PLC Programing and Controls Specialist A

SUMMARY: PLC Programing & Controls Specialist is responsible for creating and maintaining all PLC and HMI programming, building and maintaining plant dashboard systems (Allen Bradley SE) Servers, helping with scheduled jobs, along with the day to day scripting. This position works closely with factory floor operations and shipping/logistics to create customized workflows to meet operational needs. This position is a key technical resource, providing automation advice and technical support for the entire pork processing facility and beyond. The starting pay for this role is $28.41. Hours/Days of work will alternate one week Monday - Friday the next week Monday - Saturday.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: This list is not intended to be all-inclusive and other duties may be assigned.

• Responsible for all PLC and HMI programing for the plant; Configure and Program-PLC’s using ladder logic with RS Logix 5000, RS Studio 5000, RS Logics 500 software and Visio basics and factory talk ME and SE, EZ-touch software and any other controls software when needed.
• Incorporate and help maintain other equipment such as VFD’s, flow meters, valve banks or any other devices tied into a PLC.
• Assist with all aspects of the IT/Automation Department including determining needs and locations of cabling, wiring, power supplies, motor control centers, PLCs, etc. to meet the needs of each department and area in the facility.
• Maintain all SE server equipment for the plant dashboard which includes FT Directory, engineering workstation, both HMI servers and both Data servers and all RDP clients.
• Responsible for all security updates and patches. Will manage all security groups for different access in the system.
• Maintains all automation switches and other network equipment (fiber, copper connections, battery backups).
• Maintain the Win911 system
• Maintain and support the multiple Wonder Ware Systems in the plant (Rendering, Wastewater, Refrigeration).
• Maintains, designs and implements new plc control systems.
• Will update electrical prints when changes are made.
• Will support Maintenance when needed.
• Aid in ensuring specifications for electric and IT infrastructure needs are met.
• Create and schedule batch jobs/workflows.
• Troubleshoot processing problems and resubmit jobs as necessary and/or escalates the problem.
• Review history report trending on automated equipment.
• Resolves connectivity issues for factory users and systems.
• Administers access and application security responsibilities.
• Analyzes application performance deadlines.
• Assists with the development scheduling resolution/analysis skills and software knowledge.
• Work cross-functionally with database administrators, LINUX/Windows system administrators and other teams to diagnose complex problems and drive resolution.
• Apply application patches and perform upgrades of applications as needed.
• Configure, install, and maintain connectivity with host computer devices. This includes understanding production lines, controllers, and device configurations.
• Diagnose system issues and develop ways to prevent downtime by developing strategies to improve overall reliability and safety of plant, personnel, and production processes.
• Arrange procurement of software, hardware, or components for use in special projects for the repair or installation of equipment.
  
  

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the work environment, knowledge, skill, and/or ability required or preferred. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE: AA Degree in PLC/HMI related field or equivalent experience required; must have some experience with configuring wiring, cabling, servers, computers, and equipment. Must be sufficient experience to be comfortable making decisions and recommendations for facility systems. Experience in food manufacturing desired.

COMMUNICATION SKILLS: Must have excellent written and verbal communication skills. Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, and/or governmental regulations. Ability to write reports and business correspondence. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from management and employees using plant systems.

LANGUAGE SKILLS: Ability to read and interpret documents in the English language such as safety files, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals. Must be able to effectively communicate with USDA, production and management personnel. Bilingual skills a plus.

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS: Ability to apply mathematical applications to practical situations. Demonstrated ability to understand basic statistics for process control.

REASONING ABILITY: Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions. Ability to interpret an extensive variety of technical instructions in mathematical, diagram, written and/or verbal form and deal with several abstract and concrete variables.

OTHER SKILLS AND ABILITIES: Ability to use computers and all standard programs used by the industry and the ability to learn and effectively use any and all other computer programs that are or will be made available. Ethernet communication knowledge required. Experience with 24v and 120v control power actuating 480v equipment necessary. Relevant Certification a plus. Allen Bradly PLC and HMI experience a must.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: While performing the duties of this job, the employee will be required to move about the facility. The employee is required to sit; use hands to finger; handle; or feel/hold objects; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; speak; hear taste and smell. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 15 pounds, frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds, and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to cold/hot and/or humid conditions. Will also be exposed to all outdoor elements and dust and odors typically associated with the plant. Will frequently work near moving mechanical parts. The employee is occasionally exposed to fumes or airborne particles, cold/hot temperatures, and vibration. The noise level in the work environment is usually loud. The work environment includes climate extremes found in all areas of plant operations.

NORMAL WORK SCHEDULE: The hours and days of work are established as needed by operations and at the discretion of management and may be changed (increased or decreased) by management as required.