Maintenance Programmer

Harvest Food Group; East Chicago (IN); On-site; USD 55,000 - 59,000; Full time

Job summary

Harvest Food Group in East Chicago, IN is seeking an Experienced Maintenance Programmer to support production by programming, troubleshooting, and maintaining PLCs, HMIs, and other control systems in a food manufacturing setting.

The role requires ensuring safety and quality compliance (OSHA, GMPs, HACCP), performing preventive maintenance, and collaborating with engineering and operations to minimize downtime and improve process efficiency.

Qualifications

• Experience programming PLCs and HMIs in a manufacturing environment.
• Ability to read schematics, diagrams, and blueprints.
• Knowledge of GMPs, HACCP and safety standards in food manufacturing.
• Familiarity with electrical and control-system documentation.
• Bilingual English/Spanish is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Design, write, test, and implement PLC programs (e.g., Allen-Bradley ControlLogix/CompactLogix) and HMI/SCADA software (Wonderware).
• Troubleshoot and repair electrical, mechanical, pneumatic, and control-system issues to minimize downtime.
• Perform preventive maintenance and inspections on machinery.
• Install and commission new equipment and control systems with field startup procedures.
• Maintain documentation and ensure OSHA, GMP and HACCP compliance.
• Monitor KPIs and propose improvements to automation to enhance efficiency.
• Provide training and support to operations and other maintenance personnel.

Skills

PLC programming

HMI/SCADA

Electrical knowledge

Reading schematics

Troubleshooting

Food processing knowledge

Bilingual English/Spanish

Education

Technical diploma or certification in industrial maintenance/automation/electrical

Tools

Allen-Bradley ControlLogix/CompactLogix

Wonderware (HMI/SCADA)

Job description

Job DetailsLevel: ExperiencedJob Location: East Chicago, IN 46312Position Type: Full TimeSalary Range: $40.00 - $43.00 HourlyMaintenance Programmer

JOB SUMMARY

The Maintenance Programmer will support the facility's production through the programming, troubleshooting, and maintenance of Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs), Human-Machine Interfaces (HMIs), and other control systems. This position requires a strong technical aptitude to manage both software and hardware aspects of industrial automation while ensuring compliance with safety and food quality regulations, such as GMPs and HACCP.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• PLC/HMI Programming: Design, write, test, and implement PLC programs (e.g., Allen-Bradley ControlLogix, CompactLogix) and HMI/SCADA software (e.g., Wonderware) that meet production needs.
• Troubleshooting & Repair: Diagnose and repair complex electrical, mechanical, pneumatic, and control system issues to minimize production downtime.
• Preventive Maintenance: Perform planned preventive maintenance (PMs) and inspections on machinery to foresee potential problems and ensure equipment longevity.
• System Installation & Commissioning: Collaborate with engineers and production teams to install new equipment and control systems, including field commissioning and startup procedures.
• Documentation & Compliance: Maintain accurate documentation of all maintenance activities, software changes, and electrical schematics. Ensure all work aligns with OSHA, GMPs (Good Manufacturing Practices), and HACCP food safety standards.
• Continuous Improvement: Monitor system efficiency, analyze key performance indicators (KPIs), and propose modifications or upgrades to existing automation to improve processes.
• Training & Support: Provide training and technical support to operations and other maintenance personnel on automated systems and new equipment operations.

SKILLS/QUALIFICATIONS

• Technical Expertise: Proficiency in PLC programming, setup, and troubleshooting is essential. Strong electrical knowledge and the ability to read and interpret technical diagrams, schematics, and blueprints are also required.
• Industry Knowledge: A solid understanding of food processing equipment, such as HTST, CIP systems, conveyors, pumps, and packaging machinery, is highly beneficial.
• Problem-Solving: Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills to identify root causes of malfunctions and implement effective corrective and preventive measures.
• Communication: Strong communication skills to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams (Production, Quality Assurance, Engineering, and Sanitation).
• Physical Demands: Ability to work in a food manufacturing environment (which may involve exposure to temperature extremes or dust) and perform physical tasks, including lifting up to 50-75 pounds and standing for extended periods.
• Education: A technical diploma or relevant certification in industrial maintenance, automation, or electrical systems.
• Other: Bilingual English and Spanish a plus
• Prior experience in a manufacturing or industrial environment is typically required, with experience in food or beverage manufacturing being a significant advantage.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to work within timelines and under pressure based on production needs
• Availability to work scheduled hours, including weekends as required
• Ability to stand, bend, and climb stairs for extended periods (10-12 hours per day as needed)
• Ability to work in a refrigerated environment (32-36 °F)
• Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds multiple times throughout the day

WHY JOIN US?

• Play a key role in the launch of a next-generation facility
• Work with a collaborative and innovative-driven team
• Help deliver high-quality, safe, and delicious food products to consumers
• Contribute to the future of food manufacturing through automation and sustainability