I&E Technician; End Plant

Brief Description

POSITION SUMMARY:

Our Waco, TX facility manufactures aluminum ends/lids for beverage cans commonly used for soft drinks, beers, energy drinks, teas and non-carbonated beverages. Using state‑of‑the‑art end‑making technology, this high‑speed environment provides rewarding manufacturing opportunities.

The Instrumentation & Electronics (I&E) Technician is a specialized maintenance role responsible for the installation, maintenance, calibration, and troubleshooting of all plant instrumentation, electrical control systems, programmable logic controllers (PLCs), human‑machine interfaces (HMIs), and advanced sensing/inspection equipment within the high‑speed aluminum end manufacturing facility. This role is crucial for ensuring machine uptime, product quality, and data integrity by maintaining the reliability of critical control systems.

• Troubleshoot, diagnose, and repair complex faults within PLC hardware (e.g., Allen‑Bradley, Siemens) and software (Ladder Logic, Function Block). Utilize programming software (e.g., RSLogix 5000) to monitor I/O, modify logic, and upload/download programs safely.
• Diagnose and resolve issues within industrial control networks (e.g., Ether Net/IP, Control Net). Ensure reliable communication between PLCs, HMIs, VFDs, and plant data systems.
• Maintain and verify current backup copies of all critical PLC programs, HMI applications, and configuration files.

• Execute routine and preventative maintenance calibration procedures for key process instruments, including pressure, temperature, flow, level, and analytical transmitters (e.g., 4‑20 mA, HART protocol).
• Repair, replace, and install various field devices such as photo‑eyes, proximity sensors, solenoids, limit switches, and control valves.
• Maintain, troubleshoot, and calibrate specialized high‑speed sensors used in the process, such as Compound Weight, Buckle Resistance, and Curing Oven controls.

• Expertly troubleshoot electrical circuits up to 480 V. Identify and repair faults in motor control centers (MCCs), power distribution panels, and complex wiring harnesses.
• Install, configure, and troubleshoot variable frequency drives (VFDs) and servo systems to optimize machine speed and positioning.
• Strict adherence to all electrical safety protocols, including lockout/tagout (LOTO) and NFPA 70E (Arc Flash) procedures.

• Maintain and troubleshoot high‑speed camera and inspection systems (e.g., Pressco, Sencon) used for end‑of‑line quality checks (compound, cut edge, lacquer coverage).
• Assist quality and production teams with optimizing vision system recipes and thresholds to reduce false rejects while maintaining required quality standards.

Required

• Education:
  
  High School Diploma or GED equivalent.
• Experience:
  
  3–5 years of specialized experience maintaining instrumentation and electronic controls in a high‑speed manufacturing or continuous process environment.
• Technical
  
  Skills:
  
  Proficient in reading electrical schematics, P&IDs, and ladder logic. Experience with Allen‑Bradley PLC hardware.
• Tools:
  Demonstrated ability to use precision electrical test equipment and hand tools.
• 24/7 Operational Support:
  Commitment to a continuous shift rotation (including nights, weekends, and holidays).
• Emergency Response:
  Must be available for on‑call emergencies regarding critical utility failures that threaten production continuity.

Preferred

• Experience in high‑speed manufacturing (beverage, food, or pharma) is highly preferred.
• Prior experience in metal forming, packaging, or high‑volume consumer goods (FMCG).
• Associate degree in electronics, instrumentation, or electrical technology.
• ISA Certified Control Systems Technician (CCST) or equivalent professional certification.
• Experience with Ignition SCADA or similar industrial software platforms.
• Prior experience in the aluminum packaging or beverage industry.
• Familiarity with Lean Manufacturing or Six Sigma principles.
• Experience using precision measurement tools (calipers, micrometers).

• Understanding…