Automation & Controls Technician (Food Production)

This role serves as the primary on‑site resource for IT/OT support, automation troubleshooting, and system optimization within a highly automated food production facility. Working Saturday through Monday on the night shift, the Automation Technician ensures that controls systems, robotics, and digital platforms operate safely, reliably, and in alignment with production requirements.

Client Details

This organization is a high‑growth, highly automated food production operation backed by a strong, well‑established parent company. The facility is known for its investment in modern manufacturing technology, robotics, and digital transformation, enabling teams to work with state‑of‑the‑art equipment in a clean, well‑run environment.

The company fosters a culture built on reliability, integrity, and continuous improvement. Employees join a collaborative team that values innovation, professional development, and hands‑on problem solving while supporting a mission‑driven food manufacturing operation.

Description

• Provide on‑site IT/OT support across a highly automated food production facility
• Troubleshoot and maintain PLC systems (Rockwell, Siemens)
• Support, diagnose, and repair industrial robotics equipment (Fanuc, JBT)
• Maintain and troubleshoot VFDs, servomotors, and industrial instrumentation
• Manage and optimize SCADA platforms (Ignition, Rockwell SE & ME HMIs)
• Monitor robotic systems (e.g., Fanuc ZDT) for proactive error prevention
• Assist with automation architecture, controls integration, and system documentation
• Support production hardware including HMIs, thin clients, and IIoT devices
• Coordinate software patches, system updates, and vendor support activities
• Participate in data and analytics initiatives related to production performance
• Ensure compliance with electrical safety standards and ISA S95 frameworks
• Drive continuous improvement and assist with automation upgrades or commissioning
• Collaborate with Maintenance and Operations teams to minimize downtime

Profile

Required Experience:

• Hands‑on experience with PLCs (Rockwell + Siemens)
• Experience with industrial robotics (Fanuc, JBT)
• Strong knowledge of VFDs, servomotors, and industrial instrumentation
• Proficiency with SCADA platforms (Ignition, Rockwell SE & ME)
• Prior work in a manufacturing environment-ideally Food & Beverage
• Understanding of electrical safety and industrial hardware standards
• Knowledge of ISA S95 or comparable automation architecture standards
• Excellent troubleshooting and diagnostics skills
• Ability to work independently on night‑shift operations (Sat-Mon, 6pm-6am)
• Strong organization, communication, and multitasking abilities

Preferred, But Not Required:

• Experience with Rockwell FactoryTalk, Inductive Automation tools
• Exposure to Industry 4.0 systems, ASRS, AGVs
• Familiarity with Lean/continuous improvement principles (5S, RCFA, etc.)
• Degree in Mechatronics, Engineering, or related field (or equivalent experience)

Job Offer

• Pay range: $43.27-$48.08/hr
• Work with cutting‑edge automation, robotics, and advanced technology
• Clean, modern, highly automated production environment
• Join a skilled, collaborative technical team with leadership visibility
• Opportunities for skills development and exposure to automation specialists
• Stable organization backed by a major national parent brand
• Predictable 3‑day work schedule promoting work/life balance

MPI does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, marital status, or based on an individual's status in any group or class protected by applicable federal, state or local law. MPI encourages applications from minorities, women, the disabled, protected veterans and all other qualified applicants.