What are the responsibilities and job description for the Controls and Automation Technician position at Gehl Food & Beverage?
The Controls, Automation & Electrical (CAE) Technician supports site operations by troubleshooting, repairing, and maintaining automated and computerized systems used in production and packaging. This position plays a key role in ensuring the reliability and performance of electrical, automation, and robotic systems. The CAE Technician provides direct support to Maintenance and Operations teams across the shift and collaborates with Engineering and Controls personnel to develop, implement, and validate equipment modifications and improvements.
Key Responsibilities:
- Execute routine and emergency diagnostics on automated equipment. Maintain and modify PLC/HMI programs (Allen-Bradley: CompactLogix, ControlLogix, SLC 500, PLC-5, PanelView). Support automation integration on capital and CI projects.
- Troubleshoot and repair electrical components, wiring, sensors, instrumentation, and power distribution.
- Perform electrical work in accordance with LOTO, PPE, and site safety requirements. Calibrate and commission level, temperature, flow, and pressure devices. Diagnosing VFDs and motion control issues. Interpret electrical schematics.
- Maintain and optimize robotic systems, including robotic assembly and vision inspection platforms. Improve robotic performance in packaging, palletizing, and material handling applications in collaboration with engineering.
- Create and maintain controls and electrical system documentation. Support change control, validation, and engineering procedures. Ensure systems meet FDA and food safety requirements.
- Provide on-shift support for Maintenance and Operations to minimize downtime. Participate in root cause analysis and continuous improvement. Support commissioning and qualification of new or modified equipment. Partner cross-functional to ensure stable system performance and consistent product quality.
All Employee Requirements:
- Ensure compliance with and ensure adherence to all safety standards and with applicable regulatory requirements while following the company’s Good Manufacturing Practices and that required competencies to carry out these job functions affecting product legality, safety and quality are met in accordance with the Quality Policy and Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI) standard.
- Act with honesty, accountability, and respect in every decision and interaction. Support a culture of integrity by speaking up and taking action when practices, behaviors, or risks may negatively affect our people, our customers, our community, our environment, or the business.
- Perform job responsibilities and other duties, as assigned, in full compliance with all company policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements, including accurate and thorough documentation and execution of tasks.
Minimum Qualifications:
- High school diploma or GED.
- Minimum 2 years of experience in industrial automation, controls, or electrical systems.
- Hands-on experience with:
- PLC programming and troubleshooting (Allen-Bradley preferred).
- Electrical instrumentation and calibration.
- Reading and interpreting electrical schematics and control documentation.
- Variable frequency drives (VFDs), motor control centers (MCCs), and motion control systems.
- Analog and digital circuitry.
- Safe working knowledge of electrical systems and mechanical equipment.
- Proficiency with computer applications (Word, Excel, charting, and basic data analysis).
- Preferred or Specialized Experience
- Certification or degree in Electronics, Industrial Power, Robotics, or Automation.
- Experience with Tetra Pak or Stork aseptic filling systems.
- Proficiency in Beckhoff PLCs, Fanuc Robotics, and vision inspection systems (Cognex, Keyence).
- Knowledge of FDA regulations related to food processing and packaging systems.
- Experience in aseptic or other regulated processing environments.