Controls & Automation Tech

Full-Time:  Location: Blair, WI

Base Salary: $80,000-$120,000+(Based on Experience) *Full Benefits: Health, Dental & Vision *Life Insurance *401K Plans *PTO & Holiday Pay *Short term Disability *Flexible Spending Accounts *Employee Assistance Program

Job Summary:

The Automation & Controls Engineer will serve as the site technical expert for industrial automation, PLCs, HMIs, instrumentation, and control systems. This role will provide hands-on troubleshooting and technical support while helping improve equipment reliability, process performance, and plant efficiency.

Key Responsibilities:

• Maintain, troubleshoot, modify, and optimize Rockwell/Allen-Bradley PLCs and HMI systems.
• Support automation and controls across processing, pasteurization, cheese making, CIP, utilities, packaging, and material handling.
• Troubleshoot control loops, sensors, VFDs, motors, valves, instrumentation, and industrial networks.
• Provide hands-on support to Maintenance and Operations during equipment failures and process interruptions.
• Participate in an on-call rotation and coach maintenance technicians on automation and troubleshooting.
• Identify root causes of controls and equipment failures and implement long-term solutions.
• Support automation improvements, capital projects, equipment upgrades, commissioning, and startups.
• Work with vendors and integrators to ensure controls systems meet plant standards.
• Maintain PLC backups, HMI configurations, controls documentation, and troubleshooting resources.

Education & Experience:

• Associate or technical degree/certificate in Automation, Electrical Technology, Controls, Mechatronics, Instrumentation, or related field; equivalent experience considered.
• 5+ years of relevant automation/controls experience.
• Manufacturing and industrial automation experience required.
• Strong experience with Rockwell/Allen-Bradley PLC and HMI systems.
• Experience with industrial networks and controls troubleshooting.
• AutoCAD LT experience is a plus.
• Dairy manufacturing experience, particularly fluid milk, cheese, or drying operations, is preferred.