Automation Technician

Automation Technician-- $38-45 Job Description

As an Automation Technician, you will be responsible for programming and troubleshooting PLCs, HMIs, and variable frequency drives to optimize production systems and improve efficiency. You will perform electrical troubleshooting and repairs to ensure operations run at peak performance, mentor less experienced floor electricians, and plan and execute automation projects with minimal supervision. Additionally, you will continuously seek production process improvements to minimize downtime and develop and standardize software and hardware architectures for automation projects.

• Program and troubleshoot PLC, HMI, and variable frequency drives.
• Conduct electrical troubleshooting and repair to maintain peak performance.
• Mentor and guide less experienced floor electricians.
• Plan and execute automation projects independently.
• Continuously optimize production processes to minimize downtime.
• Develop and standardize software and hardware architectures for automation projects.
• Lead the selection of the best technology for automation and present clear technology roadmaps.

• Bachelor's degree or 2+ years of controls engineering experience.
• 1+ year industrial manufacturing experience.
• 1+ year troubleshooting and programming Rockwell PLC (RsLogix 500, RsLogix 5000, and Studio 500), HMI (Factory Talk Studio ME and SE), Powerflex drives, Kenetix Servo drives, Device Net, Control Net, Connected Components Workbench.
• 1+ year experience troubleshooting hardwired systems and print reading (US and European style).
• 1+ year experience working with low (24v DC) to high (4160v AC) voltages.

• 6+ months food or pharmaceutical experience.
• 6+ months troubleshooting and programming Siemens PLC (TIA portal), HMI (TIA portal), and Drives (TIA portal).
• 6+ months networking experience.
• 6+ months experience with Ignition platform.

Enjoy working in a stable industry with no worries of layoffs. Opportunities for growth and advancement abound, with academic scholarships available. Benefit from one of the best safety records in the industry, and enjoy the flexibility offered by multiple locations within a short distance, as well as nationally, providing excellent opportunities for upward mobility.

The work environment involves a facility that processes bone-in hams, similar to cooking processes found in your kitchen. The facility is refrigerated at 40 degrees and kept to food-grade standards, with a clean environment and no unpleasant smells. The team size is approximately 10-15 per shift, and shifts vary depending on the position. Utilities shifts run from Sunday to Wednesday or Wednesday to Saturday, from 7 am to 7 pm.

Traditional maintenance shifts include 6:30 am-4 pm, 3:50 pm - 1 am, and 10:30 pm-7 am, with overtime and Saturdays as needed. Electricians work flexible first shifts. Dress code includes steel-toed leather boots, provided uniforms, and necessary protective gear. Orientation involves training on the first shift for approximately four weeks, with start dates every other Monday at 8 am.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Lincoln, NE.

The pay range for this position is $35.00 - $40.00/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:

• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

This is a fully onsite position in Lincoln,NE.

This position is anticipated to close on Feb 26, 2026.

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