Automation Technician

The Automation Technician at ACE Ethanol is responsible for safely assisting in the installation, maintaining and troubleshooting all plant related electrical equipment, instrumentation, and HVAC systems. This role ensures optimal operation of all plant systems including motors, control panels, programmable logic controllers (PLCs), distributed control systems (DCS), and various instrumentation used to monitor and control plant processes. This individual must learn, understand, and comply with all production procedures and safety regulations.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Perform routine inspections, calibrations, maintenance, and troubleshooting of plant instrumentation, electrical equipment, and HVAC systems.
• Install, test, and repair electrical wiring and related equipment in accordance with plant procedures.
• Assist in maintaining 480 Volt three-phase Motor Control Centers, Motors, and Variable Frequency Drives.
• Work with process control systems such as PLCs, DCS, and SCADA systems to ensure accurate process monitoring and control.
• Diagnose and repair malfunctioning instruments such as process level, flow, pressure, and temperature transmitters & control valves.
• Maintain accurate maintenance and calibration records for all electrical and instrumentation equipment.
• Support plant operations by responding to equipment failures and performing preventative maintenance.
• Assist in the planning and implementation of instrumentation upgrades and new equipment installations.
• Follow all plant safety policies, including lockout/tagout (LOTO), confined space entry, and hot work procedures.
• Must learn and understand the sequence of plant operations, purpose and implications of control systems, source/destination of piping, and how the flow of each operation impacts other areas in the plant.
• Must participate in on-call rotations and be able to react and respond quickly to emergency maintenance situations to minimize plant downtime.

Work Relationships:

• Reports directly to the E&I/CO2 Manager.
• Works closely with other plant employees on a regular basis – including Operations, Logistics, Lab, and other office personnel.
• Regular interaction with contractors and vendors.

Required Skills & Abilities:

• Due to the 24/7/365 nature of plant operations, the employee must be reliable and timely in reporting to work.
• Must be organized and have excellent problem-solving and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and in a team environment.
• Communicate effectively and develop good working relationships with others.

Education & Experience:

• Requires at least a high school education or equivalent.

Physical Requirements:

• Lift up to 50 lb. pieces of equipment, tools, parts, etc., normally at chest height, and the ability to move a few feet away, usually several times per shift
• Climb open-grate metal stairs to elevations up to 180 feet off the ground
• Climb fixed and movable ladders up to 40 feet high
• Work safely in confined spaces and complete overhead work as needed (reaching overhead and/or working on elevated equipment, etc.)
• Repetitive lifting/bending/kneeling/walking/climbing.

Working Conditions:

• Work may be performed indoors, outdoors, at heights and in all weather-conditions including heat, cold, humidity, rain, snow, etc.
• Exposure to industrial plant environments may include heat, noise, moving equipment, fumes, flammables and working near potentially toxic chemicals and pressurized products.

This job describes the general nature and level of work performed by employees assigned to this position. It does not state or imply that these are the only duties and responsibilities assigned to the job. Employees may be required to perform other job-related duties as requested by management. All requirements are subject to change over time and to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with a disability.

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Referral program
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person

Salary : $54,651 - $69,849