E-Tech/PLC/Process Control Trainee
About the Role
Ready for more than just a job? Build a career with purpose. At Lactalis in the USA, we’re committed to providing meaningful opportunities for our people to learn, grow, and thrive—whether you’re just starting your journey with us or looking to take the next step in your career. From day one, we offer the tools and support to help you succeed. As the world leader in dairy, Lactalis is a family-owned company with over 85,000 pragmatic and ambitious professionals across the globe. Each day, we’re proud to produce award-winning dairy products that bring people together.
This position, based in Belmont, WI, is an excellent opportunity for an IT professional looking to transition into industrial automation, process controls, and manufacturing technology. The successful candidate will apply their existing computer, networking, troubleshooting, and technology skills while developing expertise in PLC programming, HMI development, robotics, process control, instrumentation, and industrial automation systems. Working alongside experienced maintenance and automation professionals, the candidate will receive hands-on training and mentoring to develop the technical skills required to support and improve automated manufacturing systems. This role provides a pathway toward becoming a Controls Specialist, Automation Technician, Controls Engineer, Reliability Engineer, or Maintenance Leader.
Responsibilities
- Learn to troubleshoot and support automated control systems throughout the facility.
- Develop PLC programming skills under the guidance of experienced automation personnel.
- Learn to support and maintain HMI systems and industrial computers.
- Gain experience with industrial communication networks and control system integration.
- Participate in automation projects and equipment upgrades.
- Learn process control concepts and industrial instrumentation.
- Assist with troubleshooting automation and process control issues.
- Support maintenance and production teams in resolving equipment-related problems.
- Work with experienced programmers on PLC modifications and enhancements.
- Participate in system testing, commissioning, and startup activities.
- Help maintain automation documentation and program backups.
- Conduct daily reviews of system performance and identify opportunities for improvement.
- Assist with calibration and troubleshooting of sensors and instrumentation.
- Support continuous improvement initiatives throughout the facility.
- Participate in on-call support as skills and training progress.
Qualifications
- Diploma or Degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Computer Engineering Technology, Automation Technology, or a related technical field.
- Strong computer troubleshooting skills.
- Basic understanding of networking concepts.
- Experience supporting hardware, software, servers, workstations, or network infrastructure.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
- Ability to learn new technologies quickly.
- Willingness to work in a manufacturing environment.
Preferred Skills
- Exposure to programming concepts.
- Experience with databases, networking, or system administration.
- Interest in automation, robotics, manufacturing technology, or industrial controls.
- Experience troubleshooting technical systems.
Benefits
At Lactalis, we offer a comprehensive Total Rewards Program with a variety of affordable benefits and coverage options. We support insurance costs significantly, contribute generously to retirement plans, and offer Paid Time Off from day one. We are committed to your professional growth, providing training and development opportunities, including Education Reimbursement.