Plant Automation Specialist

About Us

Select Milk Producers is one of the nation’s largest and most progressive dairy cooperatives, with 32 wholly owned subsidiaries, 8 processing plants, and 8 joint ventures including Continental Dairy Facilities, Continental Dairy Facilities Southwest, Mill Haven Foods, Select Custom Solutions, GreenLink and Select Services. With over 800 employees, the Select Milk family of companies impacts all aspects of the dairy farm business. We strive to go above and beyond in providing for our families, leading our employees, caring for our land and animals, serving our customers, producing quality milk, and serving one another. This commitment is more than our business—it’s in our culture and our character. We believe in being accountable, doing what’s right, performing at our best, and setting a higher standard.

About the Role

The Plant Automation Specialist continuously evaluates the existing process control systems for reliability of control and effectiveness. In this role, you will work closely with team department members, maintenance, and operations.

Responsibilities

• Provide day-to-day technical support on process control systems and related tasks.
• Support implementation of new projects by configuring control modules, batch programs, and HMI graphics.
• Continually improve process control systems through Advanced Process Control, Alarm Management, and Operator Interface Optimization.
• Responsible for all computer integration of PLCs, HMIs, VFDs, and process controls.
• Train end users on the operations of newly installed or modified process or control systems.
• Perform routine and specialized duties in the repair and maintenance of instruments and controls involved in processing materials from a raw state to a finished product.
• Work as part of a team to plan, analyze, and control the quality of processes.
• Provide technical training to lower-level personnel.
• Manage daily operations in the absence of the Maintenance Manager/supervisor.
• Inspect, repair, and adjust Programmable Logic Controls (PLC) and Human Machine Interfaces (HMI) using electrical test equipment, circuit diagrams, schematics, and blueprints.
• Arrange for repair and replacement of instruments and control systems that fail to operate.
• Continuously monitor all operational processes to immediately recognize and correct malfunctions.
• Maintain and update all process control servers, network systems, and interfaces between process control, business systems, and other network systems including Tetra Plant Master.
• Serve as a member of the Food Safety Team and Food Quality Team.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Minimum of three (3) years of maintenance experience in industrial control system development and troubleshooting.
• Proven experience with Allen Bradley PLCs.
• Proven experience with HMI or SCADA software packages such as Wonderware, Rockwell, ControlNet, and Device Net.
• Strong PLC skills with expertise in system administrative and maintenance activities, and hardware and software troubleshooting.
• Experience programming in multiple languages that are IEC 61131-3 compliant, such as RSLogix 5000.
• An associate degree in Electrical/Electronic Engineering or Technology or related military service training programs.
• Additional professional training, experience with machinery repair and control systems, or training as an industrial electrician is a plus.

Benefits

• Medical, vision, and dental insurance (customizable for you and your family).
• Life insurance.
• 401(k) with up to 6% company match.
• Disability insurance.
• Paid holidays and vacation.