Maintenance Mechanic Programmer

Dairy Farmers of America•City of Industry, CA

About The Position

Alta Dena Dairy is hiring a Maintenance Mechanic Programmer II responsible for the performance of process control systems and for overseeing and verifying the proper function of electronic systems and instrumentation devices throughout the facility. The role also cares for and maintains property and production assets in a safe, sanitary, and efficient condition, while keeping current on products, equipment, technology, and techniques. The position supports production, packaging, processing, and utility equipment through programming, installation, commissioning, troubleshooting, planned and unplanned maintenance, and preventive maintenance. It also contributes to new equipment projects, operational continuity, food safety and quality, and continuous improvement. The mechanic works with other departments and management, completes accurate work-order documentation, and follows applicable safety and sanitation practices. Alta Dena Dairy is a farmer-owned brand of Dairy Farmers of America (DFA), a dairy marketing cooperative owned by more than 12,500 family farmers. The role is scheduled for first shift, Monday through Friday, 5:00 AM to 1:30 PM, and requires willingness to work flexible hours, including overtime, weekends, and holidays. Mechanics can make up to $54.36 per hour.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in engineering or another related discipline, or a minimum of 7 years of experience in Industrial Automation Systems.
Proficiency in RS Logix Ladder and Factory Talk Studio programming.
Ability to troubleshoot complex electrical control circuits.
Extensive knowledge and understanding of process control systems, such as HTST, evaporators, and separators.
At least 5 years of maintenance experience in a manufacturing facility; food and beverage experience is preferred.
At least 3 years of experience in one or more technical areas: electrical, hydraulic, pneumatic, electronic, computer-controlled equipment, PLC, or HVAC.
At least 3 years of experience with varied equipment, including lubrication, cleaning, material handling, motor control, relay control, process control, and packaging equipment.
Ability to inspect equipment, recognize potential problems, and independently take corrective action to prevent component failures or equipment downtime.
Ability to stand, walk, kneel, and bend for virtually the entire shift.
Ability to lift up to 100 pounds occasionally.
Ability to work in a wet and/or cold environment with moderate to high noise volume.
Willingness to work flexible hours, including overtime, weekends, and holidays.
Ability to work effectively in a team environment and in a fast-paced environment.
Effective verbal and written communication skills.

Nice To Haves

Formal engineering or maintenance training.
Professional experience with ammonia refrigeration systems.
Maintenance experience in the food and beverage industry.

Responsibilities

Program PLCs, including complex ladder logic, and interpret function block and structured text logic.
Develop and deploy HMIs and use Rockwell software platforms.
Understand plant-level network topologies.
Verify proper operation of instrumentation devices, including RTDs, conductivity devices, and transducers.
Install, commission, and troubleshoot variable frequency drives.
Design and build custom equipment control panels and support installation of projects implemented by Controls and Engineering groups.
Maintain production, packaging, and processing equipment through planned and unplanned maintenance.
Support the Utility Group in maintaining continuous supplies of heat, steam, cooling, electricity, power, gas, and compressed air as required for operations.
Be available for emergency or after-hours repairs during breakdowns.
Read and interpret technical procedures, electrical schematics, service manuals, and work orders to perform maintenance and service.
Perform preventive maintenance, including computerized preventive-maintenance checkups and reviewing SPC charts and data.
Support line manufacturing systems, including line/lube delivery, chemical delivery, ingredient delivery, and the pH Building.
Complete work orders promptly and to high quality standards.
Use hand and power tools, electric meters, and material-handling equipment.
Communicate with other departments, management, and employees about problems or concerns that may affect production efficiency.
Complete paperwork clearly and accurately and document required information in accordance with SOPs.
Report low parts and supply levels to the Supervisor to assist with inventory maintenance.
Identify opportunities to improve processes using a continuous-improvement mindset.
Follow Good Manufacturing Practices and maintain a clean, sanitary, and safe work area.
Follow required safe-work practices, including lockout-tagout, PPE, confined-space safety, safe chemical handling, and fall restraints.
Take responsibility for food safety, prerequisite programs, and food quality in the designated area, and immediately report related issues to management.
Work closely with the CDFA State Inspector to review equipment operations and answer technical questions.
Work closely with and develop the Maintenance Programmer I counterpart.
Perform other duties as assigned.