Automation & Controls Technician - $6,000 Bonus Pays

Grande Cheese Company•Fond du Lac, WI

2d•Onsite

About The Position

Grande Cheese is hiring an Automation & Controls Technician to support its cheese conversion facility in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin. The technician serves as the facility’s subject matter expert for automation, controls, and electrical systems, leading projects, troubleshooting complex issues, and driving continuous improvement to improve reliability, efficiency, and production performance. The role works closely with Operations, Engineering, and Maintenance to implement automation solutions, support plant technology, and optimize manufacturing processes. It uses expertise in Allen-Bradley PLCs, Rockwell Automation, HMIs, SCADA, VFDs, industrial networking, and electrical controls, while helping develop the technical capabilities of coworkers. The regular schedule is Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The role requires the ability or willingness to travel to Grande’s Lomira Distribution Center and Rubicon Facility approximately 15% of the time. Compensation includes a sign-on bonus of $3,000 paid within the first 30 days and a retention bonus of $3,000 after six months of service. The position requires a two-year or associate degree in an electrical or related technical field, although equivalent experience may be considered, and at least five years of related maintenance experience. Grande offers hands-on experience, technical training, and continuous learning opportunities.

Requirements

Two-year or associate degree in an electrical or other related technical field; equivalent experience may be considered.
Minimum of 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.
Ability and willingness to travel to the Grande Lomira Distribution Center and Rubicon Facility approximately 15% of the time.

Nice To Haves

Experience in electronics manufacturing.
Experience with SMT (Surface Mount Technology).
Experience with PCB (Printed Circuit Board) assembly.
Manufacturing or production technician experience.
Machine operation and troubleshooting experience.
Industrial maintenance experience.
Experience with electromechanical equipment.
Automotive repair or automotive technology experience.
Experience with robotics or automation.
Technical school training or manufacturing technology program experience.

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.
Travel to the Grande Lomira Distribution Center and Rubicon Facility approximately 15% of the time.