PLC Technician

Classic Salads; Salinas (CA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Classic Salads is seeking an Automation Technician to write, test, and troubleshoot control programs for new equipment and line changes. You will support Allen-Bradley PLCs, update HMI screens, and ensure safe startup of changes while maintaining backups and proper documentation.

The role requires 3+ years in a manufacturing setting, Opto 22 experience or strong PLC skills, and ability to read schematics. OCR: 60-day NFPA70E/LOTO training is expected; High school diploma or GED mandatory.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of hands-on PLC work in manufacturing or processing plant.
• Opto 22 programming experience (PAC Control, groov EPIC or SNAP PAC), or strong PLC programming ability to learn Opto 22.
• Able to read schematics and I/O drawings and wire control panels and field devices.
• NFPA 70E / arc flash training, or complete within 60 days of hire.
• LOTO-qualified, or become qualified within 30 days of hire.

Responsibilities

• Write, change, and test control programs in Opto 22 PAC Control for new equipment and line changes.
• Support and troubleshoot Allen-Bradley PLCs on equipment that uses them.
• Update HMI screens, alarms, and operator messages.
• Load and start up program changes on running lines without unplanned downtime.
• Keep a current, labeled backup of every controller and HMI program, and fix mismatches.
• Set up and tune VFDs, sensors, and scales.
• Read schematics and build, wire, and terminate control panels and field devices.
• Run conduit and cable to plant and food safety standards, and check wiring against prints.
• Mark up prints when field wiring doesn't match and submit changes.
• Install and test safety devices such as e-stops, light curtains, and safety relays.
• Respond to line-down calls and restore line operation.
• Record causes and fixes; propose permanent improvements.
• Complete scheduled inspections of panels, drives, and sensors.
• Follow lockout/tagout, NFPA 70E arc flash rules, GMPs, SQF, and sanitation.

Skills

PLC programming

Troubleshooting

Schematic reading

Electrical wiring

Lockout/Tagout

HMI basics

Overtime willingness

Bilingual EN/ES

Education

High school diploma or GED

NFPA 70E training

LOTO training

Tools

Opto 22 PAC Control

groov EPIC

RSLogix 500/Studio 5000

groov View

Ignition

VFD setup

Job description

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Write, change, and test control programs in Opto 22 PAC Control (flowcharts and OptoScript) on groov EPIC and SNAP PAC controllers for new equipment and line changes.
• Support and troubleshoot Allen-Bradley PLCs (RSLogix 500 / Studio 5000) on the equipment that uses them.
• Update HMI screens (groov View / PAC Display), alarms, and operator messages.
• Load and start up program changes on running lines without causing unplanned downtime.
• Keep a current, labeled backup (date, reason, name) of every controller and HMI program, and fix any mismatch with the running program.
• Set up and tune VFDs, sensors, and scales.
• Read schematics and build, wire, and terminate control panels and field devices.
• Run conduit and cable to plant and food safety standards, and check all wiring against the print before powering up.
• Mark up prints when field wiring doesn't match the drawing and submit the change.
• Install and test safety devices such as e-stops, light curtains, and safety relays.
• Respond to line-down calls, find the cause (electrical, mechanical, or logic), and get the line running again.
• Record the cause and fix in the maintenance system, and recommend permanent fixes for repeat problems.
• Complete scheduled inspections of panels, drives, and sensors.
• Always follow lockout/tagout, NFPA 70E arc flash rules, GMPs, SQF, and sanitation rules.
• Train operators and maintenance staff on common faults and recovery steps.

Education and/or Work Experience Requirements:

• 3+ years of hands-on PLC work in a manufacturing or processing plant
• Opto 22 programming experience (PAC Control, groov EPIC or SNAP PAC), or strong PLC programming experience and the ability to learn Opto 22
• Able to read schematics and I/O drawings and wire control panels and field devices
• NFPA 70E / arc flash training, or complete it within 60 days of hire
• LOTO-qualified, or become qualified within 30 days of hire
• High school diploma or GED
• Available for overtime, weekends, callouts, and on-call rotation, especially during harvest season

California electrician certification is not required.

Preferred:

• Allen-Bradley RSLogix 500 / Studio 5000 experience
• groov View, Ignition, or other HMI/SCADA experience
• VFD setup experience
• Food, beverage, or fresh-cut processing experience
• Technical degree or certificate in automation, electronics, or a related field
• Bilingual English/Spanish

Physical Requirements:

• Work in wet, cold (34–45°F), loud production areas
• Stand and walk most of the shift; lift and carry up to 50 lbs
• Bend, kneel, reach overhead, and work in tight spaces
• Climb ladders, work from lifts, and enter confined spaces with a permit
• Wear required PPE, including hearing protection, arc flash gear, and food safety garments