PLC & Instrumentation Tech (Ice Cream)

Dairy Farmers of America, Inc.; Wilbraham (MA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Dairy Farmers of America, Inc. is seeking a PLC & Instrumentation Technician to install, monitor, and repair PLC devices and related instrumentation. You will support HMIs, and ensure equipment operates at peak capacity in a manufacturing plant.

The role requires 4–6 years of maintenance experience, a high school diploma, and preferred technical training or certs. You will work with CMMS and collaborate across teams to improve uptime and reliability.

Qualifications

• 4 to 6 years of industrial maintenance electrical, PLC, or related experience in manufacturing.
• State certified electrician license or other certifications may be required.
• High school diploma or equivalent; trade/technical training preferred.

Responsibilities

• Troubleshoot, repair, and adjust PLCs, HMIs, and field devices.
• Repair power and motor control systems and frequency drives.
• Perform preventive/predictive maintenance to minimize downtime.
• Maintain CMMS for accurate parts inventory and asset tracking.
• Provide technical support and train team members as needed.

Skills

PLC control

Teamwork

Troubleshooting

Blueprints

Communication

Electrical

Attention to detail

Safety awareness

Education

High school diploma

Trade/technical school

Tools

CMMS

Ladder logic

Job description

PLC & INSTRUMENTATION TECHNICIAN

GENERAL PURPOSE

Install, monitor, and repair PLC devices (Programmable Logic Control) and functions related to PLC devices such as hardware (microchips, wiring) and software programs. Support PLCs, HMIs (Human Machine Interface), instrumentation, and other electronics. Ensure the equipment is operating at desired capacity and producing a quality product. Work with a limited degree of supervision and complete and/or provide guidance on complex problems and/or new assignments. Function as the go-to subject matter resource.

JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Troubleshoot, repair, and adjust control systems to include 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 equipment performance
• Perform unscheduled & scheduled work as well as preventative/predictive equipment maintenance to help achieve a goal of zero downtime & one hundred percent efficiency
• Monitor PLC devices and systems to ensure functionality
• Test connections between PLC devices and other equipment
• Conduct regular safety inspections
• Continuously work with computerized maintenance management system (CMMS) to develop and maintain accurate parts inventory levels and accurate accountability of asset performance
• Maintain and repair equipment in all areas of the plant/plant utilities as needed and assist with set up and installation of new equipment utilities (e.g., compressed air/pneumatics, water systems, refrigeration, steam, heat, ventilation, etc., equipment)
• Provide technical support for users and other technicians
• Train and mentor team members to include other technicians and operators
• Document and maintain procedural documents
• Maintain communication with other departments, management, and employees and notify them of any problems and/or concerns that may restrict the efficiency of production
• Stay up to date on new products, equipment, technology and techniques
• Utilizing continuous improvement mindset, identify opportunities to improve processes
• Maintain safe working conditions for employees and compliance with all state and federal regulations regarding health and safety issues
• Follow all DFA good manufacturing practices (GMP) and work in a manner consistent with all corporate regulatory, food safety, quality, and sanitation requirements
• The requirements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by employee, but is not a complete list of responsibilities, duties, and skills required. Other duties may be assigned as required

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Graduation from trade school or technical school preferred in areas such as industrial automation, electricity-electronics, PLC, etc.
• 4 to 6 years of industrial maintenance electrical, PLC, or related experience, preferably in a manufacturing environment
• Certification and/or License – state certified electrician license and other certifications and/or licenses may be required during course of employment

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• PLC control systems, power distribution systems, sensors, transmitters, automatic valves and other integrated electromechanical systems
• Basic knowledge of boilers, air compressors, ammonia refrigeration system, wastewater system
• General knowledge of blueprints; able to read equipment specifications and installation instructions
• Able to read blueprints and ladder logic
• Able to 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 trouble shooting and repairs
• Able to perform complex or complicated 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 to change effectively
• Able to work effectively in a team environment
• Able to diagnose and take appropriate steps to find solutions to problems
• Able to work with accuracy and attention to detail
• Able to communicate clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing
• Able to add, subtract, multiply and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals
• Must be able to read, write and speak English

An Equal Opportunity Employer including Disabled/Veterans