Job Summary:The Lead Automation Controls Technician serves as the senior technical authority for plant automation and control systems. This role provides hands-on advanced troubleshooting, leads automation support activities, and mentors controls technicians while partnering closely with engineering, maintenance, and operations. The Lead Technician ensures system reliability, standardization, and continuous improvement across automated equipment.
Essential Functions of the Job:Technical Leadership
Lead troubleshooting and resolution of complex PLC, HMI, motion, safety, and network issuesOwn advanced diagnostics of control systems, including intermittent, systemic and production-critical failuresReview, modify, and implement PLC logic, HMI applications, and control strategiesServe as escalation point for Controls Technician I & IIEnsure PLC programs, backups, and documentation are current and standardizedMaintain and enforce change-control, security best practices, and system access control
Project & Improvement Support
Lead or support automation upgrades, retrofits, and new equipment installationsParticipate in FAT/SAT, commissioning, and production startupsIdentify reliability risks and drive corrective and preventive actionsSupport continuous improvement, safety, and efficiency initiativesCollaborate with Controls Engineers on system architecture and standardsParticipate in controls design reviews, risk assessments, and equipment specifications
Team & Operational Leadership
Mentor, train, and develop Automation Controls TechniciansProvide technical guidance during downtime and critical production eventsAssist with work prioritization, scheduling, and technical decision-makingPromote and enforce safety standards, electrical codes, and LOTO complianceAct as technical liaison between maintenance, engineering, operations, and vendors/contractors/consultants
Supervisory Responsibilities:
None.
Minimum Qualifications:
High school diploma or GED requiredAssociate degree or technical certification in Automation, Electronics, Mechatronics, or related field preferred6-10+ years of experience in industrial automation, controls, or electrical maintenanceAdvanced knowledge of PLCs, HMIs, VFDs, servos, and industrial control systemsProven ability to troubleshoot complex automation and network issues independentlyStrong understanding of electrical schematics, control panel design, and standardsExperience leading or mentoring technical staff
Preferred Qualifications:
Expert-level experience with PLC platforms (Allen-Bradley, Siemens, etc.)HMI/SCADA development and system integration experienceIndustrial networking (EtherNet/IP, Profinet, DeviceNet, Modbus, etc.)Robotics or motion control experienceRoot cause analysis and reliability engineering exposureStrong communication and leadership skills
Additional Considerations:
Location: This position will be based in our SunOpta Plant in Allentown, PA.Shift: Night Shift role on a 2-2-3 pattern; 5:30 pm to 6:00 am. Some flexibility may be needed.Pay Rate: $46.50 / hour.Shift Differential: $2.00/hour night shift differential offered for working 12-hour night shift on a 2-2-3 pattern.Relocation or international remote working arrangements (outside of the US) will not be considered.
Physical & Work Requirements
Ability to lift up to 50 lbs. and work in industrial environmentsAbility to climb ladders, work in panels, and access equipment safelyWillingness to support off-shift work, startups, and emergency call-ins as neededUse of PPE including arc-flash equipment as required
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.