Associate Controls Technician

Shift: 3:00 PM-11:30 PMHourly Rate: $34.88 an hour + $.65 shift differential

The Associate Controls Technician is responsible for installing, maintaining, troubleshooting, and repairing automated control systems and their components to ensure optimal performance and minimize downtime.

This role involves working with a variety of technologies, including programmable logic controllers (PLCs), human-machine interfaces (HMIs), sensors, and actuators. The ideal candidate possesses strong technical skills, problem-solving abilities, and a commitment to safety and quality.

Position Responsibilities:

• System Installation and Setup:
  • Install, configure, and commission automated control systems, including PLCs, HMIs, and related hardware, according to design specifications and diagrams.
  • Program and modify batch management systems to edit or add new recipes.
• Maintenance and Repair:
  • Perform preventative and corrective maintenance on control systems and their components, ensuring optimal system performance and extending equipment lifespan.
  • Troubleshoot and diagnose system malfunctions, both remotely and on-site, using specialized tools and diagnostic equipment.
  • Replace or repair faulty components, such as sensors, actuators, valves, and motor drives.
• Calibration and Testing:
  • Calibrate and test instruments, ensuring accuracy and proper function within specified parameters.
  • Use testing devices, such as multimeters, calibrators, and oscilloscopes, to analyze system performance and identify issues.
  • Monitor batch management systems for correct delivery of ingredients; recalibrating systems as needed.
• System Monitoring and Optimization:
  • Monitor control systems to verify that parameters like temperature and pressure are within acceptable ranges.
  • Work with engineers to identify and implement solutions to improve manufacturing equipment and system performance.
• Documentation and Reporting:
  • Maintain detailed records of maintenance activities, repairs, calibration data, and system configurations.
  • Create and update documentation, including schematics, diagrams, and operating manuals.
  • Generate reports for management and engineering teams on system performance and issues identified.
• Safety and Compliance:
  • Adhere to all safety guidelines and regulations, including lock out/tag out (LOTO) procedures and safe work practices.
  • Ensure that all equipment and systems meet regulatory and compliance standards, including the National Electric Code.
• Collaboration:
  • Work effectively in a team environment, collaborating with engineers, operators, and other technicians to implement new systems or upgrades.
  • Attend Daily Direction Setting and Shift Hand Off meetings.
  • Participate in specialized teams and becomes a technical resource to other teams.

Minimum Qualifications and Experience:

• Must have a minimum of 1-2 years satisfactory experience in industrial-type PLC programming or equivalent amount of technical schooling and experience.
• Must have a minimum of 1-2 years SAP experience.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Demonstrate leadership skills (communications, teamwork, problem solving, decision making)
• Must have programming and troubleshooting knowledge of Allen Bradley programmable controllers.
• Must understand packaging and industrial automation processes.

Anticipated Close Date: March 31, 2026Location: Saint Elmo, Illinois

Our Benefits:

We care about your total well-being and will support you with the following, subject to your location and role:

• Health: Medical, dental and vision insurance, company-paid life, accident and disability insurance
• Wealth: Great pay, 401(k)/pension eligibility, financial wellness programs and stock purchase plan
• Growth: Career development opportunities, employee resource groups and team collaboration
• Balance: Paid-time off and volunteer opportunities

Our Company:

At Conagra Brands, we have a rich heritage of making great food. We aspire to have the most impactful, energized and inclusive culture in food. As a member of our 18,000+ person team across 40+ locations, you are empowered to reach your potential, make an impact and own your career. We're in the business of building champions – within our people and our iconic brands like Birds Eye ®, Slim Jim® and Reddi-Wip®.

Our focus on innovation extends beyond making great food, it also reflects our commitment to embracing new solutions that positively impact our team, the communities we serve and the health of our planet. Foodies Welcome.

Conagra Brands is an equal opportunity employer and considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to sex, race, color, religion, ethnic or national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, pregnancy, leave status, disability, veteran status, genetic information and/or any other characteristic or status protected by national, federal, state or local law. Reasonable accommodation may be made upon request.