Lead Maintenance Technician: PLC & Automation

BrightFarms; Macon (GA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

BrightFarms seeks an experienced Maintenance Technician IV/Lead to oversee daily maintenance, troubleshoot equipment, and lead the maintenance team. You will manage preventive and corrective maintenance to keep operations safe, reliable, and efficient.

The ideal candidate will have strong electrical troubleshooting and PLC controls experience, with the ability to diagnose and repair automated equipment and control systems.

Responsibilities

• Lead, coordinate, and prioritize daily maintenance activities and work orders.
• Perform hands‑on mechanical, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and general facility repairs as needed.
• Troubleshoot and repair electrical systems, motor controls, sensors, VFDs, relays, contactors, and control panels.
• Diagnose, troubleshoot, and modify PLC‑controlled equipment and automated systems.
• Read and interpret electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, ladder logic, and equipment documentation.
• Troubleshoot PLC inputs/outputs, sensors, actuators, communication issues, and control-system faults.
• Assist with PLC programming, parameter adjustments, and system modifications as required.
• Schedule and complete preventive maintenance to reduce equipment downtime and extend equipment life.
• Train, coach, and mentor maintenance technicians on electrical systems, PLC controls, troubleshooting techniques, equipment operation, and safe work practices.
• Develop and provide hands‑on training to maintenance team members and machine operators, helping build their technical skills and improve their ability to diagnose and resolve equipment issues independently.
• Monitor maintenance work to ensure quality, safety, and compliance with company procedures.
• Maintain accurate records of repairs, inspections, parts, PLC changes, and preventive maintenance activities.
• Coordinate with operations, production, engineering, and management to address maintenance needs and minimize downtime.
• Support equipment installations, upgrades, electrical projects, and automation improvements.
• Maintain an appropriate inventory of tools, electrical components, controls parts, and replacement equipment.
• Coordinate with contractors and outside service providers when necessary.
• Ensure maintenance activities comply with OSHA, electrical safety requirements, company policies, and applicable regulations.
• Respond to emergency maintenance situations and equipment breakdowns as needed.
• Identify opportunities to improve equipment reliability, automation, maintenance processes, and operating efficiency.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe maintenance work area.

Job description

BrightFarms seeks an experienced Maintenance Technician IV/Lead to oversee daily maintenance, troubleshoot equipment, and lead the maintenance team. You will manage preventive and corrective maintenance to keep operations safe, reliable, and efficient.

The ideal candidate will have strong electrical troubleshooting and PLC controls experience, with the ability to diagnose and repair automated equipment and control systems.