1st Shift Machine Maintenace Controls Technician

Michigan Turkey Producers Grand Rapids, Michigan, United States

About this position

 

Essential Functions of Role:

This is a hands-on position that plays a critical role in keeping our plant equipment safe, reliable, and efficient. Reporting to the Maintenance Manager, this role will focus on preventive maintenance, troubleshooting, and continuous improvement of electrical control systems. 

Key Responsibilities Include and Accountable For:

  • Equipment Maintenance & Troubleshooting:
    1. Perform preventative maintenance, emergency repairs, rebuilds, and projects on plant equipment in compliance with USDA, HACCP, GMP, and company standards.
    2. Provide electrical and programming troubleshooting support for PLCs, HMIs, VFDs, and other plant control systems.
    3. Assist maintenance and operations personnel with equipment troubleshooting as needed.
  • Controls Systems Design & Programming:
    1. Design, develop, implement, and supervise electrical control systems for machinery and equipment.
    2. Perform PLC programming and maintain program files (RSLogix 500, RSLogix 5000).
    3. Design and develop HMI systems (FactoryTalk View ME & SE, PanelView, PanelView+).
    4. Assist with the build and wiring of control panels as necessary.
    5. Manage and maintain controls documentation, electrical drawings, and revision history for plant systems.
  • Automation Reliability & Continuous Improvement:
    1. Implement upgrades to PLC, HMI, and control systems to improve reliability, efficiency, and safety.
    2. Conduct root cause analysis of recurring electrical/automation failures and recommend corrective actions.
    3. Identify opportunities for automation to reduce downtime, improve quality, and streamline operations.
    4. Stay current with emerging technologies in industrial automation and recommend adoption where beneficial.
  • Project Management & Collaboration:
    1. Partner with Plant Engineer, Maintenance Managers, and Operations to plan and complete capital and improvement projects.
    2. Assist in the development and implementation of cost-saving and energy-efficiency solutions.
    3. Manage assigned projects from start to finish, ensuring timelines, budgets, and safety standards are met.
    4. Support SOP development and documentation for automated equipment and control processes.
  • Record Keeping and Reporting:
    1. Maintain accurate records of PLC and HMI programs, electrical drawings, and control system updates.
    2. Document troubleshooting steps, system changes, and project outcomes.
    3. Provide reports on system performance and reliability to maintenance leadership.
  • Safety & Compliance:
    1. Ensure compliance with electrical codes, OSHA standards, and company safety policies.
    2. Maintain safe work practices when troubleshooting and repairing electrical systems.
    3. Support Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) compliance and help maintain arc flash safety programs.
    4. Provide training and technical support to maintenance staff on electrical systems and control equipment.
  • Team Support and Collaboration:
    1. Work closely with engineers, managers, and technicians to support plant operations.
    2. Share technical knowledge and assist in the training of maintenance staff.
    3. Collaborate across departments to improve system reliability and performance.
  • Perform all other duties as assigned.
    • This job description is designed to provide a comprehensive overview of the role and may evolve as the company’s needs change.

Key Measurable Results:

  • Safety Performance:
    • Zero lost-time incidents.
    • Proactive identification and resolution of electrical safety risks.
    • Corrective Maintenance work to address safety risks are planned within 24 hours and completed within 48 hours
  • Quality Performance:
    • Reviewing quality incidents and near misses to determine if procedures or training need to be updated
    • Corrective Maintenance work to address quality risks are planned within 24 hours and completed within 72 hours
  • Equipment Uptime:
    • Maintain high uptime through effective troubleshooting and preventative maintenance.  Effectively communicating anticipated time to repair equipment to Maintenance and Operations leadership
    • Reviewing mechanical downtime events in reference to PM/CM completion and reporting any findings to Maintenance leadership.
    • Utilize continuous improvement to advance current Preventative Maintenance procedures and practices 
    • Track and report out WO completion performance with Preventative Maintenance Completion > 90% and Corrective Maintenance Completion > 80%

Qualifications:

  • Education & Experience:
    • PLC and HMI programming experience (RSLogix 500, RSLogix 5000, FactoryTalk View ME & SE, PanelView/PanelView+).
    • Strong electrical troubleshooting experience with Allen Bradley PLCs, HMIs, VFDs, and sensors.
    • Proficiency in AutoCAD Electrical.
    • High School Diploma or equivalent (required)
    • License Electrician or associate’s degree in electrical Controls Technology (preferred).
  • Skills & Abilities:
    • Strong knowledge of mechanical, electrical, and hydraulic systems.
    • Proficiency in maintenance management software and tools.
    • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
    • Strong problem-solving abilities with a hands-on approach.
    • Ability to work well independently and as part of a team.
  • Additional Information:
    • This position may require work be performed at either MTP facility within Grand Rapids, Michigan.
    • Flexibility in hours may be necessary to support business needs, which will be planned out in advance.
    • Weekend work may be required to support production, projects, or maintenance needs.
    • A valid driver’s license is required.

Physical Qualifications:

 

The physical demands listed below represent those required to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made for individuals with disabilities.

  • Must be able to perform all essential job functions safely and effectively.
  • Must be able to lift and torque equipment weighing up to 70 pounds.
  • Must be able to work at heights up to 17 feet for inspection or repair of equipment.
  • Must be able to work in wet, cold, and uneven environments, including sloped or pitched flooring and steps throughout work areas.
  • Must be able to stand, bend, twist, reach, and move continuously for 10–12 hours or for the full duration of the shift.
  • Must be able to work underneath, on, or around equipment, including in confined spaces as small as 2 feet by 2 feet.
  • Must be able to perform repairs efficiently in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment.
  • Must be able to wear required personal protective equipment (PPE), which includes:
  • Ear plugs
  • Hard hat
  • Hair net
  • Protective coat or smock
  • Forearm protection
  • Plastic gloves
  • Cotton gloves
  • Ability to work in standard office conditions when needed.
  • Ability to operate office equipment such as a computer, phone, copier, labeler, and laminator.
  • Ability to clearly hear and understand verbal instructions, alarms, and emergency signals, and to respond quickly and appropriately to emergency situations.
  • Ability to read and comprehend written and printed materials, including computer screens and written instructions.
  • Ability to communicate clearly and professionally in both oral and written form.
  • Must be able to read, write, and understand English.