Demo

Maintenance Automation Technician

Berner Food & Beverage, LLC
Dakota, IL Full Time
POSTED ON 11/14/2025
AVAILABLE BEFORE 1/14/2026

Description

Ready to power up your career? Join Berner Food & Beverage, a world-class operation and North American leader in food and beverage co-manufacturing. As an Automation Controls Technician, you’ll be at the heart of keeping our cutting-edge production systems running at peak performance.


At Berner, you’ll work with advanced automation, robotics, and next-generation control systems that set industry standards. We take pride in innovation, teamwork, and building a workplace where you can grow your technical skills and make a real impact.

Enjoy competitive pay, comprehensive benefits, and a supportive culture that values your expertise. If you’re ready to advance your career with a dynamic, high-performing team, Berner is the place to be!


Berner Food & Beverage is the employer of CHOICE!


Relocation Assistance


Flexible Rotating Schedule (work 14 days a month)


The maintenance automation controls technician is responsible for the PLC programming, setup, repair, and troubleshooting related to machine operations on Berners’ production floor. The maintenance automation controls technician will have a thorough understanding of automation controls, including PLCs, VFDs, and logic-based control systems. The maintenance automation technician will work cross-functionally with other maintenance mechanical technicians, facilities technicians, and production personnel within Berner Food & Beverage.


Skills and Abilities:


· Proficiency with Microsoft Office products

· Proficiency in PLC programming, Setup, and troubleshooting.

· Proficient with Allen Bradley PLCs, VFDs, and machine vision (Cognex / Keyence)

· Firm understanding of HMI screen development. Configure and program remote I/O devices such as Ethernet IP, Modbus, or similar.

· Implement and validate automation changes to the existing control system hardware and software.

· Ability to read process diagrams, mechanical drawings, and electrical schematics.

· Ability to apply sound engineering solutions while considering the budget, schedule, and operational performance.

· Ability to troubleshoot various automation systems and provide training to operations and other maintenance personnel on automated operations.

· Sound understanding of control components and wiring up to 480 Volts


Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

· Understand and align with policies, safety standards, Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), and Food Safety. Identify and report Food Safety issues to management.

· Support, mentor, and lead efforts for control system repairs and validate proper function to obtain throughput.

· Obtains and executes work orders and preventive maintenance tickets with little or no guidance.

· Assist in maintaining a library for all device back-ups and updates.

· Document changes made to software and hardware (electrical and Process and instrumentation prints).

· Work in conjunction with the Network administrator to maintain the Facility Controls Network (hardware and software)

· Review (with upper management) key plant metrics/KPIs and equipment data to identify potential areas for continuous improvement.

· Work closely with production and maintenance supervisors to provide effective support to production throughout the shift.

· Ensure equipment in the area is maintained, guarded, and operated in accordance with defined safety regulations and procedures.


Training, Education & Experience

· Technical degree in a related field, AAM graduation, or equivalent experience

· Strong experience with automation software, controls, and PLCs

· Strong overall electrical knowledge and experience with control systems.

· Excellent communication skills and effective team-building skills are a must

· Experience in a food processing plant is a plus

· High School Diploma or equivalent required

· Technical school, coursework, or degree, considered a plus


Working Conditions:

• Indoors

• Walking on wet and slippery floors

• Standing/Walking for 12 Hours

• 12-hour night shifts (2-2-every other weekend Schedule)


Pay Range: $ Pay Range: $32.00-40.00 (based on experience); For the PM shift, there is a $2.00 Shift Differential for this position.


Benefits Offered: Medical, Vision, Dental, Flex Spending, Basic Life and Accidental Death & Dismemberment; Short and Long Term Disability, EAP, and 401k.


Berner Food & Beverage Hourly employees are eligible for health benefits on the 1st of the month after 60 days of employment.

Berner Food & Beverage Hourly employees are eligible to participate in the 401K plan after 30 days of employment.

Note: This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. An employee may perform other related duties as needed to meet Berner Food & Beverage’s ongoing needs.


Note: This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. An employee may perform other related duties as needed to meet Berner Food & Beverage’s ongoing needs.



Salary : $32 - $40

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