Maintenance Control Technician

Kayem Foods, Inc.; Chelsea (MA); On-site; USD 55,000 - 83,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Healthcare

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

HSA

401(k) retirement plan with matching

Life insurance

Paid time off

Company holidays

Education Reimbursement

Job summary

Kayem Foods, Inc. is seeking a Maintenance Control Technician to install, troubleshoot, and repair automated control and electrical systems in a fast-paced plant. You will work with PLCs, HMIs, robotics, and startup of new production lines.

The role uses CMMS for work orders, equipment history, and continuous improvement while complying with safety and regulatory standards. Strong hands-on skills and teamwork are essential.

Qualifications

• One technical area with 1–3 years related maintenance experience.
• Knowledge of PLCs (Allen-Bradley, Siemens) and HMI software.
• Ability to lift heavy parts and work in non-climate-controlled environments.

Responsibilities

• Maintain uninterrupted operation of electrical and control systems.
• Troubleshoot and repair production equipment, PLC/HMI hardware.
• Diagnose motor controls, VFDs, sensors, and robotics.
• Perform preventive maintenance and calibration of instrumentation.
• Assist in installation, testing, and startup of new equipment.
• Use CMMS to manage work orders and document changes.
• Ensure compliance with USDA, OSHA, GMP, NEC.

Skills

Motor controls

Robotics

Automation systems

AC/DC drives

Power distribution

Troubleshooting

PLC/HMI

Education

Associate degree in electronics or automation

Job description

JOB TITLE: Maintenance Control Technician

SUMMARY

The Controls Technician is responsible for installing, maintaining, troubleshooting, and repairing automated control systems, electrical systems, and industrial equipment to ensure uninterrupted plant operations. Through hands-on experience and technical expertise, this role supports manufacturing equipment performance, productivity, and quality. This position works with PLCs, HMIs, automated systems, robotics, and industrial equipment while assisting in installation, debugging, calibration, and startup of new production lines. The Controls Technician utilizes CMMS to manage work orders, maintain equipment history, and support continuous improvement initiatives in a fast-paced manufacturing environment while ensuring compliance with all safety and regulatory standards.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Maintain uninterrupted operation of electrical systems, automated control systems, manufacturing equipment, and facility support systems.
• Perform industrial electrical troubleshooting and repairs on production equipment, machinery, PLC/HMI hardware, and automated systems.
• Work with PLC systems (Allen Bradley preferred), including troubleshooting, diagnostics, minor programming support, and ladder logic modifications.
• Diagnose and repair motor controls, power distribution systems, VFDs, AC/DC drives, sensors, robotics, and automated equipment.
• Perform preventive and predictive maintenance on electrical, automation, and control systems, including control panels and wiring.
• Calibrate instrumentation including pressure, temperature, and flow control devices to ensure proper system operation.
• Assist in installation, debugging, testing, and startup of new equipment, automated systems.
• Install new control systems, electrical conduit, and wiring according to schematics, blueprints, and specifications.
• Maintain logs, update electrical drawings, schematics, and document system changes as required.
• Utilize CMMS to manage work orders, track maintenance activities, and maintain equipment history.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives to increase equipment uptime, throughput, efficiency, and product quality.
• Work closely with maintenance and production teams to resolve equipment and automation issues efficiently.
• Assist in training new employees and team members on proper maintenance procedures, troubleshooting techniques, and safety practices.
• Maintain compliance with all USDA, OSHA, SSOP, GMP, NEC, and company safety standards.
• Work with mechanical systems including pumps, valves, conveyors, and processing equipment as needed.
• Collaborate with outside vendors and contractors when necessary.
• Ability to work in non-climate-controlled environments, climb ladders, and lift heavy parts and equipment as needed.
• Perform other duties as assigned by Manager.

SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES

• Experience with motor controls, robotics, automation systems, AC/DC drives, sensors, and power distribution systems.
• Ability to work in a high-paced production environment.
• Strong problem-solving skills with attention to detail and accuracy.
• Ability to communicate effectively in English (verbal and written).
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.
• Ability to interpret technical instructions in mathematical or diagram form.
• Basic math skills including addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, percentages, and ratios.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

Proficiency in one technical area and one to two years related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience. Associate’s degree in electronics, automation, electrical technology, or a related field preferred; a high school diploma with equivalent experience is accepted. Minimum of 1–3 years of industrial experience in maintenance, automation, controls, or electrical work preferred. Knowledge of PLCs (Allen-Bradley, Siemens, etc.), HMI software, electrical schematics, instrumentation, and mechanical troubleshooting required. Skills in any trade are desired but not required. These can include welding, plumbing, automotive mechanics, automotive electrical, and heavy equipment operation. Ability to lift heavy parts, work on ladders, and operate in non-climate-controlled environments.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Work is performed in an office setting on the second level of the facility and is occasionally exposed to refrigerated (35-40 degrees).

The noise level in the plant is usually loud.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to refrigerated and wet conditions.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands and arms to handle documents and operate a computer keyboard. While the job normally requires sitting, frequent walking to other areas of the building for meetings will be required. The employee must also occasionally lift and/ or move up to 25lbs.

Salary & Benefits

The compensation range for this position is $40/hr to $60/hr. An employee’s rate of pay within the range is determined by their qualifications, relevant experience, and demonstrated performance over time.

• Healthcare insurance
• dental insurance
• vision insurance
• heath savings accounts (HSA)
• 401(k) retirement plan with matching
• life insurance
• paid time off
• company holidays
• Education Reimbursement (eligible after 6 months of continuous employment and up to $3,000 for career development)