Maintenance PLC Technician

Maintenance PLC Technician

Fareva is currently seeking an experienced Manufacturing PLC Technician to join their Maintenance team in Richmond, VA. We are a three shift operation – this is a 1^st shift position (5:00 AM - 3:00PM) but candidates must be flexible to cover 2^nd or 3^rd as needed.

Who we are: Fareva is a leading contract manufacturer of pharmaceutical and personal care products. Located at intersection of Darbytown Road and Laburnum Avenue in Eastern Henrico County. Employs 600 full time employees. Comfortable climate controlled facility covering over 745,000 square feet. 

Job summary: Individual will maintain steady and compliant operation of high-tech automated equipment and drive continual improvement through electrical/PLC technology.  Work will include electronics, electrical control systems, server and process control, hydraulics/pneumatics, basic mechanical skills, and computer literacy

Summary of Essential job functions: With the direction of the Area Maintenance Manager, manages all activities associated with current and new business, production of products.  Ensures the timely completion of projects, production schedule in order to maintain necessary days of supply of finished goods to meet customer demand. 

• Assist with scope, specifications and design of projects and automation solutions
• Modify programs and Human Machine Interface (Allen Bradley or Siemens, PLC/HMI software)
• Interpret blueprints, electrical drawings, and make modifications when necessary
• Develop and configure networks such as I/O link, ethernet IP, Modbus, etc.
• Program VFD inverters and servo drives for motor controls
• Program and/or troubleshoot a variety of sensors, vision systems, encoders
• Program and/or troubleshoot safety controllers to guarantee safe interaction between operators, site staff, and Machinery
• Monitor and report status and progress of work
• Write technical documentation (manuals for Internal use)
• Test Automated systems for efficiency, safety and reliability
• Be involved in installation, commissioning, configuration, and support of process automation systems
• Modify equipment operation, parts, and techniques to improve efficiency
• Must be familiar with LOTO procedure and be able to identify situational hazards
• Ensures compliance in a manufacturing/packaging environment with Corporate (SCI, cGMP's) guidelines, State, and Federal Requirements (FDA, OSHA, EPA) for product quality and safety. 
• Interfaces on a daily basis with support departments including quality assurance (product, materials, and documentation), human resources, materials management, technical services, engineering (site and divisional), training, as well as site
  management in the areas of production and safety. 

Desired Requirements:

• PLC/HMI programming skills (Allen Bradley, Siemens, or  ELAU)
• Understanding industrial network structures (ethernet IP, and other field bus networks)
• Strong problem solving, diagnostic, troubleshooting, decision making, and analytical skills
• Electrical troubleshooting experience, (checking motors, 480 volt)
• Strong computer skills to analyze, organize and present data (Microsoft Office)
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, ability to work as part of a team
• Ability to work under pressure and driven to achieve deadlines
• Self-motivated, reliable and a positive professional attitude
• Open to learning new technologies and skills as needed
• Industry safe practices

Required Experience: 

• Associates Degree / Trade School Certification with a focus on Controls/Electronics
• Background in both Electrical and Mechanical trades
• A minimum of 3 to 5 years of experience in a production/manufacturing environment.
• Background and/or education to support a strong focus on project implementation, improvement of process/equipment and operational effectiveness. 
• Journeyman’s card or electrical certification

Preferred Experience: 

• BS/BA in Science, or Engineering
• Journeyman’s card or electrical certification
• Background Consumer Goods, Cosmetic or Pharmaceutical manufacturing and packaging. 

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities: 

• Be an effective communicator both up and down the organizational chain. 
• A high degree of technical expertise in dealing with high speed diverse mixing and packaging equipment is required. 
• Must be results oriented and familiar with lean manufacturing techniques. 
• Ability to work with manufacturing teams to help achieve production goals
• Familiarity with manufacturing in an FDA or ISO controlled environment 

Compensation and Benefits:

• Compensation is commensurate with experience
• 401-k 4.5% company match and immediate vesting
• 12 annual paid holidays
• 5 paid sick days
• 2 paid personal days
• Company paid Short Term Disability and Life&AD&D Insurances