Instrumentation and Controls Technician

bdgrowers; Turlock (CA); On-site; USD 61,000 - 83,000; Full time

Job summary

bdgrowers is seeking an Automation and Controls Technician 1 to safely install, program, calibrate, troubleshoot, repair, and maintain industrial control systems and instrumentation at the Turlock plant. You will work with PLC/HMI systems, VFDs, sensors, and building automation to support production goals and ensure safety and quality.

The role involves collaborating with Maintenance, Operations, Engineering, and vendors to minimize downtime, improve reliability, and support capital projects

Qualifications

• Minimum high school diploma or GED; technical cert/assoc degree preferred.
• 3+ years in controls, instrumentation, industrial electrical, or automation maintenance in manufacturing.
• Knowledge of PLC programming, troubleshooting, configuration, and industrial networks.

Responsibilities

• Troubleshoot, repair, program, and maintain PLCs, HMIs, VFDs, servo systems, networks, SCADA, and process control equipment.
• Install, calibrate, commission, and maintain instrumentation (pressure, temperature, flow, level, analytical, weight).
• Diagnose and repair electrical/control systems on manufacturing equipment, panels and safety circuits.
• Support building automation, HVAC, utility control systems and facility infrastructure.
• Read electrical schematics, PLC logic, P&IDs, loop diagrams, blueprints, manuals, and docs.

Skills

Troubleshooting

Electrical knowledge

Reading schematics

Communication

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Technical certificate or associate degree

Tools

Allen-Bradley

HMI systems

VFDs

CMMS

SCADA

Job description

Work Shift: Swing Pay Type: Hourly Hourly Rate (if applicable): $51.85 Targeted Base Salary Range (if applicable): N/A

JOB OVERVIEW:

As the Automation and Controls Technician 1, this role is responsible for the following: safely installs, programs, calibrates, troubleshoots, repairs, commissions, and maintains industrial control systems, instrumentation, automation equipment, production systems, building control systems, and plant utility controls in support of Turlock Plant goals and objectives. This role supports production equipment, PLC/HMI systems, VFDs, process instrumentation, HVAC controls, ventilation systems, fans, building automation, utility control systems, and critical process analytical equipment such as metal detectors, weigh scale feeders, and electronic sorting machines. The Controls and Instrumentation Technician works with Maintenance, Operations, Engineering, contractors, and vendors to minimize downtime, improve reliability, support capital projects, and ensure compliance with food safety, quality, environmental, and safety requirements.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Troubleshoot, repair, program, and maintain PLCs, HMIs, VFDs, servo systems, industrial networks, SCADA systems, and process control equipment.
• Install, calibrate, commission, and maintain instrumentation including pressure, temperature, flow, level, analytical, weight, and process control devices.
• Diagnose and repair electrical and control systems associated with manufacturing equipment, production processes, motor controls, control panels, and safety circuits.
• Maintain and support building automation, HVAC, utility control systems, and related facility infrastructure.
• Read and interpret electrical schematics, PLC logic, P&IDs, loop diagrams, blueprints, manuals, and technical documentation.
• Troubleshoot and communicate modifications to control logic, HMI screens, parameters, and system settings to improve safety, reliability, product quality, uptime, and operational efficiency.
• Support equipment startup, commissioning, shutdown work, capital projects, and facility improvement projects.
• Use CMMS to document work performed, equipment history, corrective actions, parts used, and preventive maintenance activities.
• Participate in root cause analysis and implement corrective actions to reduce recurring failures and unplanned downtime.
• Maintain backups of PLC, HMI, SCADA, and building control programs and keep related documentation current.
• Support contractors, vendors, operators, and maintenance team members by providing technical guidance and troubleshooting support.
• Follow GMPs and all procedures related to food safety, food security, food quality, environmental compliance, Lockout/Tagout, electrical safety, and plant safety requirements.
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned or required by supervisor.

MINIMUM JOB REQUIREMENTS

• Minimum level of education required: High School Diploma or GED required. Technical certificate or associate degree in Electrical Technology, Instrumentation, Industrial Automation, Mechatronics, or related field preferred.
• Minimum 3 years of controls, instrumentation, industrial electrical, or automation maintenance experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Working knowledge of PLC programming, troubleshooting, configuration, and industrial communication networks.
• Experience with Allen-Bradley platforms, HMI systems, VFDs, motor controls, instrumentation calibration, and electrical troubleshooting.
• Ability to troubleshoot HVAC controls, building automation, fans, facility systems, and utility control equipment.
• Good computer skills, including Microsoft Office and CMMS usage.
• Total minimum number of years of experience required in lieu of degree (if applicable): 4 years.
• Ability to work overtime, weekends, holidays, shutdowns as required by business needs. May be required to successfully complete a PLC/electrical assessment.

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCES

• Food, beverage, CPG, agricultural processing, or high-speed manufacturing experience.
• Experience with FactoryTalk, Wonderware/InTouch, Ignition, Siemens, RSLogix/Studio 5000, industrial Ethernet, and building automation platforms.
• Experience supporting boilers, chillers, air compressors, wastewater systems, refrigeration, HVAC, dust collection, and energy management systems.
• Strong troubleshooting, documentation, communication, and continuous improvement skills.
• Ability to explain technical issues clearly to team members with varying levels of technical knowledge.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Must be able to phy