Location: Visalia 12310 Avenue 368 | Visalia | CA | 93291

Hourly Rate: $40.00 (Overtime and weekends may be required)

This position will support both Visalia and Tipton where needed. 

JOB DESCRIPTION

The objective of this position is to support the senior automation engineer on instrumentation and troubleshooting in the two manufacturing plants to reduce human intervention and maximize efficiency. The technician will 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 instrumentation skills and an intermediate level of PLC skills. The ability to work as a member of a team is essential. The technician will be tasked with writing small PLC programs and coordinating with plant maintenance management personnel to improve and drive process improvements in the plant.

The position is essential for timely calibration on equipment to ensure compliance with SQF and HACCP standards.

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

The technician will report to a senior member of the automation engineering team for day-to-day focus and to the Director of Engineering 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.
• Perform routine diagnostic checks on all automated systems
• Perform calibration checks as required in accordance with OEM recommendations and FDA standards.
• Repair and/or replace any necessary components such as sensor or electrical wiring.
• Understand the juice, oil and peel process flow such that the technician can assist the engineering team and/or maintenance technicians with necessary repairs.
• Provide daily support to the Plant Operators, Supervisors, and Quality Control & Engineers as needed to move forward projects, production issues.
• 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.
• 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 at all times.
• Performs other duties and assignments as directed.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS

• Pleasant and professional demeanor to work with end users in a dynamic environment.
• Practical experience implementing systems and developing PLC code.
• Developing & troubleshooting Wonderware InTouch Systems.
• 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.
• High School diploma with some post-secondary school training in electronics and automation.
• 2-5 years’ experience with food processing systems and equipment.
• Process Manufacturing for Food & Beverage Industry support experience a plus.

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.