PLC Technician

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Write, change, and test control programs in Opto 22 PAC Control (flowcharts and OptoScript) on groov EPIC and SNAP PAC controllers for new equipment and line changes.


• Support and troubleshoot Allen-Bradley PLCs (RSLogix 500 / Studio 5000) on the equipment that uses them.


• Update HMI screens (groov View / PAC Display), alarms, and operator messages.


• Load and start up program changes on running lines without causing unplanned downtime.


• Keep a current, labeled backup (date, reason, name) of every controller and HMI program, and fix any mismatch with the running program.


• Set up and tune VFDs, sensors, and scales.


• Read schematics and build, wire, and terminate control panels and field devices.


• Run conduit and cable to plant and food safety standards, and check all wiring against the print before powering up.


• Mark up prints when field wiring doesn't match the drawing and submit the change.


• Install and test safety devices such as e-stops, light curtains, and safety relays.


• Respond to line-down calls, find the cause (electrical, mechanical, or logic), and get the line running again.


• Record the cause and fix in the maintenance system, and recommend permanent fixes for repeat problems.


• Complete scheduled inspections of panels, drives, and sensors.


• Always follow lockout/tagout, NFPA 70E arc flash rules, GMPs, SQF, and sanitation rules.


• Train operators and maintenance staff on common faults and recovery steps.

Education and/or Work Experience Requirements:

• 3+ years of hands-on PLC work in a manufacturing or processing plant


• Opto 22 programming experience (PAC Control, groov EPIC or SNAP PAC), or strong PLC programming experience and the ability to learn Opto 22


• Able to read schematics and I/O drawings and wire control panels and field devices


• NFPA 70E / arc flash training, or complete it within 60 days of hire


• LOTO-qualified, or become qualified within 30 days of hire


• High school diploma or GED


• Available for overtime, weekends, callouts, and on-call rotation, especially during harvest season

California electrician certification is not required.

Preferred:

• Allen-Bradley RSLogix 500 / Studio 5000 experience


• groov View, Ignition, or other HMI/SCADA experience


• VFD setup experience


• Food, beverage, or fresh-cut processing experience


• Technical degree or certificate in automation, electronics, or a related field


• Bilingual English/Spanish

Physical Requirements:

• Work in wet, cold (34–45°F), loud production areas


• Stand and walk most of the shift; lift and carry up to 50 lbs


• Bend, kneel, reach overhead, and work in tight spaces


• Climb ladders, work from lifts, and enter confined spaces with a permit


• Wear required PPE, including hearing protection, arc flash gear, and food safety garments