Senior Mechanic (PLC/Control Tech)

Ferrero SpA; DeKalb (IL); Hybrid; USD 52,000 - 62,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual bonus

Paid time off

Comprehensive benefits

Job summary

Ferrara Candy Company is seeking a Senior Mechanic (PLC/Control Tech) to lead troubleshooting, maintenance, repair, and optimization of automated manufacturing and packaging equipment. You will diagnose complex issues, program control systems, and ensure food safety and quality standards.

This role supports production goals with strong mechanical and electrical skills, including Rockwell automation, and requires flexibility to work overtime and varied start/end times.

Qualifications

• 7+ years in maintenance/repair of manufacturing equipment
• 3+ years PLC troubleshooting and programming preferred
• Associate’s degree in a related technical field preferred
• High school diploma or GED or equivalent experience
• Ability to work overtime with varying shifts

Responsibilities

• Troubleshoot and repair high-speed packaging equipment and related systems
• Perform root cause analysis and implement corrective actions
• Install and commission new machinery and utilities
• Repair electrical components, wiring, and control panels
• Rebuild machinery as wear occurs and perform preventative maintenance
• Fabricate/repair parts using shop tools and equipment

Skills

Mechanical troubleshooting

Electrical troubleshooting

PLC troubleshooting

Reading electrical schematics

Teamwork and communication

Physical stamina

Education

Associate’s degree in Maintenance/Electrical Technology/Mechatronics/Automation/PLC Programming

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Rockwell Studio 5000/RSLogix

Electrical testing instruments

Job description

At Ferrara, Ferrero, Fox’s Burton’s, and The Fine Biscuits Company, we’re loved by people of all generations for the joy we bring—and that joy is crafted by our people. Join us and explore a whole world to discover, where your passion will find its place.

Today, Ferrara is the #1 sugar confectioner in the U.S, with global sales in more than 40 countries. Ferrara boasts a passionate team of over 9,000 employees around the world who deliver and create hundreds of iconic and beloved products.

In the U.S., more than 67 million households annually enjoy our popular brands like NERDS®, Brach’s®, Jelly Belly®, SweeTARTS®, Laffy Taffy®, and Trolli®. In Brazil, Dori has become a household name with snacking products that include brands such as Dori, Gomets, Pettiz, and Yogurte 100. And, in France, Carambar & Co have earned generations of loyal customers through the timeless appeal of iconic candy and chocolate brands such as Carambar, Lutti, Krema, Poulain, Vichy and Terry’s. A privately held company, Ferrara Group is headquartered in Chicago. Ferrara boasts a network of over 30 locations in North America, South America, Europe and Asia Pacific that includes manufacturing, distribution, sales, and R&D facilities.

Position requiresabilityto work overtime. As a result, it mayrequire workingvarying start times, end times, and weekends dependent on business needs.

Core hours: 1pm-9:30pm

Want to make an impact?

As Senior Mechanic (PLC/Control Tech), you will lead the troubleshooting, maintenance, repair, and optimization of automated manufacturing and packaging equipment. You will utilize advanced mechanical, electrical, and PLC troubleshooting skills to minimize downtime, improving equipment reliability to support production goals. This role serves as a technical resource for the maintenance team by diagnosing complex equipment issues, programming and modifying control systems while ensuring compliance with all food safety, and quality standards.

Ways you will make a difference

• Locate sources of problems by observing mechanical devices in operation, listening for problems and using precision measuring and testing instruments.
• Complete timely breakdown analysis reports and implement effective root cause analysis to prevent recurrence of failures.
• Install new machinery and/or equipment by installing utilities to and between machines and equipment using hand and power tools and test equipment.
• Repair electrical systems and equipment by diagnosing malfunctioning apparatus, such as transformers, motors, and lighting fixtures; determining faulty wiring; inspecting and testing malfunctioning machinery.
• Repair and replace faulty electrical components by using testing equipment and hand tools to install relays, switches, motors, printed circuit boards, and position-sensing devices.
• Troubleshoot and maintain equipment including but not limited to: high-speed horizontal and vertical carton machines, bag machines, and related equipment such as pumps, conveyors, printers, tapers, etc.
• Rebuild machinery as wear and tear occurs.
• Perform routine preventative maintenance per established PM program.
• Fabricate and repair parts by using machine shop instrumentation and equipment.
• Understand and demonstrate the Company's core values and operating principles.
• Adhere to all company policies and procedures, GMP and safety standards; ensure adherence with AIB, SQF and other relevant standards.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support Ferrara Candy Company business objectives.

Skills that will make you successful

• Strong mechanical aptitude and troubleshooting abilities, as well as a working knowledge of machinery repair practices, shop practices, use of hand and power tools, and electrical testing instruments.
• Knowledge of electrical and mechanical systems, hydraulics, and pneumatics.
• Knowledge of electrical circuit troubleshooting, and PID control loops
• Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics
• Modifying control panel layouts, point to point wiring and installing terminal blocks, relays, contactors and circuit breakers
• Installing and tuning Variable Frequency Drives
• Connecting to live PLCs to diagnose hardware faults, trace logic execution errors
• Extensive experience with Rockwell automation components and controls ( Studio 5000/RSLogix)
• Knowledge of TPM (Total Productive Maintenance).
• Basic mathematical skills.
• Ability to pass certification test on pallet jack and forklift.
• Ability to walk or stand for prolonged periods; ability to bend, stoop, reach and lift up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing; ability to understand detailed written and/or oral instructions.
• Able to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals.
• Promote teamwork; possess a good attitude, and exhibit flexibility and willingness to perform tasks as needed.
• Ability to problem solve by adjusting variables in standardized situations.
• Ability to speak, read and write basic English.

Experiences that will support your success

• Minimum of 7 years experience in the maintenance and repair of related manufacturing and material handling equipment required; food manufacturing experience strongly preferred.
• Preferred minimum of 3 years of advanced PLC troubleshooting and programming experience.
• Preferred Associate’s degree in Maintenance, Electrical Technology, Mechatronics, Automation, PLC Programming, or a related technical field.
• High school diploma or general education degree (GED); or one to three months related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

What We Offer

At Ferrara, we're proud to support our employees with comprehensive benefits that enhance health, financial wellness, and include paid time off (PTO). Eligible employees may also receive an annual bonus based on company performance. Learn more about our benefits at https://flimp.live/Ferrara-Benefits-Resource-Center

Compensation

The rate for this role is $38 - $45.50 per hour .

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY

We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. In order to provide equal employment and advancement opportunities to all qualified applicants and employees, employment decisions and opportunities at Ferrara will be based on merit, qualifications, and abilities, without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, marital or civil union status, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, age, military or veteran status, disability, handicap, genetic information, pregnancy (childbirth or related medical condition), or on any other basis prohibited by law. This policy governs all aspects of employment, including selection, job assignment, compensation, discipline, termination, and access to benefits and training.