Automations Controls Technician II (Days)

SunOpta•Alexandria, MN

4d•Onsite

About The Position

The Automation Controls Technician II independently troubleshoots, maintains, and improves automation and control systems supporting production and facility operations. This mid-level role diagnoses complex electrical and controls issues, performs control system modifications, and assists with automation projects. The technician serves as a technical resource for junior technicians and works closely with engineering, maintenance, and operations teams. The position is based at SunOpta’s plant on MN Street in Alexandria, Minnesota. It is a day-shift role, Monday through Friday, from 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The employee may need to work shifts, weekends, overtime, or on-call as needed. The role involves working in industrial environments with noise, heat, and moving equipment, and requires standing, walking, bending, climbing, and lifting up to 50 pounds.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
3–5 years of hands-on experience in industrial automation and controls, including independent troubleshooting of PLC-based control systems.
Strong working knowledge of PLCs, industrial controls, and electrical systems.
Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics and read, troubleshoot, and modify PLC ladder logic.
Experience independently troubleshooting control panels, instrumentation, field devices, and industrial automation networks.
Demonstrated understanding of digital and analog I/O, instrumentation, sensors, actuators, and industrial control circuits.
Proficiency with electrical test equipment and diagnostic tools.
Ability to stand, walk, bend, climb, and lift up to 50 pounds.
Ability to work in industrial environments with noise, heat, and moving equipment.
Willingness to work shifts, weekends, overtime, or on-call as needed.

Nice To Haves

Associate degree or technical certification in Automation, Electronics, Mechatronics, or a related field.
Hands-on experience with Allen-Bradley PLC platforms, including ControlLogix and CompactLogix; experience with other industrial PLC platforms is also valued.
HMI development and troubleshooting experience; Rockwell FactoryTalk View experience preferred.
VFD, servo, and motion control experience.
Experience with Ethernet/IP, industrial Ethernet, and other industrial communication networks.
Strong problem-solving and analytical skills.
Experience supporting automated manufacturing processes in a high-speed production environment.
Ability to mentor, train, and provide guidance to junior technicians.

Responsibilities

Independently troubleshoot and repair PLC-based control systems and automated equipment.
Diagnose electrical, controls, and instrumentation issues with minimal supervision.
Systematically troubleshoot automated systems from PLC logic and I/O through instrumentation, field devices, and controlled equipment.
Troubleshoot and modify PLC logic, HMI applications, and control parameters in accordance with engineering standards.
Install, test, and commission control panels, field devices, and automation components.
Perform advanced troubleshooting of VFDs, servos, instrumentation, field devices, and industrial communication networks.
Support continuous improvement initiatives and automation upgrades.
Participate in root cause analysis of automation and controls-related failures and implement corrective actions.
Mentor and support Automation Controls Technician I staff.
Maintain accurate controls documentation, system backups, and change records.
Ensure compliance with safety standards, electrical codes, and LOTO procedures.
Provide technical support during equipment startups, shutdowns, and downtime events.
Remain accountable to SunOpta Manufacturing Food Safety and Quality Principles.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Assist in coaching and training employees as requested by the management team.
Complete and adhere to the Annual Alchemy Schedule.