Electronic Specialist

About the role

Under the direction of the Production / Engineering Manager, this role is responsible for improving the design, installation, maintenance, and operation of all types of control devices and electronic accessories. You will work with production, maintenance personnel, and vendors, focusing on computers, programmable logic controllers (PLCs), electronic control devices, vision systems, scanners, and miscellaneous peripherals that support production. You will also assist shift electricians as needed.

Responsibilities

• Maintain hardware and software for all plant PLC controllers, electronic devices, vision systems, inkjet printers, robotic, and automated programmable equipment.
• Make programming changes as required to optimize process and quality.
• Demonstrate working knowledge of 480V 3-phase systems, 220V, and 110V systems.
• Perform daily safety checks on electrical systems and equipment.
• Read a variety of measuring devices, drawings, and schematics.
• Troubleshoot electrical and mechanical issues in all departments.
• Be available for call-outs in cases of emergencies and breakdowns.
• Work alternative shifts when necessary for maintenance.
• Conduct inventory of materials to ensure sufficient stock to maintain operations.
• Work with team members to make recommendations for process improvements.
• Read, follow, and understand manuals and blueprints.
• Fill in operating production equipment in all departments as assigned.
• Operate forklifts.
• Maintain 5S/housekeeping standards.
• Perform other duties as assigned by management.

Requirements

• Solid understanding and ability to troubleshoot electronic components and control systems.
• Ability to write PLC programs and working knowledge of PC programs.
• Excellent communication skills and ability to work with a wide variety of personnel.
• Training of other personnel in electronic troubleshooting.
• Working knowledge of measuring devices (mechanical and electrical) and competency with mathematics, electrical calculations including amps, voltage, resistance, and capacitance.
• Ability to work at heights following all safety procedures.
• Ability to read blueprints and electronic schematics.
• Identify and resolve complex problems in a timely manner with a sense of urgency.
• Ability to multi-task in a fast-paced environment with strong communication skills.
• Attention to detail.
• Ability to communicate with others within and outside the department.
• Read and interpret written information.
• Proven problem-solving experience.
• Team-oriented with good energy and initiative.
• Ability to complete administrative tasks as necessary.

Qualifications

• Prefer degree in electronics-related field or at least three years of industrial experience with electronics, computers, and control systems, or equivalent technical education.
• High School Diploma/GED.

Skills

• PLC programming skills required.
• Must be punctual and reliable.
• Availability to work a variety of shifts and weekends.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Regularly stand, walk, use hands to finger, handle, feel, and talk or hear.
• Frequently required to reach with hands and arms, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl, and work in confined spaces.
• Occasionally lift and/or move up to 75 pounds; frequently lift between 1-50 pounds.
• Specific vision abilities required include close and distance vision as well as color recognition.
• Good hand-eye coordination is necessary.

Time distribution for physical activities:

• Stand: 91%
• Sit: 9%
• Walk: 40%
• Lift: 30%
• Twist: 50%
• Squat: 20%
• Crawl: 0%
• Climb: 0%
• Bend (90 degrees): 20%
• Reach above shoulders: 10%
• Kneel: 2%

Lifting requirements:

• Up to 15 lbs: Frequently
• 16-30 lbs: Frequently
• 31-50 lbs: Frequently
• 51-75 lbs: Occasionally
• 76-100 lbs: Not required
• Over 100 lbs: Not required

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee may encounter while performing the essential functions of this job.

• Noise level in the work environment is very loud; hearing protection and other assigned Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) must be worn.
• Temperature can range from extreme cold (<40 degrees) to extreme heat (>95 degrees).
• The atmosphere contains fumes, dust, and odors.
• Exposure to pinch points, cuts, burns, blindness, metal dust, and slivers.
• Work with electrical control boxes.
• Exposure to some equipment that produces electromagnetic fields may interfere with pacemaker functionality.