Automation & Controls Technician - $6,000 Bonus Pays
About The Position
Join Grande Cheese as an Automation & Controls Technician supporting Cheese and Whey operations in Juda, Wisconsin. Serve as the facility’s subject matter expert for automation, controls, and electrical systems, leading projects, troubleshooting complex issues, and driving continuous improvement to enhance reliability, efficiency, and production performance. Work closely with Operations, Engineering, and Maintenance teams to implement automation solutions, support plant technology, and optimize manufacturing processes. Use expertise in Allen-Bradley PLCs, Rockwell Automation, HMIs, SCADA, VFDs, industrial networking, and electrical controls to support the Juda facility and develop technical capabilities across the team. The position follows a 12-hour alternating 2-2-3 schedule, from 4 a.m. to 4 p.m. Every other weekend is a three-day weekend, with an average of 14–15 workdays per month and regular two- to three-day breaks. The role offers a $3,000 sign-on bonus paid within the first 30 days and a $3,000 retention bonus paid after six months of service. Grande describes itself as a leader in the cheese and whey industry, with more than 80 years of experience. The company emphasizes associate-first workplace and community culture, career growth, work-life balance, and support for the communities where associates live and work.
Requirements
- An associate degree or two-year degree in an electrical or other related technical field; equivalent experience may be considered.
- At least five years of related maintenance experience.
- Experience with PLCs, HMIs, AC/servo drives, and Allen-Bradley systems.
- Knowledge of instrumentation, calibration, troubleshooting, and PID control loops.
- Strong understanding of industrial electrical systems, wiring, controls, and power distribution.
- Experience with industrial networks and communications.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office, Rockwell software, AutoCAD, and Visio.
- Knowledge of industrial machinery, pneumatics, hydraulics, and packaging equipment.
- Project management experience.
- Strong troubleshooting, problem-solving, and mathematical skills.
Nice To Haves
- Experience in electronics manufacturing, SMT, PCB assembly, manufacturing or production technician work, machine operation and troubleshooting, industrial maintenance, electromechanical equipment, CNC equipment and machinery, automotive repair or automotive technology, robotics or automation, or technical school and manufacturing technology programs may provide a good foundation.
Responsibilities
- Lead PLC and HMI programming, troubleshooting, and optimization.
- Drive automation and controls improvement projects from concept through implementation.
- Serve as the site's technical expert for control systems, industrial networks, and electrical equipment.
- Partner with Operations and Engineering teams to improve reliability and production performance.
- Mentor Maintenance Technicians and support technical skill development across the facility.
- Support plant technology and optimize manufacturing processes.
- Develop expertise through hands-on experience, technical training, and continuous learning.
Benefits
- $3,000 sign-on bonus paid within the first 30 days.
- $3,000 retention bonus paid after six months of service.
- Free onsite clinics.
- Free onsite fitness center.
- Free healthy snacks throughout the facility.
- Health and wellness reimbursement program.
- Associate cheese purchasing program.
- Two-year mentorship program.
- Industry-leading benefits (specific additional benefits not listed).
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
Education Level
Associate degree
