Controls Technician

AeroFarms; Virginia (MN); On-site; USD 60,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a pioneering firm in indoor vertical farming as a Maintenance Controls Engineer. This exciting role involves improving and maintaining advanced robotic and PLC automation systems, ensuring compliance in a regulated environment. You'll lead a dedicated maintenance team, troubleshooting complex systems and optimizing plant performance. With a commitment to safety and quality, you will play a vital role in revolutionizing agriculture while working in a collaborative and innovative atmosphere. If you're ready to make a significant impact in a transformative industry, this opportunity is for you.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or related field preferred.
• 5-10 years of experience in highly automated facilities and equipment.

Responsibilities

• Maintain and troubleshoot robotic and PLC controlled automation equipment.
• Lead shift maintenance team and manage KPIs for operational excellence.

Skills

Problem-solving skills

PLC troubleshooting

Communication skills

Analytical thinking

Attention to detail

Knowledge of safety protocols

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering

Associate's degree in Automation and Controls

5-10 years of experience in Automation and Controls

Tools

Allen Bradley PLC

Siemens PLC

Control Logix

RSLogix 5000

Computer Maintenance Management System (CMMS)

Job description

ABOUT AEROFARMS:
AeroFarms is transforming agriculture with people and the planet in mind. As a Certified B Corporation and a pioneer in indoor vertical farming, we have built a proprietary agriculture platform to grow products, delivering superior flavor, better quality, and improved nutrition and food safety in our industry. Now in over 1,000+ store fronts across the nation, we are scaling our award-winning brand and technology.

Join AeroFarms in revolutionizing indoor farming and high-speed packaging operations as our Production Manager on Night Shift at our cutting-edge facility in Danville, VA. We're seeking an experienced leader to drive operational excellence and ensure adherence to industry-leading standards in vertical farming and packaging efficiency demonstrating superior leadership in Food GMP Standards, and Employee Safety and Wellbeing.

Job Description: We are seeking a highly motivated and skilled Maintenance Controls Engineer to join our team. The ideal candidate will be responsible for improving, troubleshooting, and maintaining robotic and PLC controlled automation equipment in our manufacturing indoor farming facility.

Key Responsibilities:

• Promote a safe working environment by following all safety procedures.
• Improve, troubleshoot, and maintain robotic and PLC controlled automation equipment.
• Perform work in an FDA/USDA regulated industry like food or medical manufacturing, ensuring compliance with industry standards and regulations.
• Be fluent to perform PLC troubleshooting and able to modify code as needed in existing PLC programs to optimize efficiency and plant performance while using good change control practices.
• Learn and become proficient in multiple PLC branded platforms including Allen Bradley, Siemens, Schneider, Control Logix, Wago, etc.
• Troubleshoot and modify software programs for material handling control systems, including PLC controllers, Allen Bradley Controllogix and Compactlogix PLC platform utilizing RSLogix 5000 software package. Including Industrial networks such as Ethernet, motor control systems, servo drives, frequency drives, and electrical distribution systems.
• Act as first level escalation support for the technician teams. Appropriately escalate downtime situations to vendors or headquarters for support to restore equipment operation.
• Maintain and troubleshoot servo and stepper-controlled systems, weigh scales, ink jet printers, network devices, sensors, motors, valves, LED lighting, pumps, environmental sensors, automated packaging lines.
• Troubleshoot and maintain motion-controlled system with integrated robotic work cell systems.
• Understand VFD motor-controlled systems and troubleshoot for optimal performance and maintenance.
• Willingness to work with a 12-hour production shift.
• Lead shift maintenance team in all reactive, preventative, and corrective repairs.
• Monitor and manage all shift KPIs.
• Any other task as directed by supervisor.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Controls Engineering, or related field.
• OR Associate's degree in Automation and Controls or related field, and 3-5 years of experience supporting highly automated facilities and equipment.
• OR 5-10 years of experience in an Automation and Controls or related field supporting highly automated facilities and equipment.
• 1-5 years of related leadership experience.
• Experience with a Computer Maintenance Management System (CMMS).

Skills and Competencies:

• Strong problem-solving skills and ability to think analytically.
• Must be fluent in PLC understanding, troubleshooting and ability to program ladder logic.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
• Adaptability and willingness to learn new technologies and systems.
• Attention to detail and commitment to quality.
• Knowledge of safety protocols and procedures in industrial settings.
• Willingness to work on a 12-hour rotation schedule with production team.