Automation Technician

At Russell Stover, not only do we love chocolate, but we love our jobs! Every day we go to work exhibiting our values of excellence, innovation, entrepreneurship, responsibility, and collaboration. Working at Russell Stover you’ll be part of the leading manufacturer of boxed, seasonal, and sugar-free chocolates. For over 100 years, Russell Stover Chocolates, Whitman’s, and Pangburn’s have been crafted with the finest ingredients to bring happiness to generations.

Today, we produce over 55 million pounds of chocolate annually, and our legacy brands can be found in 13 company-owned stores and over 9,000 wholesale accounts. Join our team and let’s continue making chocolate lovers happy!

As a Maintenance, Automation Technician
, you will be responsible for maintaining, troubleshooting, and repairing confectionary processing and automated packaging equipment, with a specialized focus on industrial controls and automation systems. You will also ensure equipment reliability and support production efficiency in a fast-paced food manufacturing environment.

• Perform preventive and corrective maintenance on confectionery processing equipment (e.g., mixers, cookers, depositors, enrobers) and high-speed packaging systems (e.g., flow wrappers, cartoners, case packers)
• Troubleshoot and repair mechanical, electrical, pneumatic, and hydraulic systems
• Diagnose and resolve issues with industrial control systems including:
• PLCs (Allen-Bradley, Siemens)
• HMIs and SCADA interfaces
• Servo motors and drives
• VFDs and motor control centers
• Sensors (photoelectric, proximity, temperature, etc.)
• Industrial Ethernet and fieldbus networks (e.g., Ethernet/IP, Profibus)
• Modify and update control logic and ladder diagrams under supervision or engineering guidance
• Collaborate with engineering and production teams to improve equipment uptime and process control
• Document all maintenance activities in CMMS, including troubleshooting steps and parts used
• Support installation, commissioning, and upgrades of automation and packaging equipment
• Participate in root cause analysis and continuous improvement initiatives
• Adhere to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) to ensure product quality and maintain compliance with food safety standards
• Complete and follow FSQA training and programs to comply with regulatory requirements, ensure consumer safety, and support the plant’s food safety and quality objectives
• Promptly report and take appropriate action on any observed or potential food safety hazards, process deviations, or non-conformities by notifying the designated plant supervisor, in accordance with your role and responsibilities
• Actively contributes to the continuous improvement of the company’s Food Safety Culture through engagement and actions aligned with your role

This job posting is not all inclusive and other duties may be assigned.

• High school diploma or GED required
• 2+ years of experience in a food manufacturing environment
• Strong understanding of industrial controls, automation systems, and electrical troubleshooting
• Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics, mechanical drawings, and PLC logic
• Familiarity with sanitary design and food safety requirements in a manufacturing setting
• Ability to work independently and as part of a cross-functional team
• Willing to work rotating shifts, weekends, and respond to emergency calls as needed
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to speak, read, and write English fluently, with or without an accommodation

• Technical certification or associate degree in industrial maintenance, automation, or mechatronics
• Experience in a food manufacturing environment, with confectionery or high-speed packaging equipment

• Safety First:
  Your well-being is our top priority, and we’ve got you covered with protective gear. On day one, you’ll dive into Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) training, and we’ll keep you on your toes with daily safety tips to ensure you’re always in the know!
• Surroundings:
  Get ready to work alongside a variety of…