Plant Automation Specialist

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 and at the heart of our family of companies, is you.

"We strive to go above and beyond what’s expected 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, in doing what’s right, in performing at our best, in setting a higher standard."

Select Milk Producers and its subsidiaries offer an attractive compensation and a best-in-class benefits package that includes but is not limited medical, vision, dental, life insurance and more that can be tailored for you and your family. Other benefits for eligible employees include 401(k) up to 6% company match, life and disability insurance, and paid holidays & vacation. We are proud to promote an equal employment opportunity workplace.

SUMMARY OF FUNCTIONS:
The Plant Automation Specialist continuously evaluates the existing process control systems for reliability of control and effectiveness. In fulfilling these roles, the Plant Automation Specialist works closely with team department members, maintenance, and operations.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
• Provide day-to-day technical support on process control systems and process control 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
• Responsible for training of 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 bringing materials from a raw state to a state that is ready for our customers.
• 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 absence of Maintenance Manager/supervisor.
• Inspect, repair, and adjust Programmable Logic Controls (PLC), and Human Machine Interfaces (HMI), and related equipment using electrical test equipment, circuit diagrams, schematics, and blueprints.
• Process technicians must work to arrange for repair and replacement of instruments and control systems that fail to operate. They must continuously monitor all operation processes so that a malfunction is immediately recognized and corrected.
• Responsible for the maintenance and updating of all process control servers.
• Responsible for the maintenance and updating of all network systems.
• Responsible for the maintenance and updating of all interfaces between process control, business systems, and all other network systems including Tetra Plant Master.
• Other duties as may be assigned.
• Member of the Food Safety Team and Food Quality Team.
EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE:
• Minimum of three (3) years maintenance experience in industrial control system development and troubleshooting.
• Must have proven experience with the following PLCs: Allen Bradley.
• Must have proven experience with the following HMI or SCADA software packages Wonderware, Rockwell, ControlNet, 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.
• Additional experience with machinery repair and control systems.
• Additional training as an industrial electrician.