Automation Technician

Location

Michael Foods, Inc., Chaska, Minnesota.

The Automation Technician will safely and efficiently maintain, troubleshoot, and improve the electrical and automation subsystems within the production facility.

• Self‑motivated; ability to work with minimal supervision.
• Responsive in a fast‑paced environment, adjusting priorities.
• Respectful interaction with diverse colleagues.
• Adhere to safety practices, complete monthly audits, follow GMPs, maintain sanitary conditions, and ensure product quality.
• Report conditions or practices affecting food safety, quality, or personnel safety.
• Effectively communicate status of issues and projects to management, vendors, peers, and production personnel.
• Provide technical leadership and support to electrical and instrumentation technicians.
• Use appropriate tools (multimeter, software) to troubleshoot and diagnose root cause of electrical, electronics, instrumentation, and controls issues.
• Work with internal and external resources to resolve issues promptly.
• Interpret electrical schematics and user manuals.
• Troubleshoot process issues with automation software.
• Diagnose hardware issues with PLCs and touchscreens.
• Use advanced network troubleshooting to diagnose control networking issues.
• Collaborate with IT to troubleshoot and maintain automation servers.
• Create user manuals and training documentation; train technicians as needed.
• Identify and facilitate process and automation improvements.
• Implement necessary program changes with Corporate Controls.
• Consult with management/engineering on projects.
• Provide support and leadership to related technicians.
• Manage, backup, and organize all automation‑related documentation (programs, schematics, network information, manuals, etc.).
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• Two‑year certification from college or technical school or equivalent training/experience.
• Five years strong industrial electrical experience in a manufacturing environment (food processing plant). Mechanical systems and pneumatics experience preferred.
• Strong communication skills; must be able to read, write, and verbally communicate in English.
• Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics, safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, professional journals, technical procedures, government regulations, and manuals.
• Ability to write routine reports, procedural manuals, and correspondence.
• Ability to present information in one‑on‑one and group settings and respond to questions from customers/vendors at all levels.
• Mathematical skills: basic arithmetic, rate, ratio, percentages, bar graphs.
• Reasoning ability: define problems, collect data, establish facts, draw conclusions, interpret technical instructions, and manage variables.
• Electrical Apprentice or Journeyman license preferred.
• Experience with Allen Bradley/Rockwell automation required.
• Shift/weekend work may be required.

Pay range: $36.00 to $47.00 per hour.