PLC & Instrumentation Technician

Garelick Farms•Franklin, MA

3d•$35 - $40

About The Position

Garelick Farms, Dairy Farmers of America, is hiring a PLC & Instrumentation Technician. The role installs, monitors, and repairs programmable logic control (PLC) devices and related hardware and software. The technician supports PLCs, human-machine interfaces (HMIs), instrumentation, and other electronic systems to help ensure equipment operates at its desired capacity and produces quality products. The position works with a limited degree of supervision, handles complex problems and new assignments, and serves as a subject matter resource. The schedule is 1st shift, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with flexibility required to work off-hours and weekends. The rate is $35.00–$40.00 per hour. A $1,500 sign-on bonus is offered to external candidates.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
Four to six years of industrial maintenance electrical, PLC, or related experience; manufacturing experience is preferred.
Knowledge of PLC control systems, power distribution systems, sensors, transmitters, automatic valves, and integrated electromechanical systems.
Basic knowledge of boilers, air compressors, ammonia refrigeration systems, and wastewater systems.
General knowledge of blueprints and ability to read equipment specifications and installation instructions.
Ability to read blueprints and ladder logic.
Ability to perform required preventative, productive, predictive, and scheduled maintenance procedures.
Ability to perform electrical repairs, including motor wiring, motor starter fuses, and basic electrical troubleshooting and repairs.
Ability to independently perform complex activities and repairs.
Ability to complete projects from planning through installation.
Ability to present options and ideas for current processes or procedures.
Ability to adapt to and manage change effectively.
Ability to work effectively in a team environment.
Ability to diagnose problems and take appropriate steps to find solutions.
Accuracy and attention to detail.
Clear and effective verbal and written communication skills.
Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals.
Ability to read, write, and speak English.
A state-certified electrician license and other certifications and/or licenses may be required during employment.

Nice To Haves

Graduation from a trade school or technical school, preferably in industrial automation, electricity, electronics, or PLCs.
Industrial maintenance experience in a manufacturing environment.

Responsibilities

Troubleshoot, repair, and adjust control systems, including PLCs, HMIs, and field devices.
Troubleshoot, repair, and adjust power and motor control systems and frequency drives.
Locate, diagnose, and repair issues causing equipment downtime or unsatisfactory performance.
Perform scheduled and unscheduled work, including preventative and predictive maintenance, to support zero downtime and full efficiency goals.
Monitor PLC devices and systems for proper functionality.
Test connections between PLC devices and other equipment.
Conduct regular safety inspections.
Use the computerized maintenance management system (CMMS) to develop and maintain accurate parts inventory and asset performance records.
Maintain and repair equipment throughout the plant and plant utilities, and assist with setup and installation of new equipment utilities such as compressed air/pneumatics, water systems, refrigeration, steam, heat, and ventilation.
Provide technical support to users and other technicians.
Train and mentor team members, including technicians and operators.
Document and maintain procedural documents.
Communicate with other departments, management, and employees about problems or concerns that may restrict production efficiency.
Stay current on products, equipment, technology, and techniques.
Identify process improvement opportunities using a continuous-improvement mindset.
Maintain safe working conditions and comply with state and federal health and safety regulations.
Follow DFA good manufacturing practices and corporate regulatory, food safety, quality, and sanitation requirements.