Maintenance Tech III/ Electronic Controls Tech

Summary

The Maintenance Technician III (Electrical Controls Specialist) is responsible for maintaining, troubleshooting, repairing, and optimizing highly automated production and processing equipment within an egg production and food manufacturing facility. This role focuses heavily on industrial electrical systems, electronic controls, PLC programming, automation equipment, motor controls, VFDs, sensors, and production line troubleshooting. The technician will support both preventive and corrective maintenance activities while minimizing downtime and ensuring safe, efficient operation of plant equipment.

Key Responsibilities

• Troubleshoot, diagnose, and repair complex electrical, electronic, pneumatic, and mechanical systems on automated production equipment.
• Perform advanced troubleshooting of PLC-controlled equipment, including monitoring, and troubleshooting ladder logic programs.
• Maintain and repair Allen-Bradley, Siemens, or similar PLC platforms, HMI systems, network communications, industrial sensors, and control devices.
• Diagnose and repair motor control circuits, VFDs, servo systems, relays, contactors, starters, control panels, and instrumentation.
• Read, interpret, and update electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, PLC documentation, and equipment manuals.
• Install, configure, and commission new automation equipment, control systems, and production machinery.
• Troubleshoot communication networks including Ethernet/IP, DeviceNet, Modbus, and other industrial control networks.
• Perform root cause analysis of equipment failures and implement corrective actions to improve reliability and reduce downtime.
• Support predictive and preventive maintenance programs for production and facility equipment.
• Calibrate and maintain sensors, transmitters, encoders, proximity switches, photo eyes, and other electronic control components.
• Assist with machine upgrades, equipment modifications, and continuous improvement projects.
• Ensure all work is performed in accordance with OSHA regulations, electrical safety standards, LOTO procedures, and company safety policies.
• Maintain detailed maintenance records, troubleshooting logs, and equipment documentation within the CMMS system.
• Provide technical support and training to operators and maintenance team members regarding automation systems and equipment operation.
• Respond to production-related equipment issues quickly and effectively to minimize operational downtime.

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education and/or Experience

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Associate Degree, Technical Diploma, or Certification in Industrial Maintenance, Mechatronics, Electrical Technology, Automation Technology, or related field preferred.
• 3+ years of industrial maintenance experience in a manufacturing, food processing, or production environment.
• Demonstrated hands-on experience troubleshooting and maintaining PLC-controlled equipment.
• Experience with Allen-Bradley, Siemens, or similar industrial automation platforms strongly preferred.
• Knowledge of electrical safety practices and industrial maintenance standards.
• Ability to obtain First Aid/CPR certification.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Strong understanding of industrial electrical systems, including:
• 24VDC, 120VAC, 240VAC, and 480VAC systems
• Motor controls
• VFDs and soft starters
• Power distribution systems
• Control panel troubleshooting
• Proficiency with PLC, troubleshooting, and diagnostics.
• Experience working with:
• Allen-Bradley ControlLogix, CompactLogix, PLC-5, or SLC platforms
• Siemens PLC systems
• FactoryTalk, PanelView, WinCC, or similar HMI software
• Ability to troubleshoot industrial networks and control communications.
• Strong understanding of automation controls, robotics, sensors, instrumentation, and process control systems.
• Ability to interpret electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, and technical manuals.
• Skilled in the use of multimeters, megohmmeters, amp probes, oscilloscopes, and other electrical diagnostic equipment.
• Experience working within GMP-regulated food manufacturing environments preferred.
• Ability to prioritize work in a fast-paced production environment while maintaining a high level of safety and quality.
• Strong communication skills and ability to work effectively with operations, engineering, and maintenance teams.
• Willingness to work any shift, weekends, and overtime as needed.

Physical Demands

Stand and walk constantly; grip, grasp, push, pull, reach, bend, stoop, lift up to 10 pounds frequently; sit, climb, lift up to 50 pounds occasionally

Work Environment

Frequently exposed to moving mechanical parts and water, and chemicals. Temperature is regulated for operations standards. Cooler temperatures occur in specific areas. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. Proper personal protective equipment will be required during certain working conditions. Employees are required to comply with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP’s) due to working in a food manufacturing environment (hairnets, clean clothes, etc.).