Job Description
Job Summary:The Automation Controls Technician I supports the installation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair of automated control systems and industrial equipment. This entry-level role works under close supervision to ensure manufacturing and facility automation systems operate safely, efficiently, and reliably.Essential Functions of the Job:
Assist with installation, startup, and maintenance of PLC-based control systemsTroubleshoot basic electrical, mechanical, and control system issuesSupport preventive and corrective maintenance on automated equipmentRead and interpret electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, and technical manualsPerform basic PLC monitoring, I/O checks, and parameter adjustmentsAssist with sensor, actuator, VFD, HMI, and motor troubleshootingDocument maintenance activities, repairs, and system changesFollow safety procedures, lockout/tagout (LOTO), and company standardsWork collaboratively with maintenance, engineering, and operations teamsEscalate complex issues to senior technicians or engineers as neededAccountable to the SunOpta Manufacturing Food Safety and Quality Principles.All other duties, as assigned.
Supervisory Responsibilities:
None.
Minimum Qualifications:
High school diploma or GED requiredAssociate degree or technical certificate in Automation, Electronics, Mechatronics, or related field preferred0-2 years of experience in industrial maintenance, automation, or controls (internship or apprenticeship acceptable)Basic understanding of PLCs, industrial controls, and electrical systemsFamiliarity with hand tools, electrical test equipment, and basic troubleshooting techniquesAbility to read basic electrical diagrams and technical documentation
Preferred Qualifications:
Exposure to PLC platforms (Allen-Bradley, Siemens, etc.)Basic knowledge of HMIs, VFDs, and industrial networksStrong mechanical and electrical aptitudeWillingness to learn and take directionGood communication and teamwork skills
Additional Considerations:
Location: This role is at our SunOpta Plant in Allentown, PA.Pay Rate: $39.25 / hour.Shift: Days, Monday - Friday.May require shift work, overtime, or on-call support.Ability to stand, walk, bend, and lift up to 50 lbs.Ability to work in industrial environments (noise, heat, moving equipment).
Numbers & Facts
| Location | Allentown, PA |
| Industry | Food and Beverage Production |
| Company Size | 1,500 to 1,999 employees |
| Year Founded | 1973 |
| Website | http://www.sunopta.com/ |
About Company
SunOpta’s core natural and organic food operations focus on value-added grains and fruit based product offerings.
SunOpta Inc. is a leading global company specializing in the sourcing, processing and packaging of natural, organic and specialty food products. Integrated from seed through packaged products and with a focus on strategically significant vertically integrated business models, we can deliver the best quality and value.
The Company's core natural and organic food operations focus on value-added grains and fruit based product offerings, supported by a global infrastructure. The Company has two non-core holdings, a 66.0% ownership position in Opta Minerals Inc. (TSX:OPM), a producer, distributor, and recycler of environmentally friendly industrial materials, and a minority ownership position in Mascoma Corporation, an innovative biofuels company.
Our Mission:
SunOpta will be a recognized global leader in natural and organic food products that drive sustainable well-being.
Our Vision:
To be a sustainable organization that is a global leader in natural and organic food products driven by a spirit of continuous improvement, innovation and category expertise that enables the well-being of our employees, customers, consumers and other stakeholders.
Skills
- Allen-Bradleyunmatched
- Automationunmatched
- Automation Systemsunmatched
- Control Systemsunmatched
- Electrical Componentsunmatched
- Electrical Wiringunmatched
- Electricityunmatched
- Electronicsunmatched
- Food Productionunmatched
- Food Qualityunmatched
- Food Safetyunmatched
- Hand Toolsunmatched
- High School Diplomaunmatched
- Human Machine Interface (HMI)unmatched
- Identify Issuesunmatched
- Input/Outputunmatched
- Lift/Move 50 Poundsunmatched
- Maintenance - Electricalunmatched
- Maintenance Servicesunmatched
- Manufacturing Managementunmatched
- On Callunmatched
- Preventative Maintenanceunmatched
- Programmable Logic Controller (PLC)unmatched
- Safety Processunmatched
- Schematicsunmatched
- Startupunmatched
- System Operationsunmatched
- Team Playerunmatched
- Technical Writingunmatched
- Test Equipmentunmatched
- Testingunmatched
- Variable Speed Drive (VSD)unmatched
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