Trade/technical school certification preferred in electrical/mechanical systems.
• 2–4 years of maintenance experience in manufacturing.
• Experience with AC/DC drives, pneumatics, hydraulics, welding.
• Proficient with test equipment and hand tools.
• Certification and/or license may be required.

Responsibilities

• Install, calibrate, and maintain control systems for automated equipment.
• Troubleshoot and repair equipment across mechanical, electrical, hydraulic, and pneumatic components.
• Lay out circuits and install wiring to support loads for plant equipment.
• Perform preventative/predictive maintenance and part replacements.
• Assist and train operators and peers on maintenance tasks.
• Stay up to date with new products, equipment, technology and techniques.

Skills

Electrical troubleshooting

Mechanical troubleshooting

Reading blueprints

Communication skills

Team player

Multimeter use

Education

High school diploma

Technical certification

Technical training

Tools

Multimeters

Circuit testers

Power tools

Micrometers

Calipers

Job description

General Purpose

Install, monitor, calibrate, and maintain the control systems of automated equipment using software to verify that the controls are within set parameters. Troubleshoot issues and perform necessary maintenance and repair services. Work with the maintenance team to aid in their technical development. Work with a limited degree of supervision, with oversight focused on complex and/or new assignments. Act as an informal resource for colleagues with less experience.

Job Duties and Responsibilities

• Use a PC along with software programs to modify, troubleshoot, diagnose, and repair equipment breakdowns involving mechanical, electrical, electronic, hydraulic, and pneumatic components
• Lay out circuits and install electrical wiring systems to handle required loads for various parts of the plant. Run lines, make connections, install proper safety devices, and provide for necessary outlets and switches
• Perform calibrations on electrical, electronic equipment and instruments according to technical manuals and written instructions. Record results
• Install and hook-up production equipment, exercising care as to size of motors, voltage requirements, and balance circuits for proper power distribution
• Perform preventative / predictive maintenance and rebuild and replace defective parts and component units such as motors, gear boxes, clutches, bearings and electrical components as needed. Reassemble and make final equipment adjustments
• Perform regular checks on all building equipment such as sprinkler systems, pumps, boilers, air compressors, air conditioners, and power systems as required
• Complete simple fabrication of machine parts as required, and requisition repair parts as needed
• Maintain plant water treatment systems and equipment. Take samples as scheduled and make adjustments as needed. Record all necessary data
• Assist outside contractors on on‑site projects
• Demonstrate a cooperative effort to train and assist operators and peers in all aspects of equipment maintenance and operation, problem identification, and problem-solving
• Participate in task meetings; suggest changes in work tasks and use of equipment to increase efficiencies
• Maintain communication with other departments, management, and employees and notify them of any problems and/or concerns that may restrict the efficiency of production
• Stay up to date on new products, equipment, technology and techniques
• Maintain safe working conditions for employees and compliance with all state and federal regulations regarding health and safety issues
• Follow all DFA good manufacturing practices (GMP) and work in a manner consistent with all corporate regulatory, food safety, quality, and sanitation requirements
• The requirements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by employee, but is not a complete list of responsibilities, duties, and skills required. Other duties may be assigned as required

Education and Experience

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Graduation from trade or technical school or technical school certification(s) preferred in areas such as electrical, industrial electronics, computer technology, or mechanical systems
• 2 to 4 years of directly relatable experience, preferably in a manufacturing environment
• Experience in maintenance trades including electrical and mechanical troubleshooting, AC/DC drive systems, pneumatics, hydraulics, welding, machining and fabrication
• Experience required in using multi-meters, circuit testers, and other test equipment along with power tools, micrometers, calipers, measuring tools, and other hand tools
• Training or experience in the following areas, as appropriate for the job:
  • PLC programming and troubleshooting
  • VFD programming and troubleshooting
  • Servo programming and troubleshooting
  • Controls systems troubleshooting
  • Network diagnostics troubleshooting (e.g., Ethernet, Control Net, Device Net)
  • Electrical code knowledge
  • HMI programming and troubleshooting (e.g., RSView, Wonderware, PanelView)
  • PC/laptop/Servers and software programs
  • Electrical distribution troubleshooting
  • ACAD or job-specific software
• Certification and/or License - may be required during course of employment

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of charts, tables, drawings, specifications, schedules, wiring diagrams
• Strong mathematical skills
• Able to interpret simple to complex blueprints and schematics
• Able to adapt to emerging technologies
• Able to inspect equipment, recognize potential problems, and take appropriate corrective action to prevent component failures or equipment down time
• Able to perform maintenance activities/repairs independently and assist on more complicated repairs
• Able to perform minor to mid-sized projects from planning to installation
• Able to present options and ideas to current processes or procedures
• Able to adapt and manage to change effectively
• Able to perform task and duties without constant supervision
• Able to work effectively in a team environment
• Able to communicate clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing
• Must be able to read, write and speak English