Automation Controls Technician

Universal Corporation•Lancaster, PA

2d•Onsite

About The Position

As an Automation Controls Technician at Lancaster Leaf Tobacco Company, you will be responsible for supporting, troubleshooting, programming, and improving automated control systems throughout the Lancaster Leaf Tobacco Factory. This position works closely with Maintenance, Operations, Engineering, outside vendors, and production leadership to maintain reliable equipment performance, reduce downtime, improve process controls, and support safe and efficient factory operations. The role requires strong knowledge of programmable logic controllers, industrial electrical systems, HMI interfaces, VFDs, sensors, instrumentation, and manufacturing equipment.

Requirements

Associate’s degree or technical school certificate.
Minimum of 3 years of experience programming, troubleshooting, or maintaining PLC-controlled equipment in a manufacturing, processing, warehouse, agricultural, food, tobacco, or industrial environment.
Working knowledge of PLC programming, ladder logic, HMI systems, VFDs, industrial sensors, motor controls, safety circuits, relays, starters, and control panels.
Ability to read and interpret electrical drawings, control schematics, ladder logic, wiring diagrams, equipment manuals, and technical documentation.
Experience troubleshooting industrial electrical systems up to 480 volts and understanding safe work practices around energized equipment.
Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to diagnose issues quickly and communicate recommended repairs clearly.
Ability to work independently, prioritize multiple issues, and support production needs in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
Strong verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to document changes, repairs, and system information accurately.
Basic computer skills, including Microsoft Office applications and the ability to work with PLC programming software, HMI software, CMMS systems, and equipment interfaces.
Must be authorized to work in the United States.

Nice To Haves

Experience with Allen-Bradley/Rockwell Automation, Siemens, Schneider, or comparable PLC platforms.
Experience with HMI/SCADA systems, industrial networking, Ethernet/IP, Profibus, Modbus, or other plant communication protocols.
Experience in electrical, automation, industrial maintenance, mechatronics, or a related field.
Experience with optical sorters, conveyors, presses, dryers, dust collection equipment, scales, packaging lines, or tobacco processing equipment.
Knowledge of National Electrical Code (NEC), OSHA requirements, NFPA 70E, machine safety practices, lockout/tagout, and industrial control panel standards.
Experience supporting continuous improvement, TPM, downtime reduction, or reliability improvement initiatives.
Ability to assist with electrical design, control panel modifications, wiring changes, and field device selection.
Bilingual communication skills, English and Spanish

Responsibilities

Program, troubleshoot, modify, and maintain PLC systems used in factory production, processing, packaging, by-product handling, receiving, storage, and utility operations.
Support automated equipment including conveyors, presses, dryers, optical sorters, scales, sensors, drives, motor controls, safety circuits, HMI panels, and related control devices.
Diagnose electrical, mechanical, instrumentation, network, and control system issues to reduce downtime and restore equipment to safe operating condition.
Develop and modify PLC logic, HMI screens, alarms, recipes, setpoints, interlocks, and control sequences to support operational needs and continuous improvement projects.
Maintain current backups, documentation, drawings, I/O lists, program versions, and change records for control systems.
Work with Maintenance and Operations personnel to identify recurring equipment issues, complete root cause analysis, and implement corrective actions.
Assist with installation, commissioning, testing, and startup of new equipment, upgraded controls, and automation improvement projects.
Provide technical support and basic training to maintenance technicians, operators, and supervisors on control system operation, troubleshooting, and safe restart procedures.
Coordinate with outside contractors, OEM technicians, and vendors to support equipment upgrades, software changes, system troubleshooting, and repairs.
Ensure PLC programming and automation work complies with company safety policies, lockout/tagout requirements, electrical safety expectations, machine guarding requirements, and applicable codes.
Support preventive maintenance activities by inspecting control panels, verifying sensors and safety devices, reviewing alarm history, and identifying opportunities to improve equipment reliability.
Partner with production leadership to improve throughput, quality, safety, traceability, runtime, and efficiency across factory processing lines.
Respond to urgent breakdowns and provide on-call or overtime support when required by production demands.
Perform other duties and special projects as assigned.