PLC Technician

• SCOPE/SUMMARY: The Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) Mechanic applies electronic theory, principles of electrical circuits, electrical testing procedures, engineering mathematics, physics, and related knowledge to layout, build, test, troubleshoot, and repair manufacturing equipment. The PLC Mechanic also keeps the manufacturing facility and all production processes (the installation, repair, maintenance and troubleshooting of all machinery, tools and mechanical systems) mechanically operating at maximum rated capacity and producing quality products in a cost effective manner

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

• Observes functioning of installed equipment to detect hazards, problems, and the need for service, repair and/or replacement of electrical, electronic and mechanical components.
• Discusses performance issues and improvement ideas with Plant Engineer and Maintenance Manager.
• Reads and understands electronic and electrical schematics; draws sketches to clarify design details and functional criteria of electronic units.
• Assembles experimental circuitry of complete prototype models according to engineering instruction, technical manuals, and knowledge of electronic systems and components and their functions.
• Recommends changes in circuitry of installation specifications to simplify assembly and maintenance.
• Required to maintain backups of programs from all electrical devices.
• Understands and is able to trouble-shoot and repair solid-state motor drives, solidstate temperature controllers, and computer-based controllers.
• Sets up standard test apparatus or contrives test equipment and circuitry; conducts functional and operational tests to evaluate performance and reliability of prototype or production models.
• Analyzes and interprets data from solid-state motor drives and controllers scope meters and other troubleshooting equipment.
• Adjusts, calibrates and aligns circuitry and components and records effects on unit performance.
• Must be able to check newly installed equipment to evaluate system performance under actual operating conditions.
• Ensures speed of repairs, minimizes downtime, avoids start-up glitches, promotes safety, provides staff training and addresses problems in a pro-active way
• Assist the Maintenance Manager in preventive maintenance programs
• Provides emergency response including equipment repair, situation stabilization and the mobilizing of resources as needed
• Provides staff training and development
• Ensures safe work practices and ensures a safe work environment
• Verifies and ensures the documentation of all repair records, preventive maintenance records and logs all filters and replacement parts
• Works closely with plant management and the production staff to ensure that production schedules and needs can be met because production machinery is operational
• Must be able to obtain forklift and aerial lift platform licenses.
• Keeps work area clean and orderly and free of hazards

• QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• Must be able to work other shifts and overtime to complete work as needed.
• Employee must be willing to be on call to support production needs.
• Must have computer skills, with the capability to use email, compile reports and spreadsheets for parts and project tracking.
• Must be able to prepare technical reports for documenting issues/changes to equipment.
• Must be able to manage projects for implementing changes and improvements.
• Employee is responsible for their own work, and must exercise care and compliance of all established safety procedures.
• Employee must adhere to company safety policies (steel toed boots, glasses, etc.).
• May be required to work in somewhat disagreeable working conditions (intense heat, dirt, fumes, lubricants, etc.).
• Must be able to handle physical heavy lifting of materials/tools up to 75 pounds. Heavier materials may require assistance.
• Must be able to work on aerial lift platforms up to 80 feet on a limited basis, 30 feet on average.
• TOOL USAGE REQUIREMENTS:
• General hand tools.
• Various power tools such as, but not limited to, drill motors, saws all, band saw, hammer drill, power auger, pipe threading machine, etc.
• Shop Equipment: Horizontal band saw, drill Press, belt sanders, grinders, vertical band saw etc.
• Working knowledge in operation and maintenance of facility management services, blue print reading and equipment maintenance
• Must possess knowledge of OSHA requirements and Confined Space/Lock-Out Tag-Out requirements
• Must be computer literate with office, technical and parts and maintenance software packages
• Must have the ability to plan, organize, develop, implement and interpret programs, goals, objectives, policies and procedures

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE: Over five (5) years of experience within electronics field.

• Completion of an accredited apprenticeship.
• Associates degree in Electronics Technology or equivalent certification.
• Documented proficient working knowledge of Allen Bradley and Siemens plc's/controls/protocols platforms is required.

LANGUAGE SKILLS: Must be able to read, write, and comprehend the English language (i.e., the language of all plant directives) for required document control, equipment operation, and supervisor/peer instructions.

• Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, opening and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals.

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS: Ability to add, subtract, multiply and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals. Ability to compute rate, ratio, percentage, to draw and interpret bar graphs.

REASONING ABILITY: Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out detailed but uninvolved written or oral instructions. Ability to deal with problems involving a few concrete variables in standardized situations.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES: None

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to stand, walk, use hands to finger, handle, or feel, reach with hands and arms, climb and balance, and stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 100 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. May be required to work in somewhat disagreeable working conditions (intense heat, dirt, fumes, lubricants, etc.). While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to moving mechanical parts and high precarious places. The noise level in the work environment is usually loud.