Automation Technician 1

Job purpose
The primary responsibility of the Automation Technician 1 position is to perform the maintenance troubleshooting, and upgrades for the plant electrical, network, automation, and instrumentation systems.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities 

• Ensure the proper and safe operation of instrumentation and automation control systems. 
• Calibrate and repair temperature, flow, pressure, DP, weight, level instrumentation and the associated testing equipment. 
• Diagnose, repair, install, and modify electronic and/or electro-mechanical equipment including analog, digital, and discrete components. 
• Perform updates on electrical and process control systems to maximize plant production and reliability. 
• Program, install, and troubleshoot Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs). 
• Design, develop, troubleshoot, and install Human Machine Interfaces (HMIs) and other graphical interfaces. 
• Program and install AC/DC variable frequency drives. 
• Perform maintenance and troubleshooting of industrial computer networks. 
• Assist with the installation, repair, and maintenance of plant electrical wiring and process control systems. 
• Design and update data acquisition systems. 
• Project development, maintenance, and troubleshooting of industrial computer networks. 
• Assist with the installation, repair, and maintenance of electrical wiring to prevent electrical failures. 
• Perform preventative maintenance (PM) inspections on electronic systems to prevent electrical failures. 
• Assist with fabrication, wiring, repair, and modification of industrial control panels, and associated equipment. 
• Complies with all safety programs, including Lock Out Tag Out (LOTO), behavior observations, confined space program, hot works program, ladder safety, emergency response, chemical safety, Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), fall protection, incident investigation, hearing protection, electrical safety, NEC, etc. 
• All other duties, responsibilities, and projects as assigned or required. 

Qualifications/Required Skills  

• Education and Experience:  Associate degree focusing on Automation and/or equivalent relevant experience.  Automation Technician 1 is an entry-level automation position where the candidate will need a fundamental understanding of electrical automation and control equipment in the food manufacturing industry. 

• Certifications:  Complete and maintain Idahoan Foods Electrical Safety, Forklift, and CPR & First Aid certifications. 

• Technical Skills: 

• • Experience and knowledge in the application of Rockwell Software and other software tools commonly used in the automation industry. 
  • Experience with Allen Bradley PLC and PAC controllers. 
  • Understanding of AC/DC electrical theory, Ohms Law, and basic electrical formulas and equations. 
  • Knowledge in trouble-shooting electrical distribution systems, AC/DC motors, transformers, and relay control systems. 
  • Experience with process sensors, encoders, and other industrial control equipment. 
  • Familiar with motor starters, VFDs, Servo controllers, and other control equipment. 
  • Working knowledge of the NFPA 70E (NEC) and other electrical practices and standards. 
  • Knowledge and experience applying and interpreting results from test equipment, including process calibration equipment, digital volt-ohmmeters, oscilloscopes, ammeter, analog sourcing meter, megohmmeter, and digital frequency meters. 
  • Read and interpret electrical drawings, schematics, blueprints, and P&IDs. 
  • This position requires quantitative skills and knowledge of math functions such as percentages and decimals. 
  • Ability to use basic hand tools, including soldering irons, and power tools. 
  • Computer fluency in Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel, Outlook/email, and ability to utilize a computerized maintenance management system (CMMS) required. 

Other Details 

• Work Environment: The nature of this position requires the ability to work in hot, dry, wet, and cold environments inside and outside the facility for extended periods of time. 

• Environmental/Physical Aspects: Ability to lift up to 50 lbs., stand on concrete floors for extended periods of time with moving parts and loud noise.  May require entry into confined spaces and working with sanitizers and cleaning chemicals.  Must use PPE and work on ladders, scaffolds, forklift cages, scissor/boom lifts, and in PITS while using proper safety precautions.  Must be flexible to work various shifts as assigned. 

• Interpersonal Relationships: Collaborate with Maintenance Team and communicate effectively with various department leads and supervisors.  Accountable to various departments of plant management. 

• • Must be able to collaborate with other teams developing and implementing projects and other improvements.  Must be able to complete projects based on individual knowledge and experience with limited management oversight. 
  • This position requires a high degree of self-confidence and maturity to make decisions required in day-to-day activities.  Must be able to solve problems with minimal direction, be detailed oriented, and have strong organizational skills. 
  • A team player who is flexible and accepts changing assignments and accountabilities.  Should display excellent interpersonal skills. 

Alignment with Core Values of the Company 

• Respect & Value Our People 
• Stay in Front of Change While Reducing Costs 
• Delight Our Customers 
• Food Quality & Safety