Automation Technician 1st Shift

About the role

Rich’s, also known as Rich Products Corporation, is a family-owned food company dedicated to inspiring possibilities. From cakes and icings to pizza, appetizers and specialty toppings, our products are used in homes, restaurants and bakeries around the world. Beyond great food, our customers also gain insights to help them stay competitive, no matter their size. Our portfolio includes creative solutions geared at helping food industry professionals compete in foodservice, retail, in-store bakery, deli, and prepared foods, among others. With more than 13,500 associates working globally in 100 countries and annual sales of $5.9 billion, Rich’s is a global leader with a focus on everything that family makes possible. Rich’s®—Infinite Possibilities. One Family. This position is with Great Kitchens, Inc., part of the Rich Products family of companies.

The Automation Technician is responsible for inspecting, diagnosing, troubleshooting, repairing and maintaining food processing and packaging machines, mechanical/utility equipment, buildings and office facilities in a USDA production environment.

Responsibilities

• Perform all work as assigned while adhering to established standards associated with workmanship and safety.
• Responsible for the safe and dependable operating condition of all equipment in the facility.
• Set-up, troubleshoot and repair of stacking, bagging, check-weighing, UPC bar coding, case erectors and conveyor equipment.
• Dismantling and re-assembly of equipment to perform repairs, cleaning and lubrication according to established maintenance schedules.
• Testing, troubleshooting and repair of 110/230/460 volt electrical equipment including motors, starters, relays, timers, panels, breakers, conduit and wiring.
• Able to read and interpret Electrical Control schematics for trouble shooting purposes.
• Minor programming and troubleshooting of VFD’s and PLC’s.
• Understands and adheres to established safety programs (ex/ lock out/tag out, ladder safety, etc.)
• Communicates effectively at all levels in the maintenance and operating departments.
• Provides rapid response when equipment malfunctions or breaks down.
• Ensures that all the equipment is ready prior to production.
• Ensures the building is maintained in compliance to city and fire regulations.
• Assists in coaching and training of maintenance and operating personnel.
• Responsible for upholding, following and maintaining the requirements of the SQF Food Safety Code for Manufacturing.

Requirements

• Minimum 5 years of mechanical, electrical, hydraulic and pneumatic experience in a food (USDA or FDA) manufacturing environment.
• Valid Illinois Drivers License preferred.
• High school degree, or equivalent.
• Must be able to lift 50 pounds.
• Ability to work in cold refrigerated and frozen conditions.
• Ability to work at 25 to 30 foot elevations using a man‑lift.

Skills

• Reading, writing and basic math skills.
• Self‑motivated, self‑starter, self‑directed to work without close supervision in a team environment.
• Hard working, dependable, safety and quality conscious.
• Proper and safe use of hand and power tools, and working on machinery.
• Ability to communicate in a professional manner with all employee levels at the plant.