I&E Technician (End Plant)

POSITION SUMMARY: 

Our Waco, TX facility manufactures aluminum ends/lids for beverage cans commonly used for soft drinks, beers, energy drinks, teas and non-carbonated beverages. Using state of the art end-making technology, this high-speed environment provides rewarding manufacturing opportunities.

The Instrumentation & Electronics (I&E) Technician is a specialized maintenance role responsible for the installation, maintenance, calibration, and troubleshooting of all plant instrumentation, electrical control systems, Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs), Human-Machine Interfaces (HMIs), and advanced sensing/inspection equipment within the high-speed aluminum end manufacturing facility. This role is crucial for ensuring machine uptime, product quality, and data integrity by maintaining the reliability of critical control systems.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS: 

CONTROL SYSTEMS AND PROGRAMMING

• Troubleshoot, diagnose, and repair complex faults within PLC hardware (e.g., Allen-Bradley, Siemens) and software (Ladder Logic, Function Block). Utilize programming software (e.g., RSLogix 5000) to monitor I/O, modify logic, and upload/download programs safely.

• Diagnose and resolve issues within industrial control networks (e.g., EtherNet/IP, ControlNet). Ensure reliable communication between PLCs, HMIs, VFDs, and plant data systems.

• Maintain and verify current backup copies of all critical PLC programs, HMI applications, and configuration files.

INSTRUMENTATION AND CALIBRATION

• Execute routine and preventative maintenance calibration procedures for key process instruments, including pressure, temperature, flow, level, and analytical transmitters (e.g., 4-20mA, HART protocol).

• Repair, replace, and install various field devices such as photo-eyes, proximity sensors, solenoids, limit switches, and control valves.

• Maintain, troubleshoot, and calibrate specialized high-speed sensors used in the process, such as Compound Weight, Buckle Resistance, and Curing Oven controls.

ELECTRICAL AND POWER SYSTEMS

• Expertly troubleshoot electrical circuits up to 480V. Identify and repair faults in motor control centers (MCCs), power distribution panels, and complex wiring harnesses.

• Install, configure, and troubleshoot Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs) and Servo systems to optimize machine speed and positioning.

• Strict adherence to all electrical safety protocols, including Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) and NFPA 70E (Arc Flash) procedures.

MACHINE VISION AND QUALITY SYSTEMS

• Maintain and troubleshoot high-speed camera and inspection systems (e.g., Pressco, Sencon) used for end-of-line quality checks (compound, cut edge, lacquer coverage).

• Assist Quality and Production teams with optimizing vision system recipes and thresholds to reduce false rejects while maintaining required quality standards.