Automation & Controls Technician

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

AMPI owns six Midwest-based manufacturing plants where 10 percent of the nations American-type cheese and processed cheese is produced. The cooperatives award-winning cheese and powdered dairy products are marketed to foodservice, retail and food ingredient customers. In 2019, the co-op launched its Dinner Bell Creamery brand and accompanying Co-op Crafted promise, highlighting more than 50 years of dairy farm families partnering with skilled cheesemakers.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

This list of duties and responsibilities is not all inclusive and may be expanded to include other duties and responsibilities as management may deem necessary from time to time:

Automation & Controls Ownership

• Serve as the primary site subject matter expert for industrial automation, controls, PLCs, HMIs, and associated control systems.
• Maintain, troubleshoot, modify, and optimize Rockwell/Allen-Bradley PLC-based control systems and HMI applications.
• Diagnose complex automation issues and identify root causes affecting equipment reliability, process performance, and production capability.

Process & Equipment Controls

• Support automation and controls across fluid processing, milk handling, pasteurization, separation, standardization, cheese making, ingredient systems, CIP, utilities, and packaging operations.
• Troubleshoot and optimize control loops, sensors, transmitters, valves, VFDs, motors, and related control devices.
• Apply controls expertise to improve process stability, equipment performance, yield, quality, and operational consistency.

Packaging & Material Handling Automation

• Support automation systems associated with fillers, packaging equipment, conveyors, case packing, palletizing, robotics, vision systems, servo/motion systems, and related material handling equipment.
• Troubleshoot communication and controls issues between packaging equipment and upstream/downstream process systems.

Industrial Networks & Technology

• Troubleshoot industrial communication networks and connectivity issues affecting automation and controls systems.
• Support Ethernet/IP and other industrial communication technologies within the plant as required.
• Maintain awareness of network architecture, connected devices, and controls infrastructure that impact plant reliability.

Maintenance & Operational Support

• Provide hands-on technical support to Maintenance and Operations personnel during equipment failures, process interruptions, and other automation-related issues.
• Participate in an on-call rotation to provide technical support to off-shift maintenance personnel.
• Coach and develop maintenance technicians in automation, controls, instrumentation, and troubleshooting techniques.
• Respond with urgency to critical automation failures and work collaboratively to restore safe and reliable operation.

Reliability & Continuous Improvement

• Analyze equipment and controls failures to identify root causes and implement sustainable solutions.
• Identify opportunities to automate manual processes, improve equipment functionality, reduce variability, and increase operating efficiency.
• Lead or support automation-focused continuous improvement initiatives.

Capital Projects & Engineering Support

• Provide controls expertise during equipment upgrades, capital projects, and process improvements.
• Participate in controls design reviews, equipment specifications, factory acceptance testing, site acceptance testing, installation, commissioning, and startup activities.
• Review vendor and integrator controls solutions to ensure alignment with plant standards and operational requirements.

Documentation & Standards

• Maintain accurate controls documentation, including PLC backups, HMI configurations, I/O information, control-system documentation, and related records.
• Develop and maintain troubleshooting guides, technical references, and other resources that improve site automation capability.

An individual in this position must be able to successfully perform the essential duties and responsibilities listed above. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position. The above list reflects the general details necessary to describe the principle and essential functions of the position and shall not be construed as the only duties that may be assigned for the position.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE

• Associate degree, technical degree, or certificate in Industrial Automation, Electrical Technology, Controls Engineering Technology, Mechatronics, Instrumentation, or a related technical discipline; equivalent combination of education and relevant experience may be considered.
• 5+ years relevant work experience required.
• Experience with Rockwell PLC and HMI software and systems required.
• AutoCAD LT experience is a plus.
• Technical knowledge of fluid milk, cheese and drying operations in dairy manufacturing preferred.
• Prior experience in manufacturing and automation required.

BENEFITS/REWARDS

AMPI offers competitive starting pay, PTO, 401k, short-term disability, health, dental, vision, life insurance, flexible spending accounts, employee assistance programs and more.

Associated Milk Producers Inc. (AMPI) is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.

Military service members, veterans, and qualified individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.