Manufacturing Programming Technician – 3rd Shift Pella Corporation

Northwest Iowa Community College; Sioux Center, Northern (IA, KY); Hybrid; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Pella Corporation in Sioux Center, IA is seeking a Manufacturing Programming Technician to design, program, and maintain industrial automation systems. You’ll work with PLCs, HMIs, robotics, CNC equipment, and integrated manufacturing software to keep operations safe and productive.

This in-person role requires problem-solving, teamwork with engineers and technicians, and a commitment to continuous improvement.

Qualifications

• An associate degree in Electrical/Electronics Technology or related field.
• Manufacturing, maintenance, automation, or controls experience preferred.
• Knowledge of PLC/HMI programming, electrical design, robotics, CNC, or integrated systems.

Responsibilities

• Design, program, install, and maintain industrial automation and control systems.
• Work with PLCs, HMIs, robotics, CNC equipment, and integrated manufacturing systems.
• Analyze equipment performance and identify opportunities to improve safety, quality, productivity, and reliability.
• Read and interpret electrical schematics, technical drawings, and blueprints.
• Support the installation and startup of new equipment, technology, and manufacturing processes.
• Partner with engineers and technicians to solve complex equipment and process challenges.
• Troubleshoot electrical, mechanical, pneumatic, and hydraulic systems.
• Build, modify, and maintain machine controls and data acquisition systems.
• Manage assigned projects from planning through implementation while meeting timelines and budgets.
• Maintain and update PLC programs and backups for production and facility equipment.
• Share knowledge and mentor fellow technicians on new technologies, processes, and best practices.
• Support continuous improvement projects that help make manufacturing smarter, safer, and more efficient.

Skills

Troubleshooting

Hands-on

Teamwork

Automation curiosity

Education

Associate degree in Electrical/Electronics Technology

Tools

PLC/HMI Programming

Robotics

CNC Programming

AutoCAD

Job description

Location: Sioux Center, IA

Shift: 3rd Shift | 7:30 PM to 7:00 AM | Mon - Thurs Work

Location: In Person

Build the Future of Manufacturing

Do you enjoy troubleshooting, programming, automation, robotics, and working with technology hands-on? As a Manufacturing Programming Technician, you'll help design, improve, and maintain the systems that keep our manufacturing operations running safely, efficiently, and reliably. This is a role where you'll work with real industrial technology, including PLCs, robotics, control systems, automation equipment, and manufacturing software. You'll partner with engineers, technicians, and production teams to solve problems, implement new technology, and drive continuous improvement across the plant. Every day brings a new challenge, whether you're programming a control system, troubleshooting equipment, supporting a new product launch, or developing solutions that improve safety, quality, and productivity.

What You'll Do

• Design, program, install, troubleshoot, and maintain industrial automation and control systems.
• Work with PLCs, HMIs, robotics, CNC equipment, and integrated manufacturing systems.
• Analyze equipment performance and identify opportunities to improve safety, quality, productivity, and reliability.
• Read and interpret electrical schematics, technical drawings, and blueprints.
• Support the installation and startup of new equipment, technology, and manufacturing processes.
• Partner with engineers and technicians to solve complex equipment and process challenges.
• Troubleshoot electrical, mechanical, pneumatic, and hydraulic systems.
• Build, modify, and maintain machine controls and data acquisition systems.
• Manage assigned projects from planning through implementation while meeting timelines and budgets.
• Maintain and update PLC programs and backups for production and facility equipment.
• Share knowledge and mentor fellow technicians on new technologies, processes, and best practices.
• Support continuous improvement projects that help make manufacturing smarter, safer, and more efficient.

What Makes You a Great Fit

• You enjoy figuring out how things work and solving technical problems.
• You're comfortable working hands-on with tools, equipment, and technology.
• You can work independently while collaborating effectively with a team.
• You're curious about automation, robotics, controls, and manufacturing technology.
• You're willing to learn new systems and continuously expand your skills.
• You communicate clearly and work respectfully with others.

Preferred Education & Experience

• Associate degree in Electrical/Electronics Technology, Engineering Technology, Automation, Mechatronics, Robotics, or a related technical field.
• Manufacturing, maintenance, automation, or controls experience preferred.
• Knowledge or experience in one or more of the following:
  • PLC/HMI Programming
  • Electrical Systems Design
  • Robotic Systems
  • CNC Programming
  • Integrated Manufacturing Systems

Technology You'll Work With

• PLCs & HMIs
• Industrial Robotics
• Electrical Control Systems
• Automated Manufacturing Equipment
• AutoCAD
• CMMS Systems
• Microsoft Office
• Data Acquisition & Monitoring Systems

Work Environment

• Fast-paced manufacturing environment with cutting-edge automation technology.
• Work closely with engineers, technicians, maintenance teams, and production employees.
• Hearing protection required in designated areas.
• Seasonal temperature and humidity variation may occur.
• Occasional overtime may be required to support business needs.

Why You'll Love This Role

• Work with advanced manufacturing technology.
• Gain experience in automation, controls, robotics, and industrial programming.
• Solve real-world engineering and production challenges.
• Make a direct impact on safety, quality, and productivity.
• Build technical skills that are highly valued across manufacturing and engineering careers.
• Learn from experienced engineers and technical professionals while growing your own expertise.

PELLA CORPORATION REQUIREMENTS:

• Pass drug screen
• High school diploma or equivalency
• Pass pre-work vision screen
• Pass pre-employment tests
• Pass pre-work ability screen

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Lift up to 100 lbs. at waist level and up to 70 lbs. at shoulder level up to an occasional basis when moving products
• Push or pull with up to 100 lbs. of force up to an occasional basis when moving products
• Generate up to 90 lbs. of grip strength up to an occasional basis with each hand while handling products
• Generate up to 15 lbs. of pinch strength up to an occasional basis with each hand while handling products
• Display average coordination with both hands up to a continuous basis while performing job tasks
• Perform elevated work up to an occasional basis when handling products
• Stoop, kneel or squat up to an occasional basis when handling products
• Reach forward and to the side up to a frequent basis when handling products
• Stand up to a continuous basis and walk up to a frequent basis during the course of each shift
• Able to perform repetitive tasks up to 12 hours per day

Final Selection by Panel Interview