Lead Controls Technician (Nights)

About the role

SunOpta delivers customized supply chain solutions and innovation for top brands, retailers, and foodservice providers across a broad portfolio of beverages, broths, and better-for-you snacks. With over 50 years of expertise, SunOpta fuels customers' growth with high-quality, sustainability-forward solutions distributed through retail, club, foodservice, and e-commerce channels across North America.

Essential Functions of the Job

• Technical Leadership
  • Lead troubleshooting and resolution of complex PLC, HMI, motion, safety, and network issues
  • Own advanced diagnostics of control systems, including intermittent, systemic and production-critical failures
  • Review, modify, and implement PLC logic, HMI applications, and control strategies
  • Serve as escalation point for Controls Technician I & II
  • Maintain and enforce change-control, security best practices, and system access control
• Project & Improvement Support
  • Lead or support automation upgrades, retrofits, and new equipment installations
  • Participate in FAT/SAT, commissioning, and production startups
  • Identify reliability risks and drive corrective and preventive actions
  • Support continuous improvement, safety, and efficiency initiatives
  • Collaborate with Controls Engineers on system architecture and standards
  • Participate in controls design reviews, risk assessments, and equipment specifications
• Team & Operational Leadership
  • Mentor, train, and develop Automation Controls Technicians
  • Provide technical guidance during downtime and critical production events
  • Aid with work prioritization, scheduling, and technical decision-making
  • Promote and enforce safety standards, electrical codes, and LOTO compliance
  • Act as technical liaison between maintenance, engineering, operations, and vendors/contractors/consultants

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required
• Associate degree or technical certification in Automation, Electronics, Mechatronics, or related field preferred
• 6–10+ years of experience in industrial automation, controls, or electrical maintenance
• Advanced knowledge of PLCs, HMIs, VFDs, servos, and industrial control systems
• Proven ability to troubleshoot complex automation and network issues independently
• Strong understanding of electrical schematics, control panel design, and standards
• Experience leading or mentoring technical staff

Preferred Qualifications

• Expert-level experience with PLC platforms (Allen-Bradley, Siemens, etc.)
• HMI/SCADA development and system integration experience
• Industrial networking (EtherNet/IP, Profinet, DeviceNet, Modbus, etc.)
• Robotics or motion control experience
• Root cause analysis and reliability engineering exposure
• Strong communication and leadership skills

Additional Considerations

• Location: This position will be based in our SunOpta Plant in Allentown, PA.
• Shift: Night Shift role on a 2-2-3 pattern; 5:30 pm to 6:00 am. Some flexibility may be needed.
• Pay Rate: $46.50 / hour.
• Shift Differential: $2.00/hour night shift differential offered for working 12-hour night shift on a 2-2-3 pattern.
• Relocation or international remote working arrangements (outside of the US) will not be considered.
• Physical & Work Requirements: Ability to lift up to 50 lbs. and work in industrial environments; Ability to climb ladders, work in panels, and access equipment safely; Willingness to support off-shift work, startups, and emergency call-ins as needed; Use of PPE including arc-flash equipment as required.

Featured Benefits

• Medical insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Paid Family leave
• Paid maternity leave
• 401(k) with Match
• Tuition assistance
• Short-term and Long-term Disability insurance

Equal Opportunity Employer

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER EOE M/W/VET/DISABLED