The Automation Technician is responsible for providing technical expertise and support on engineering projects for pet food manufacturing plants through all phases of project development and execution. The primary focus of this position will be Programmable Logic Controls (PLC), process control and instrumentation automation. Responsible for the design, development, implementation, startup on projects and maintenance support. Works under the direction of the Lead Automation Engineer.
Essential Job Duties:
- Develops and implements new or improved, process controls, automation and instrumentation at the Hazleton, PA plant to support engineering, manufacturing, and quality assurance.
- Assist in troubleshooting Automation issues at other facilities across the manufacturing network.
- Collaborate with the local maintenance teams to quickly diagnose issues and resolve them.
- Implements projects from initial concept, budgeting, option development, final design, PLC programming, installation, trouble shooting, start-up and maintenance.
- Install automation equipment and wiring.
Qualifications:
- Education: Formal electrical/automation vocational training.
- Experience: Two years of applicable experience or 8 years of applicable experience directly related to manufacturing process controls and automation required.
- Able to install conduit, wiring, starters, and instruments, which meet National Electrical Code.
- Working knowledge of Rockwell Automation's RSLogix 5000, RSLogix 500, RSNetWorx, RSLinx and FactoryTalk View Studio.
- Skilled in writing PLC code, VFD setup, HMI development, Servos and Ethernet.
- Working knowledge of instrumentation/process control (flow, pressure, temperature, weighing) and industrial electrical systems (starters, VFDs, contractors, 3 phase power).
- Experience working with manufacturing equipment such as driers, fluid pumps, conveyors (pneumatic, screw, belt, vibrating), instrumentation (temperature, flow, scales, etc.), ovens, motors, fans, extruders, grinders, scales, metal detection, palletizers, bag fillers.
- Experience in food or beverage manufacturing.
- Basic skills in visual basic (HMIs development), QuikLogix, network control, enterprise server and databases.
- Knowledge of process controls and process equipment selection.
- Experience with instrument selection/calibration and general electrical equipment.