What are the responsibilities and job description for the Automation and Controls Technician position at Blue Bell Creameries?
Blue Bell Creameries has 3 plants which manufacture ice cream and frozen dessert products. The opportunity has arisen for an Automation & Controls Technician to join our team. Our ideal candidate will have great attention to detail, be able to work in a team setting and enjoy the challenges that a dynamic food manufacturing facility has to offer.
POSITION SUMMARY:
Under general supervision of the Facilities Maintenance Automation Manager, the automation technician will provide technical support for the electrical and automation systems of the plant. Responsible for maintaining the hardware and software process control systems including associated instrumentation. Issue, maintain, and update related documentation. Administer upgrades, modifications, and new installations to maintain and increase operational efficiency of the plant processes. This position has no supervisory responsibilities.
HOURS: 1st or 2nd shift hours, flexible
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:
Project Coordination:
- Conduct estimation, planning and execution of maintenance and improvement process projects
- Develop and implement project descriptions, plans timelines, resources requirements, costs and other associated project details
Maintenance of Systems:
- Provide primary technical support and troubleshooting to maintain the existing electrical and automation systems
- Provide corrective measures to existing electrical and automation systems for maximum reliability and up-time
Inter-departmental Communication:
- Assist with maintenance project scope development and execution by conveying technical experiences and opinions
- Facilitate task or project work through effective communication
- Solicit plant associates' experiences and opinions for project execution and development
Change Control and Documentation:
- Ensure that guidelines and procedures are followed for software changes, including written management approval, clear change definition
- Ensure that process descriptions P&IDs and other documentation are updated when a change is implemented
REQUIREMENTS AND MINIMUM EDUCATION LEVEL:
One of the following is required as a minimum:
- Associate's degree that relates to the power, control or electro-mechanical
- 2 years of power control, or electro-mechanical technical experience in a related industrial field
EXPERIENCE:
Preferred:
- Experience with running small projects, troubleshooting industrial/process control systems (PLCs, component operator interfaces, and HMIs)
- All aspects of electronics/electricity, power/control voltages, instrumentation, electro-pneumatic control devices, and Variable Frequency Drives (VFD)
- Familiarity with Ethernet, Rockwell Software, and RS Logix 5/500/5000 processors
- Additional experience with Siemens 500, Safety Circuits, and Systems PLC interfacing
SKILLS:
- Ability to work flexible hours
- Above average communication (written and oral)
- Problem-solving skills
- Knowledge of Microsoft Office Products and CAD or 3D-Modeling
- Working knowledge of industrial electricity 480 VAC (3 phase) control systems, and MCCs
- Understands principles of HACCP, GMPs, and SOPs
- Competency with the following:
- Able to go online and decipher logic and how it functions
- Able to develop programs to add functionality to process/utility equipment
- Industrial networks - Ethernet, Profibus, etc. – set up, configuration, and troubleshooting
**WE ARE A DRUG AND ALCOHOL-FREE WORKPLACE**
Job Type: Full-time
Benefits:
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Employee discount
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Parental leave
- Retirement plan
- Vision insurance
Schedule:
- 10 hour shift
- Day shift
- Evening shift
Work Location: In person
