PLC Automation Technician

Agropur Cooperative; Lake Norden (SD); On-site; USD 54,000 - 58,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Life Insurance

Disability Insurance

401(k) with company match

3 Weeks PTO

Paid holidays

Tuition Reimbursement

Shift differential for night shift

Job summary

Agropur Cooperative seeks an experienced PLC Automation Technician responsible for designing, programming, and maintaining PLC systems to enhance automation on manufacturing lines.

The role emphasizes rapid development of automation solutions, collaboration across maintenance teams, and safety and process improvement initiatives.

Qualifications

• Education: Associate/Technical Degree in Electrical Technology or related field. Equivalent combination of education/experience may be considered.
• Experience: Minimum one year of related experience; 4-20mA control loops; motor control centers 120-480VAC; VFDs; Rockwell PLC programming (Legacy and Logix); Rockwell View Studio (ME) 6+; Intouch/Wonderware 2012+; Intouch Historian and SQL Server 2008; AutoCAD or electrical print viewing software; understanding P&ID; sound wiring practices.

Responsibilities

• Assemble and troubleshoot complex automation equipment electrically and pneumatically using BOMs.
• Troubleshoot and repair automated systems to ensure production flow.
• Assist with daily repairs and preventative maintenance of process equipment as needed.
• Collaborate with Maintenance/Automation teams to ensure machine functionality and safety.
• Diagnose root causes to prevent production disruptions and maintain product quality.

Skills

PLC programming

Electrical troubleshooting

Rockwell PLC

Intouch development

AutoCAD

P&ID understanding

SQL Server

Education

Associate/Technical Degree in Electrical Technology

Tools

Rockwell View Studio

Intouch (Wonderware)

SQL Server

AutoCAD

Job description

Job Type: Regular

The PLC Automation Technician is responsible for designing, programming, repair and maintenance of programmable logic controller (PLC) systems. The PLC Automation Technician plays a key role in reducing cost and increasing capacity on the manufacturing lines by accelerating the development of our cutting-edge automation equipment and expediting the introduction of new findings into production processes.

People are at the heart of everything we do. We believe in working together, speaking honestly, taking ownership, and creating value in everything we deliver. Our culture is built on collaboration, accountability, and a shared commitment to growing stronger together. Joining the team means being part of an environment where people support each other and take pride in making a real impact. At Agropur, every role exists to deliver concrete results. What matters is real impact, not the volume of activity. An environment that allows you to focus on what truly matters:

Compensation & Benefits

Starting Rate: $39.44/hour $1.50 hr shift differential for night shift Two pay increases in the first year up to $1.00

• Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Short and Long-term Disability Insurance
• 401(k) with up to a 7% company match
• 3 Weeks PTO
• Paid holidays and 2 floating holidays
• Advancement Opportunities
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Healthy work/life balance
• Shift time- 5/2/2/5 6 to 6 1 month of days and 1 month of nights

Key Responsibilities

• Responsible for the electrical and pneumatic assembly of complex automation equipment using fabricated and purchased parts as well as bill of material provided by Maintenance Manager.
• Troubleshoot and repair automated systems.
• Assist with daily repairs and preventative maintenance of process equipment as needed.
• Work with the Maintenance/Automation Manager and Maintenance/Automation Technicians to ensure proper machine and equipment functionality.
• Diagnose and solve root problems to ensure production flow is maintained.
• Work to resolve control issues affecting manufacturing, product quality, food safety, and safety of personnel.
• Support the design and implementation of automated manufacturing production lines.
• Integrate automated systems into new and existing manufacturing and assembly lines.
• Document mechanical electrical, pneumatic and hydraulic alterations and additions to equipment at various stages.
• Work collaboratively with Maintenance/Automation Technicians to equip them with the skills necessary to troubleshoot and maintain factory equipment.
• Collect, maintain, analyze and interpret data to make recommendations on current processes and on new project implementation.
• Use Lean techniques to perform process reviews and aid in establishing standardized work/operating procedures.
• Participate in continuous improvement, corrective action activities and provide ideas and feedback.

Other Duties and Responsibilities

• Understand and adhere to Good Manufacturing Practices.
• Safety Protocol Stop any observed unsafe acts and obey facility safety rules and procedures.
• Correct or report any observed safety hazards.
• Support safety policies and programs.

Education & Experience Requirements

Education Required: Associate’s or Technical Degree in Electrical Technology or related field required. Equivalent combination of education and/or experience may be considered.

Experience Required: Minimum one (1) year of related experience preferred. 4-20mA control Loops. Motor Control Centers utilizing voltages from 120vac to 480vac. Variable Frequency Drives. Rockwell PLC Programming Software Legacy and Logix based. Rockwell View Studio (ME) Version 6 and up. Intouch (Wonderware) Development utilizing version 2012 P01 and newer. Intouch, Intouch Historian and SQL server2008. Computer Server file locations and Network configuration. AutoCAD or other Electrical Print Viewing Software. Understanding P&ID’s. Sound wiring principals and techniques. Troubleshooting using Electrical prints, PLC logic, and measuring equipment. Experience with Columbia Okura Robotic Palletizing preferred. Experience with Intouch Information Server Development preferred.

Skills Required

Communicate effectively both verbally and in writing with executives, managers, colleagues and individuals inside and outside the organization. Demonstrate attention to detail and accuracy in work. Ability to apply logic and methods to solve difficult problems with effective solutions. Result driven, bottom-line orientated, strives to exceed goals, and motivates self and others to achieve positive outcomes. Ability to work with minimum supervision, adapt to a changing environment quickly, and think independently. Demonstrate excellent organizational skills, establish priorities, ability to multitask, and meet deadlines. Demonstrate functional and technical knowledge, ability to learn new skills quickly, and achieve a high level of accomplishment. Ability to make decisions in a timely manner, sometimes with incomplete information and under tight deadlines and pressure. Accurately scopes out length and difficult of tasks and projects, sets objectives and goals, breaks down work into the process steps, develops schedules and assignments, anticipates and adjusts for problems or roadblocks, measures performance against goals, evaluates results. Intermediate math skills (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, comparative analysis, measurements, statistical analysis). Intermediate computer skills with Microsoft Excel, Power Point, Word, Outlook and field-specific software. Exhibit a professional manner in dealing with others and works to maintain constructive working relationships A role for those who want to contribute to measurable and sustainable results.

Equal Opportunity Employer, including Protected Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities.

Agropur welcomes people from all backgrounds and origins.

We are proud to be an employer with a diverse community and are committed to providing a respectful and inclusive experience for all employees and applicants.

We will work with candidates who request accommodation.

Please note that an adequate knowledge of French is required for positions in Quebec.

Agropur uses artificial intelligence technology to assist our recruiters in screening, assessing, or selecting applicants for this position.

In this text, the use of the masculine gender to designate persons is intended only to lighten the text.

Agropur is an E-Verify Employer (US Operations).