Maintenance Mechanic Programmer

Dairy Farmers of America•City of Industry, CA

About The Position

Alta Dena Dairy is hiring a skilled Maintenance Mechanic Programmer II to oversee the performance and proper function of facility process control systems, electronic systems, and instrumentation devices. The role includes maintaining property and production assets in a safe, sanitary, and efficient condition, keeping current with new products, equipment, technology, and techniques, and supporting reliable dairy manufacturing operations. The position works with PLCs, HMIs, plant networks, instrumentation, variable frequency drives, Rockwell software, custom control panels, and production equipment. The mechanic supports equipment installation and commissioning, planned and unplanned maintenance, utilities, emergency repairs, preventative maintenance, and production-line support. The role also requires accurate work-order and maintenance documentation, communication across departments, adherence to food safety and quality requirements, and compliance with safe work practices.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in engineering or another related discipline, or at least 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 industry 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 lubricating, 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 wet and/or cold environments with moderate to high noise volume.
Willingness to work flexible hours, including overtime, weekends, and holidays.
Ability to work effectively in a team 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.

Responsibilities

Oversee and verify the proper operation of process control systems, electronic systems, and instrumentation devices throughout the facility.
Maintain property and production assets in a safe, sanitary, and efficient condition.
Program PLCs and design complex ladder logic; interpret function block and structured text logic.
Develop and deploy HMIs and understand plant-level network topologies.
Verify the operation of instrumentation devices, including RTDs, conductivity devices, and transducers.
Install, commission, and troubleshoot variable frequency drives.
Deploy Rockwell software platforms.
Design and build custom equipment control panels and support installation of projects implemented by Controls and Engineering groups.
Complete planned and unplanned maintenance on production, packaging, and processing equipment.
Support the Utility Group in maintaining continuous supplies of heat, steam, cooling, electrical power, gas, and compressed air.
Respond to emergency or after-hours repair needs during breakdowns.
Read and interpret technical procedures, electrical schematics, service manuals, and work orders to perform maintenance and service.
Perform preventative maintenance, including computerized maintenance check-ups and review of SPC charts and data.
Support manufacturing line systems, including line and lubricant delivery, chemical delivery, ingredient delivery, and pH building systems.
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 could restrict production efficiency.
Complete required paperwork clearly, legibly, accurately, and in accordance with SOPs.
Report low parts and supplies inventory levels to the Supervisor.
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.