Automation Technician

Description

LINCOLN PREMIUM POULTRY

JOB DESCRIPTION

JOB TITLE: Automation Technician DATE: 2/2025

REPORTS TO: Automation Supervisor STATUS: Non-Exempt

CORE VALUE COMMITMENT:
All employees will demonstrate our culture of commitment to quality, respect for fellow employees and business partners, and responsibility to the environment and our community.

JOB SUMMARY:
Responsible for the maintenance and technical support of automated and semi-automated manufacturing solutions for a high-volume poultry production facility. Troubleshoots equipment, repairs and maintains electrical controls, and identifies risk areas likely to cause equipment break-down. Performs preventive maintenance and trains other technicians and operators on products, processes and equipment.

DAILY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Troubleshoot control issues using PLC programming software such as but not limited to Studio5000. Allen Bradley Experience preferred, but other platforms are beneficial.
2. Utilize all manner of hand and power tools to diagnose, adjust, maintain, and repair electrical, mechanical, hydraulic, and pneumatic equipment.
3. Troubleshoot and modify HMI and Scada systems
4. Troubleshoot network communication issues.
5. Familiar with basic networking and networking terminology.
6. Repair and maintain electrical controls on processing equipment and facility.
7. Be able to proficiently use a multi meter and troubleshot analog devices.
8. Identify risk areas likely to cause equipment breakdowns, participate in projects improving equipment reliability, process improvement, lean manufacturing, and RCA.
9. Download programs in the event of program loss or PLC replacement.
10. Maintain software, documentation and equipment to the latest revision or operational specifications.
11. Train technicians and operators on products, processes, and equipment.
12. Organizes documentation, such as specifications schematics, and procedures.
13. Follow all company safety policies and procedures to ensure a safe working environment.

REQUIREMENTS OF THE POSITION:

1. MUST be comfortable and experienced utilizing hand and power tools of all varieties.
2. MUST have basic knowledge and safety understanding of electrical components.
3. Ability to work in a refrigerated environment ranging from 45-50 degrees Fahrenheit.
4. Ability to communicate in a courteous and professional manner with all plant employees, as well as third party vendors and contractors.
5. Knowledge of mechanical and electrical equipment and systems, including familiarity with automated industrial equipment such as conveyors, packaging, robotic cells, and assembly equipment.
6. Knowledge of PLC's and PLC programing including, ability to troubleshoot existing code, add to and modify existing programs, use and understand AOI's, and program from scratch if needed.
7. Understanding and comprehension of HMI and Scada software, Factory Talk View Studio ME or Ignition preferred, other platforms beneficial, ability to create new screens and objects, ability to modify existing screens and objects, ability to modify and understand "pop ups".
8. Knowledge of ethernet communication, including basic understanding of Ethernet communication, understanding of IP address schemes, subnets, VLans, knowledge of routers, etc., Ethernet/IP preferred, knowledge of other industrial protocols are beneficial.
9. Knowledge of automated manufacturing principles and techniques.
10. Ability to safely work around 480V equipment.
11. Skill in troubleshooting and replacing VFDs, Allen Bradley preferred, experience on multiple brands beneficial, modifying parameters for different applications, backup and restore
12. Skill in reading, analyzing, and conveying electrical schematics
13. Ability to work flexible hours, including weekends and holidays.
14. MUST be able to pass required physical including demonstrating your ability to lift the required weight for each position.
15. MUST be able to stand and/or walk for entire 8-hour shift.
16. MUST wear correct job specific PPE as designated by company policy.
17. Ability to consistently practice and enforce safe working habits.
18. Ability to recognize safety risks and comply with all safety standards.

PREFERRED EXPERIENCE:

1. Degree in mechatronics or similar field of study plus 2 years of experience in a manufacturing environment - recommended but not required.
2. Experience in lieu of education will always be considered.
3. Relevant technical certifications - Rockwell, Fanuc, Inductive Automation, etc.