Automation Contols/PLC Specialist

Amcor•Ames, IA

11d•Onsite

About The Position

The Automation Controls/PLC Specialist maintains instrumentation, control systems, and electronic communications in support of plant production, quality, GMP, and safety goals. The role supports production efficiency and performance monitoring across production lines, and implements process monitoring and product quality controls—including network integration and SCADA interfaces—on new and existing production systems. Working as part of a team and with plant personnel, the specialist provides technical guidance for troubleshooting, operating, and maintaining control-system hardware and software. The position carries out installation, diagnostics, repair, and reliability activities for industrial control systems and equipment; supports preventive maintenance and new equipment installations; and develops and maintains documentation for system architecture and interfaces. The work is performed in a plant manufacturing setting.

Requirements

Associate degree in PLCs, robotics, automation, or a similar field, or an equivalent combination of education and five to ten years of relevant maintenance experience in a manufacturing environment.
Proven ability to troubleshoot and modify PLCs, HMIs, VFDs, and similar systems; Allen-Bradley or Siemens experience is preferred.
Proven experience with industrial communications and PLC messaging.
Ability to read, write, and interpret technical diagrams and procedures.
Strong mathematical, organizational, project management, time management, and troubleshooting skills.
Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.
Experience leading and managing projects.
Experience applying PLC, motion-control, and SCADA systems.

Nice To Haves

Prior experience with plastic manufacturing technology.
Experience in a 24/7 high-volume manufacturing environment.
Strong knowledge of plastic equipment maintenance.
Experience with SCADA, PLCs, HMIs, AutoCAD, drives, network switches and routers, and radio communication devices.
Allen-Bradley or Siemens PLC experience.

Responsibilities

Support and maintain automation systems.
Modify and troubleshoot PLCs, HMIs, VFDs, and related systems.
Assist with installation, repair, and maintenance of electrical systems, equipment, and components.
Work with plant personnel on SCADA implementation and control-system design.
Develop and maintain documentation for system architecture and interfacing.
Plan, schedule, install, monitor, configure, troubleshoot, repair, back up, and upgrade systems in the production environment.
Support preventive maintenance programs and identify improvement opportunities.
Assist with new equipment installations and system upgrades.
Ensure compliance with safety policies, including lockout/tagout and electrical safety, and follow procedures to prevent accidents and electrical hazards.
Ensure maintenance personnel are properly trained and aware of potential safety and health risks.
Build and maintain vendor relationships.
Provide technical knowledge and guidance to designated interface groups.
Lead and manage projects, completing them promptly and within budget.

Benefits

Medical, dental, and vision plans.
Paid time off, starting at 40 hours per year for full-time hourly employees; may vary by location.
Company-paid holidays, starting at 8 days per year; may vary by location.
Wellbeing programs and Employee Assistance Program.
Health Savings Account and Flexible Spending Account.
Life insurance, AD&D, short-term and long-term disability, and voluntary benefits.
Paid parental leave.
Retirement Savings Plan with company match.
Tuition reimbursement, dependent upon approval.
Discretionary bonus program; initial eligibility depends on hire date.