Controls Automation Technician (Shift 7pm-7am)

Purpose and role of job:

Troubleshoot and maintain controls components and systems for production and associated utility equipment to insure highest reliability, proper line performance, and safe operation.

Principal Accountabilities/ Responsibilities:

• Observes all OSHA and company safety rules and uses the proper safety equipment at all times.  Notifies Supervisor of potential electrical hazards and takes immediate corrective action.  Demonstrates basic National Electrical Code understanding.

• Troubleshoots, repairs, replaces and calibrates electrical sensors including: photoelectric, inductive, capacitive, magnetic, pressure, temperature, weight and position sensors.

• Troubleshoots, repairs, replaces and commissions all electrical control devices including: AC drives, DC drives, Servo Controllers, contactors, motors, breakers, solenoids power supplies and indicator lights.

• Troubleshoots, repairs, replaces and commissions all PLC/HMI based hardware including: processors, discrete and analog I/O cards, power supplies, network adapters, Distributed I/O, dedicated operator interfaces such as Panelview, PC based interfaces and message displays such as FactoryTalkView.

• Diagnoses problems using laptop computers interfaced to PLC’s, HMI’s and servo systems utilizing electrical schematics, meters, oscilloscopes, and any additional resources available.

• Makes small program changes in PLC’s logic, HMI’s programs and servo controller logic to aid in the diagnosis and repair of machine problems.

• Makes wiring/programming changes on all production equipment as required.

• Performs electrical preventative maintenance at scheduled intervals as assigned.

• Assists Production, Maintenance, Process and Project Engineers to meet daily priorities, coverage, and special projects.

• Assists with projects and equipment installations as necessary.

• Shares knowledge and techniques with team members and assists with training of new personnel.

• Attends all training seminars provided by the company when applicable.

• Maintains a clean and orderly work area.

• Performs other duties as necessary when directed to do so.

Education and experience requirements:

• High School Diploma with Associates Degree in electronics or equivalent.

• Preferred 1-3 years of industrial experience.

• Personal Computer skills including specific controls programming software and basic e-mail, word processing, and spreadsheet applications.

• Has fundamental knowledge of electrical theory and principles of operation.

• Solid knowledge of three phase, single phase and DC power.

• Familiar with NEC and standard wiring practices.

• Utilizes meters and oscilloscopes to identify electrical problems.

• Reads electrical schematics.

• Has advanced knowledge of all controller based hardware and software.

• Reads and make small changes to PLC ladder logic.

• Reads and troubleshoot motion control/servo programs.

• Reads HMI software to identify its effects on the equipment.

• Follows data and signals from one controller to another over various networks.

• Standard knowledge of product specifications, quality requirements, production goals, efficiency and waste.

• Knows products specifications and the processes that affect them.

• Understands the impact of downtime and waste on production efficiency.

• Works closely with the production team to identify and resolve problems.

• Communicates with the parts department to ensure adequate spares.

• Good analytical skills.

• Identifies problems and isolates them to specific components through tests and observations.

• Performs electrical troubleshooting utilizing a logical and time effective approach.

• With assistance, can operate production equipment.

• Makes quick and accurate electrical repairs and program changes.

• Must have in-depth knowledge of the production equipment and processes to identify a faulty device or program.

• Repairs must be thorough to prevent any further downtime.

• Works well in a team environment.

Work Environment:

Work in an environment exposed to dust.  Work in an environment exposed to marked changes in temperature or humidity.  Observes all safety rules and uses the proper safety equipment at all times.

Physical Requirements:

• Occasional sitting with frequent walking/standing during 12-hour shift.

• Occasional bending, kneeling, climbing, and reaching overhead throughout shift.

• Occasional pushing or pulling with the arms, legs, or body during shift.

• Frequent lifting or carrying up to 10 pounds with occasional lifting or carrying up to 50 pounds.

• Occasional repetitive use of hands.

• Occasional light and firm grasping with hands throughout shift.