Automation Technician

fairlife, LLC is a Chicago-based nutrition company that creates great-tasting, nutrition-rich and dairy products to nourish consumers.

With over $3B in annual retail sales, fairlife’s portfolio of delicious, lactose-free, real dairy products includes: fairlife® ultra-filtered milk; Core Power® High Protein Shakes, a sports nutrition drink to support post-workout recovery; fairlife® nutrition plan™, a nutrition shake to support the journey to better health.

A wholly owned subsidiary of The Coca-Cola company, fairlife, LLC has been recognized by both Fast Company and Nielsen for its industry leading innovation.

To learn more about fairlife and its complete line of products, please visit fairlife.com.

job purpose: 

The Plant Automation Technician continuously evaluates the existing process control systems for reliability of control and effectiveness.  In fulfilling these roles, the Plant Automation Technician works closely with engineering team department members, maintenance, and operations.  Provide day-to-day technical support on process control systems and process control related tasks. Support implementation of new projects by adding or modifying control systems, PLC hardware and software, and HMI systems.  Continually improve process control systems through Advanced Process Control, Alarm Management, and Operator Interface Optimization.  Responsible for integration of PLCs, HMIs, VFDs, Servo Drives, and process controls.  Responsible for training end users in the operations of newly installed or modified process control systems.  Responsible for control systems and control logic designs, documentation of operation procedures and as-built drawings and logic.  They will be the plant liaison for new system start up and commissioning by outside controls contractors and system integrators to ensure proper transfer of documented PLC program changes and adequate training on the installation/changes that have been completed.

responsibilities:

• Perform routine and specialized duties in the repair and maintenance and updating of instruments, controls and process control network systems involved throughout the entire manufacturing process


• Work as part of a team to plan, analyze and control the quality of processes


• Inspect, repair, and adjust Programmable Logic Controls (PLC), and Human Machine Interfaces (HMI), and related equipment using electrical test equipment, circuit diagrams, schematics and blueprints


• Work to arrange for repair and replacement of instruments and control systems that fail to operate. They must continuously monitor all operation processes so that a malfunction is immediately recognized and corrected.


• Continually improve process control systems through Advanced Process Control, Alarm Management, and Operator Interface Optimization.


• Plant liaison for new system start up and commissioning by outside controls contractors and system integrators to ensure proper transfer of documented PLC program changes and adequate training on the installation/changes that have been completed.


• Responsible for integration of PLCs, HMIs, VFDs, Servo Drives, and process controls.


• Responsible for training end users in the operations of newly installed or modified process control systems.


• Provide technical training for lower-level personnel.


• Other duties as may be assigned.

skills/qualifications required:

• Associates or Bachelor’s degree in Electrical/Electronic Engineering or Technology or related military service training programs OR a minimum of three (3) years maintenance experience in industrial control system development and troubleshooting.


• Must have proven experience with the following PLCs: Allen Bradley MicroLogix or Micro800, CompactLogix & ControlLogix.


• Must have proven experience with HMI or SCADA programming and configuration


• Must have proven experience programming and troubleshooting Allen Bradley VFDs


• Must have proven experience with EtherNet/IP industrial networks


• Strong PLC skills with expertise in system administrative and maintenance activities, and hardware and software troubleshooting.


• Experience programming in multiple languages that are IEC 61131-3 compliant, such as ladder diagram, function block diagram, structured text, instruction list and/or sequential function chart.

skills/qualifications preferred:

• Experience with FTView ME, FTView SE and/or Ignition


• Experience with Siemens S7 PLCs and B&R industrial automation.


• Experience with Eaton and Danfoss VFDs


• Experience with the following industrial networks: CAN, BACnet, AS-i, Modbus.


• Familiarity with SQL databases.


• Additional experience with machinery repair and control systems


• Additional training as an industrial electrician


• Dairy and/or beverage experience


• Experience programming in visual basic, CSS, Java, Python, SQL, or other languages.

food safety requirements: Notify supervision of any repairs or adjustments that are required that may affect product quality or food safety.

• Understand, observe, and comply with the handling and usage of the color-coded container policy while in the Production Areas.


• Perform all duties necessary to meet Company, Customer and/or Government requirements/standards as prioritized by the Company.


• Ability to initiate action to prevent the occurrence of nonconformities relating to Food Safety and the Quality of the product, processes, quality system, or safety system.


• Identify and record any problems relating to Food Safety and the Quality of the ingredients, processes, quality system, or safety system.


• Control further processing or delivery of nonconforming product in terms of Food Safety and Quality issues until the deficiency or unsatisfactory condition has been corrected.


• In the event of absence, another employee with the same skill level will assume the duties and responsibilities as required.

position location: Goodyear, AZ

reports to: Automation Engineer

travel requirements: Minimal

exempt/nonexempt: Non-Exempt

fairlife, LLC is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. All qualified applicants and employees will be given equal opportunity. Selection decisions are based on job-related factors.

In addition to its nondiscrimination commitment, the Company will also provide reasonable accommodation of qualified individuals with known disabilities unless doing so would impose an undue hardship on the Company. If you have a disability and would like to request accommodation in order to apply for a position with us, please email [email protected].

For Recruitment Agencies

At fairlife, we manage the majority of our hiring internally through our dedicated Talent Acquisition team, which is actively engaged in direct candidate sourcing. Most of our roles are filled through applications submitted via our careers site or through direct outreach by our team.