Controls Technician

We make pet food taste great! For over 30 years, AFB International has been providing pet food solutions that enrich the lives of pets and their people.  Our palatants are specially designed to make pet foods, treats and supplements taste better, ensuring pets receive the vital nutrients they need. We know wagging tails, licking whiskers and empty bowls equal happy pets and happy pet parents. Join AFB and you'll be a part of a team of highly skilled professionals that provide the greatest contribution to our success as an organization. Our team members are diverse, creative, passionate experts who are genuinely dedicated to our mission, our customers, and the pets we serve worldwide. ​

Job Description

Summary

The Controls Technician will utilize their hands-on experience to maintain, install and support industrial automation systems. This position is responsible for programming control systems, troubleshooting existing and new plant systems, repairing and rebuilding plant components, and documentation for upgrades and new installations. This role serves as a key bridge between the maintenance and engineering teams, ensuring practical, real-world experience informs all technical projects.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

• Diagnose and resolve electric, software, and mechanical issues including PLCs, HMIs, and SCADA.
• Develop and modify PLC and HMI applications, interfaces, and embedded controls.
• Perform system checks and calibrations to ensure equipment operates at peak performance.
• Create and maintain electrical schematics, P&ID’s, and BOMs for new and modified equipment.
• Assist with installation, testing, and commissioning of new controls and automated equipment.
• Assist the maintenance department in troubleshooting and resolving electrical and control issues.
• Assist other controls, engineering and maintenance team members to define and implement the controls portion of projects.
• Participate in root cause analysis for recurring failures to enhance system performance.
• Technical support and training to maintenance and operation teams on control systems, new equipment, and safety procedures.
• Coordinate with external vendors and suppliers to ensure project requirements are met.

• Develop, modify, and document PLC, HMI, and SCADA to improve system reliability, functionality, and performance.
• Participate in the setup and commissioning of new processes and upgrades.

• Ensure the safety of control systems, including design, installation, operation, and maintenance.
• Identify and install instrumentation that will contribute to overall process control systems.

Supervisory Responsibilities

Not Applicable

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 Equivalent

Two or more years of hands-on experience in an industrial or manufacturing environment with demonstrated expertise in troubleshooting and maintaining complex control systems.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following knowledge, skills, and abilities: 

• Working knowledge of Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC’s)
• Ability to read, understand and troubleshoot Ladder Logic
• Ability to troubleshoot problems with existing PLC systems.
• Strong knowledge of electrical circuits.
• Strong knowledge of electrical safety codes.
• Ability to read and modify electrical schematics
• Ability to commission and calibrate a wide variety of instrumentation.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Excellent problem-solving skills
• Maintains confidentiality
• Demonstrates attention to detail, accuracy, and thoroughness
• Follows all company policies and procedures.
• Use time efficiently.
• Desire for continuous learning and improvement.
• Strong computer skills including by not limited to: MS Office products, Visio, MMS systems, ERP systems, SCADA systems, AutoCAD Electrical.
• Excellent interpersonal communication and leadership skills to interact effectively with peers, co-workers, supervisors, customers, and vendors as required.
• Ability to follow instructions and respond to management direction.

Physical Demands – The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand; walk and talk or hear. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 70 pounds. Climb ladders. Also bending, reaching, and pulling.

Work Environment – The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The temperature in the plant varies seasonally and may be hot and humid in the late summer. The employee may be exposed to the weather outside the plant.  The meat room remains at a cold temperature year round. 

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate to loud in the production environment.  PPE requirements apply. 

AFB International is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE). Qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex, age, disability, sexual orientation, genetic information, national origin, or veteran status.