Job Summary

The objective of this position is to support the senior automation engineer, engineering automation technicians and maintenance staff on instrumentation and troubleshooting in the two manufacturing plants to reduce human intervention and maximize efficiency. The technician in training will learn to perform routine diagnostic checks and regular calibration checks on all automated systems within the two manufacturing plants.

As a member of a small, automated engineering team, it is essential that this person have the ability to implement a trained skill set in the field of instrumentation and an intermediate level of PLC skills. The ability to work as a member of a team is essential. The technician in training will be tasked with learning to read and write small PLC programs and coordinate with plant maintenance and management personnel to improve and drive process improvements in the plant.

The technician in training must be self-motivated and keep up to date on the necessary business and technical skills to be a valuable and contributing member of the engineering team.

The technician in training may be assigned to either plant as needed but will have Tipton as their primary location. The Automation Technician in training can expect to receive service calls after hours as needed.

The technician in training will report to a senior Director of Maintenance team for day-to-day focus and for overall direction.

Primary Responsibilities

• Food Safety is the responsibility of all Ventura Coastal manufacturing employees. All Ventura Coastal manufacturing employees must be aware of CCPs in their area and how to document them appropriately.  All staff must report food safety and quality problems to their immediate supervisor in charge during their shift.
• Understand, troubleshoot, document & maintain control networks under the direction of the automation engineer.
• Assist with performing routine diagnostic checks on all automated systems
• Assist with performing calibration checks as required in accordance with OEM recommendations and FDA standards.
• Assist with repair and/or replace any necessary components such as sensor or electrical wiring.
• Ability to understand the juice, oil and peel process flow such that the technician can assist the engineering team and/or maintenance technicians with necessary repairs.
• Assist with providing daily support to the Plant Operators, Supervisors, and Quality Control as needed to move forward projects, production issues.
• Partner with Automation Technicians working with the automation engineering team perform minor PLC and electrical adjustments as required.
• Continually assess production processes and their technical implementations.  Document areas of opportunity for potential process improvement and how to better leverage the process or application functionality so respective processes have a defined, articulated roadmap to optimization.
• Provide technical support to all functional areas to optimize and streamline the technology and processes supporting plant automations.
• Adhere to existing change control and change management processes.
• Maintain clear documentation for both system and business operating procedures.
• Ability to Assist with upgrades and implementation of new systems.
• Must grow skills and stay current with new technology related to plant automations.
• Promotes safety in the department and ensures all personnel adhere to all safety regulations including the wearing of all essential personal protective equipment.
• Demonstrates reliable attendance, consistent punctuality and a conscientious attitude always.
• Performs other duties and assignments as directed.

Qualifications and Education Requirements

• High School diploma with some post-secondary school training in electronics and automation.
• 2-5 years’ experience with food processing systems and equipment desired.
• Process Manufacturing for Food & Beverage Industry support experience a plus.
• Pleasant and professional demeanor to work with end users in a dynamic environment.
• Exceptional organizational and planning skills, analytical abilities, problem solving, and follow through. 
• Able to work with minimal supervision keeping management informed with timely project status reports.
• Ability to quickly assess and resolve conflicts and complaints and provide appropriate follow-up.
• Commitment to excellence in service, performance and execution.
• Strong process discipline and experience with use cases and accurate analysis.
• Troubleshoot reporting and data discrepancy issues quickly and accurately.
• Ability to thoroughly test changes and validate tag data.
• An advanced PC user and proficient in Microsoft Office products including MS Project.
• Strong verbal and written communication as well as presentations skills. 
• Must be timely, articulate and well organized.

Physical Requirements

• The ability to meet flexible and changing priorities and the ability to work under pressure is a must. Sitting, standing, and walking.  Minimal climbing, lifting and bending. Some travel required.  Could be on call 24/7 to handle process issues.

This job description is intended to provide guidelines for job expectations and the employee's ability to perform the position described. It is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all functions, responsibilities, skills, and abilities. Additional functions and requirements may be assigned by supervisors as deemed appropriate. This document does not represent a contract of employment, and the Company reserves the right to change this job description and/or assign tasks for the employee to perform, as the Company may deem appropriate.