PLC & Instrumentation (Automation and Controls) Technician

Dairy Farmers of America; New York (NY); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) with company contribution

Paid vacation and holidays

Comprehensive healthcare benefits

Career growth opportunities

Uniforms provided

Job summary

A leading dairy company in New York is seeking a PLC & Instrumentation Technician to install and maintain PLC devices and associated systems. The role requires a high school diploma, trade school education preferred, and 4 to 6 years of relevant experience. Responsibilities include troubleshooting PLCs, conducting maintenance, and training team members. The position offers a competitive pay schedule of Tues-Sat from 6 PM to 2:30 AM, with benefits like 401(k), healthcare, and opportunities for career growth.

Qualifications

• 4 to 6 years of industrial maintenance electrical, PLC, or related experience.
• State-certified electrician license or certifications required during employment.
• General knowledge of blueprints and able to read equipment specifications.

Responsibilities

• Troubleshoot, repair, and adjust control systems including PLCs.
• Perform preventative and predictive maintenance to achieve zero downtime.
• Train and mentor team members including technicians and operators.

Skills

PLC control systems

Electrical troubleshooting

Team collaboration

Attention to detail

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Graduation from trade school or technical school preferred

Tools

PLC devices

Electrical tools

Job description

T.G. Lee Dairy has an immediate opening for a PLC & Instrumentation Technician. The role involves installing, monitoring, and repairing PLC devices and associated hardware and software, supporting PLCs, HMIs, instrumentation, and other electronics. The technician must keep equipment operating at desired capacity and producing quality products with limited supervision, acting as the go‑to subject matter resource.

Responsibilities

• Troubleshoot, repair, and adjust control systems including PLCs, HMIs, and field devices
• Troubleshoot, repair, and adjust power and motor control systems and frequency drives
• Locate, diagnose, and repair problems causing equipment downtime or unsatisfactory performance
• Perform unscheduled and scheduled work as well as preventative and predictive maintenance to achieve zero downtime and 100% efficiency
• Monitor PLC devices and systems to ensure functionality
• Test connections between PLC devices and other equipment
• Conduct regular safety inspections
• Maintain and repair equipment throughout the plant, including utilities such as compressed air, water systems, refrigeration, steam, heat, and ventilation
• Provide technical support to users and other technicians
• Train and mentor team members, including technicians and operators
• Document and maintain procedural documents
• Maintain communication with other departments, management, and employees and notify them of any problems or concerns that may restrict production efficiency
• Stay up to date on new products, equipment, technology, and techniques
• Use a continuous improvement mindset to identify opportunities to improve processes
• Maintain safe working conditions for employees and comply with all state and federal health and safety regulations
• Follow good manufacturing practices (GMP) and work in a manner consistent with all corporate regulatory, food safety, quality, and sanitation requirements

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Graduation from trade school or technical school preferred in industrial automation, electricity-electronics, PLC, etc.
• 4 to 6 years of industrial maintenance electrical, PLC, or related experience, preferably in a manufacturing environment
• State‑certified electrician license or other certifications/licenses required during employment
• Knowledge of PLC control systems, power distribution systems, sensors, transmitters, automatic valves, and other integrated electromechanical systems
• Basic knowledge of boilers, air compressors, ammonia refrigeration systems, and wastewater systems
• General knowledge of blueprints; able to read equipment specifications and installation instructions
• Able to read ladder logic and perform all required preventative, productive, predictive, and scheduled maintenance procedures
• Able to perform electrical repairs such as motor wiring, motor starter fuses, and basic electrical troubleshooting
• Able to perform complex activities/repairs independently
• Able to complete projects from planning to installation
• Able to present options and ideas to current processes or procedures
• Able to adapt and manage change effectively
• Able to work effectively in a team environment
• Able to diagnose and take appropriate steps to solve problems
• Able to work with accuracy and attention to detail
• Able to communicate clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing
• Able to perform basic arithmetic in all units of measure, using whole numbers, fractions, and decimals
• Must be able to read, write, and speak English

Rate of Pay

• Competitive rate based on skillset, experience, and knowledge

Schedule

• Tues‑Sat: 6:00 PM to 2:30 AM

Benefits

• 401(k) with company contribution*
• Paid vacation and holidays*
• Career growth opportunities – promotion from within
• Comprehensive healthcare benefits
• Service recognition and employee rewards*
• Employee referral program
• Tuition reimbursement*
• Uniforms provided
• Work for dairy farm families

*varies by company

An Equal Opportunity Employer