Sr Controls Technician

Richardson International Limited; Winchester (VA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Richardson International Limited in Winchester, VA, a global pasta producer, seeks a Senior Controls Technician to maintain and improve high-speed automation on our production lines. You will diagnose complex issues and lead updates with strong collaboration across maintenance and operations.

A technical degree and 5+ years of manufacturing automation experience are required, with a proven ability to mentor staff and drive downtime reductions.

Qualifications

• Associate degree or equivalent in a related field.
• 5+ years in industrial automation or controls within a manufacturing environment (food or high-speed packaging preferred).
• Strong knowledge of control panel design, layout, and troubleshooting.

Responsibilities

• Diagnose and resolve complex automation and control system issues affecting safety, quality, uptime, and production.
• Design, improve, and maintain automation systems using preventive maintenance and root cause analysis to minimize downtime.
• Lead engineering updates, changes, testing, and commissioning of automation modifications for multiple high-speed production lines
• Train, coach, and mentor operators, maintenance technicians, and peers on automation systems and procedures
• Lead and support special projects related to automation upgrades, retrofits, and new equipment installations

Skills

SCADA experience

Allen-Bradley PLCs

VFDs

HMI troubleshooting

Cross-department communication

Education

Associate’s degree in Electrical Engineering Technology/Automation/Mechatronics

Tools

SCADA software

Electrical schematic reading tools

Job description

As part of Richardson’s global agriculture and food business, our food and ingredients division plays a central role in connecting farm to table through our vertically integrated supply chain. As a leading pasta manufacturer, Richardson produces a wide range of high-quality dry pasta products for diverse markets and end uses. Richardson provides an excellent compensation package consisting of a competitive salary, flexible benefits including medical, dental, vision, 401(k), paid time off, paid holidays, and training and career development opportunities. Working with Richardson opens the door to a world of possibility. We currently have an opportunity for a Senior Controls Technician at our Winchester, VA pasta production facility, where we produce Ronzoni pasta.

Responsibilities

• Diagnose and resolve complex automation and control system issues affecting safety, quality, uptime, and production.
• Design, improve, and maintain automation systems using preventive maintenance and root cause analysis to minimize downtime.
• Lead engineering updates, changes, testing, and commissioning of automation modifications for multiple high-speed production lines
• Train, coach, and mentor operators, maintenance technicians, and peers on automation systems and procedures
• Lead and support special projects related to automation upgrades, retrofits, and new equipment installations

Qualifications

• Associate’s degree in Electrical Engineering Technology, Automation, Mechatronics, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience
• Minimum 5 years of experience in industrial automation or controls within a manufacturing environment (food or high-speed packaging preferred)
• Strong knowledge of control panel design, layout, and troubleshooting
• Extensive experience with Allen-Bradley PLCs, VFDs, and HMIs
• Hands‑on experience with SCADA systems
• Proven ability to communicate effectively and resolve issues across multiple departments and organizational levels
• Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook.
• Ability to read and interpret electrical, hydraulic, and pneumatic schematics
• Demonstrated capability to act as a technical leader and trainer
• Strong understanding of automation, instrumentation, and control products and related engineering principles
• Familiarity with automation suppliers and OEM equipment

Physical Requirements

• Qualified candidates must be able to perform the following physical job requirements, with or without reasonable accommodation: Walk, stand, crouch, lift (in excess of 60 pounds), twist, climb, reach, and grasp for 6+ hours per shift
• Work in hot, humid, and cold manufacturing environments
• Work in confined or crowded spaces for extended periods
• Bend, crawl, and climb ladders for extended durations

Richardson International is a global agriculture and food processing leader, with deep-rooted grower relationships spanning over 165 years. Our journey has seen our business expand and innovate, allowing us to supply quality food products and ingredients to markets near and far. We are always improving our facilities, processes, and products to continue to deliver on our commitment to excellence. Across borders, our network collaborates to fuel our ongoing growth. Join our growing team and set a strong foundation for a career full of exciting possibilities.