Electronics Technician (ET) (Can Plant)

About the role

Our Waco, TX facility manufactures aluminum beverage cans for soft drinks, beers, energy drinks, teas, and non-carbonated beverages. Using state-of-the-art can-making technology, this high-speed environment offers rewarding manufacturing opportunities. The Electronics Technician (ET) maintains, troubleshoots, and repairs electronic and electrical systems critical to the continuous and efficient operation of complex production machinery.

Responsibilities

• Quickly diagnose and repair malfunctions in sophisticated electronic and electrical controls on all plant machinery and production equipment (Bodymakers, Neckers, Decorators, Light Testers, Palletizers, Conveyor Systems, etc.) using diagnostic equipment like multimeters and specialized tools.
• Perform scheduled inspections, calibrations, and preventative maintenance on all production-related electronic systems to maximize equipment reliability and prevent unscheduled downtime.
• Work with and maintain PLC and Human Machine Interface (HMI) hardware and software, including diagnosing communication issues, addressing I/O faults, and performing minor programming updates or logic modifications.
• Install, configure, and troubleshoot Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs) and servo systems to ensure proper motor control and energy efficiency.
• Support and maintain distributed control systems (DCS), automated measurement equipment, and vision inspection systems to ensure strict quality standards.
• Assist with the installation, startup, and commissioning of new equipment and control systems.
• Maintain detailed records of all repair and maintenance activities using the company's Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS).
• Collaborate with operations, maintenance engineering, and production teams to identify and resolve performance issues.
• Strictly adhere to all company safety regulations, Lock Out/Tag Out (LOTO) protocols, electrical safety standards (e.g., NFPA 70E), and quality requirements.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or GED equivalent.
• Proven experience (2+ years) as an Electronics/Electrical Technician, preferably in a high-speed manufacturing environment (e.g., beverage can, packaging, automotive).
• Deep understanding of electronics, AC/DC motor controls, PLCs (Allen-Bradley, Siemens, etc.), HMI systems, and industrial electrical power systems.
• Exceptional ability to read schematics, interpret wiring diagrams, and systematically diagnose complex electrical faults.
• Proven expertise in the theory, operation, and calibration of standard industrial instrumentation and analytical equipment.
• Strong functional knowledge and experience troubleshooting Allen-Bradley PLC hardware and software.
• Advanced understanding of analog and digital circuitry, control loops, and signal conditioning.
• Expert ability to read and interpret complex Process and Instrumentation Diagrams (P&IDs) and electrical schematics.
• Demonstrated ability to use precision electrical test equipment and hand tools.
• Exceptional analytical and structured troubleshooting skills to address intricate control system failures.
• Must be able to work rotating shifts, including nights, weekends, and holidays, and be available for emergency technical support.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in high-speed manufacturing (beverage, food, or pharma).
• Prior experience in metal forming, packaging, or high-volume consumer goods (FMCG).
• Associate degree in Electronics, Instrumentation, or Electrical Technology.
• ISA Certified Control Systems Technician (CCST) or equivalent professional certification.
• Experience with Ignition SCADA or similar industrial software platforms.
• Prior experience in the aluminum packaging or beverage industry.
• Familiarity with Lean Manufacturing or Six Sigma principles.
• Experience using precision measurement tools (calipers, micrometers).

Skills

• General knowledge of basic computer operations, including accessing information and entering data.

Environmental & Physical Factors

• Works primarily in a warehouse/manufacturing facility with daily contact with other departmental personnel.
• Occasionally works in all weather conditions, extreme temperatures, around chemicals and chemical fumes/emissions, and dusty or clean environments.
• Frequently works with electrical and mechanical hazards.
• May work outside or in an un-air-conditioned warehouse when handling surplus and scrap materials.
• Continuous use of vision, hearing, and speech.
• Frequent sitting, standing, walking, and occasional bending.
• Lifts, carries, pulls, pushes, and reaches for supplies; occasionally lifts up to 50 lbs.
• Climbs stairs and ladders, requires manual dexterity, and repetitive use of keyboard/computer devices, power tools, and machining equipment.
• Wears safety equipment, such as earplugs, goggles, and steel-toed shoes.

Schedule

• 12-hour rotating shifts: 4 days on and 4 days off.
• Rotating shifts include night shifts.
• Must be present to fulfill job duties and meet operational demands, including long days, evenings, weekends, holidays, and overtime as needed.
• Regular and predictable attendance is an essential function of this position.