Master Electrician

Boar's Head Brand; Petersburg (VA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Boar's Head Brand seeks an experienced electrical technician to support industrial controls and automation across the facility. You will collaborate with controls engineers and technicians to troubleshoot, repair, and optimize power distribution, drives, and PLC/HMI systems.

The role emphasizes safety, NFPA70E/OSHA compliance, and driving reliability improvements. 3–5 years in industrial controls and strong instrumentation knowledge are preferred.

Qualifications

• 3–5 years in industrial controls or equivalent trade education.
• Strong knowledge of electrical systems and troubleshooting.
• Experience with NFPA70E, OSHA, LOTO safety standards.

Responsibilities

• Troubleshoot, repair, and optimize electrical and automation systems across the plant.
• Support maintenance teams and train staff on controls and electrical practices.
• Diagnose faults in PLC, HMI, drives, and field devices; assist root cause analysis.
• Participate in continuous improvement to boost equipment reliability.

Skills

Allen Bradley PLCs

HMI systems

Industrial drives

Industrial instrumentation

Robotics and servo systems

Education

Industrial electronics training

Tools

ControlLogix/CompactLogix

PanelView/FactoryTalk

PowerFlex drives

Job description

Job Description

Work with Controls Engineers and Technicians to provide technical support across industrial electrical systems, controls, and automation to ensure safe, reliable, and efficient plant operations. This role is responsible for end-to-end troubleshooting, diagnostics, repair, and optimization of electrical and automated systems, reducing downtime and improving overall equipment performance. Acts as subject matter expert, supporting and helping train maintenance teams, improving system reliability, and reducing reliance on external resources.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

Electrical (Industrial Electrician Scope)

Job Description

Work with Controls Engineers and Technicians to provide technical support across industrial electrical systems, controls, and automation to ensure safe, reliable, and efficient plant operations. This role is responsible for end-to-end troubleshooting, diagnostics, repair, and optimization of electrical and automated systems, reducing downtime and improving overall equipment performance. Acts as subject matter expert, supporting and helping train maintenance teams, improving system reliability, and reducing reliance on external resources.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

Electrical (Industrial Electrician Scope)

Install, maintain, troubleshoot, and repair industrial electrical systems including: Power distribution systems (low and medium voltage) Motor control circuits, starters, contactors, relays Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs) Interpret and work from electrical schematics, ladder logic, and wiring diagrams Perform panel wiring, device installation, and circuit modifications Troubleshoot electrical faults including, Power loss, Ground faults, Motor failures Ensure compliance with NFPA70E, OSHA, LOTO, and arc flash standards

Controls & Automation

• Work with Controls Engineering and Controls Techs to diagnose and troubleshoot PLC-based control systems (Allen Bradley: ControlLogix, CompactLogix, Omron, etc.)
• Support and modify HMI systems (FactoryTalk, PanelView, etc.)
• Troubleshoot and maintain, Analog and digital I/O systems (4–20mA, 0–10V, etc.), Sensors, instrumentation, and control devices
• Support servo systems, robotics, and automated equipment
• Maintain and help manage PLC program backups and version control

System-Level Troubleshooting & Optimization

• Perform root cause analysis for complex equipment failures across electrical and controls systems
• Diagnose issues across mechanical, electrical, and controls interactions
• Identify and implement performance improvements and reliability solutions
• Conduct functional testing to validate equipment performance and system integrity

Functional Support

• Provide technical guidance and training to the maintenance team.
• Support maintenance and operations teams during critical downtime events.
• Partner with Engineering, OEMs, and vendors to resolve complex system issues
• Lead or support automation and controls improvement projects

Continuous Improvement

Identify opportunities to improve Equipment reliability, Maintenance practices, and system performance. Support the standardization of controls and electrical practices across facilities

Education and Experience:

3 – 5 years’ experience in industrial controls or equivalent trade education. Preferred Meat Processing and Equipment knowledge preferred. Strong, committed, and unquestioned record of safe work practices

Technical Skills (Preferred)

• PLCs: Allen Bradley (ControlLogix, CompactLogix, etc.)
• HMIs: FactoryTalk, PanelView
• Drives: PowerFlex or equivalent
• Communications: Ethernet/IP, Modbus, TCP/IP
• Industrial instrumentation and sensors
• Robotics and servo systems (preferred)

Additional Responsibilities:

Conduct equipment audits to ensure excellent maintenance. Support the Facilities Department goals. Support QA, R&D, and Process Systems departments, as needed. Work with OEM vendors to continually improve equipment and process operations

Language Skills:

Must have strong technical oral and written communication skills. Must be able to effectively communicate with all levels of personnel. Bilingual skills a benefit

Mathematical Skills:

Excellent math and mechanical aptitude required

Reasoning Ability:

Strong critical thinking skills required

Certifications / Safety

Knowledge of NFPA70E (Arc Flash), OSHA standards, LOTO procedures

Physical Demands:

Must be physically able to access all areas of facility (perform audits and assist with issues in all facility areas)

Work Environment:

Cold, damp environment maintained at 360 – 400 F