Automation Programmer; Athol

The Automation Programmer is responsible for Installing, supporting, maintaining, and improving electrical and automation systems to ensure the safe, reliable, and efficient operation of mill equipment across Northern Mills facilities. This role focuses on troubleshooting electrical and control system issues, performing preventative maintenance, and collaborating closely with maintenance and operations teams to minimize downtime and optimize productivity.

The Automation Programmer will also assist with the installation and commissioning of new equipment and automation upgrades, provide technical guidance to junior controls technicians and apprentice electricians, and help promote best practices in electrical and controls work.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to the following:

• Work with a team of electrical technicians in maintaining material handling control systems, including PLC/PC controllers and industrial networks such as Ethernet-IP, Control Net, Device Net, motor control systems, servo drives, frequency drives, and electrical distribution systems
• Train, assist, and familiarize electricians with work rules, policies, safety, and communication systems.
• Train and assist other electricians on equipment repairs and new installations.
• Supports installation, repair and maintenance of plant machinery and equipment and coordination of outside contractors, with primary focus on safe and continuous operation of all equipment and facilities.
• Troubleshoot complex control system issues, identify root causes, and implement effective solutions to minimize downtime.
• Work directly with OEMs that develop controls software for scanning and optimization
• Partner with network support resources for guidance and assistance
• Provide technical support for PLC devices
• Participates in the development of project proposals with emphasis on cost/benefits
• Consistently work at acceptable production levels
• Collaborate with millwrights in making mechanical repairs as needed.
• Duties may vary by location.
• Must be willing to travel, work weekends, evenings and holidays as needed.

• Associate’s degree in Electronics Technology and 5 years’ experience in related discipline or 10 years relevant experience in lieu of education.
• Skills:
  • Skilled in organizing and expressing ideas effectively in oral and written communication
  • Excellent problem-solving and time-management skills
  • Self-motivated and able to work effectively in a team environment
  • Excellent computer skills and the ability to maintain control system integrity
  • Ability to read and use electrical drawings, cable lists, component lists and layout plans
  • Industrial electrical hands-on experience including 480V, 110V and 24
    
    VDC systems
  • Experience with HMI, motor controls, VFDs and control networks
• Ability to pass a hair follicle drug test, post-offer pre-employment physical, and background check.
• Valid Driver’s License is required for business travel

• Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering/Electronic Technology or related discipline.
• 4 years of experience in control systems maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair, preferably in an industrial setting.
• 4 years of systems controls experience including installation, maintenance and troubleshooting or combination of post-secondary technical training including Electrical License or enrollment in Electrical Apprenticeship program. Ability to design and draw schematics and ladder logic for control systems (Rockwell Software).
• Experience with Robotic systems

Ability to sit and/or stand for shift, reach with hands and arms, stoop, squat, bend at the waist, kneel, walk varying distance, and climb stairs.

• Bend at waist – frequent
• Twist upper body – frequent
• Lift above waist height – frequent depending on machine center
• Repetitive use of hands – constant
• Stand/walk – constant
• Vision – near and far correctable; depth perception
• Hearing – preferred for awareness of surrounding machinery, mobile equipment, emergencies

Must be able to tolerate all weather elements, loud conditions, airborne particles (sawdust).

Idaho Forest Group is an Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination against qualified individuals on the basis of race/ethnicity, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, age, genetic information, family medical history, or any other status protected by law.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.

For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.