Automation Technician

The Blount family has been in the food business since 1880. Our product Line includes refrigerated and frozen gourmet soups, side dishes and entrees for food service and retail. The Company, headquartered in Fall River, MA, is the largest producer of clam chowder in New England and the largest manufacturer of Lobster bisque in the country.

The Second Shift Automation Technician will provide PLC and technical support within the maintenance department. Assists maintenance in identifying and scoping control systems related projects. Supports production in identifying control system related opportunities in the plant. Programs and installs custom control systems application software and assists on plant capital projects as needed. Provides instrumentation, PLC and HMI/SCADA software and hardware support to the plant.

* Assist maintenance in identifying and scoping control systems related projects. * Supports production in identifying control system related opportunities in the plant. * Maintains working knowledge of corporate control system standards and guidelines. * Maintains an up-to-date and complete set of as-built electrical and controls documentation. * Coordinates and implements control systems software upgrades. * Assists in training and development of machine operators and maintenance technicians for equipment and process controls operation. * Programs and installs custom control systems application software and assists on plant capital projects as needed. * Provides instrumentation, PLC and HMI/SCADA software and hardware support to the plant. * Stays aware of technological trends and procedures through involvement with outside organizations, professional contacts, books, seminars, etc. * Contributes to plant-wide initiatives as assigned. * Timely communication of all aspects of assigned projects. * Resource for difficult control system-related problems that the maintenance staff is unable to solve. * Performs Network Administration tasks for networked, PC based, control systems related equipment. * Maintains software applications skill set and knowledge base as required via training. * Maintain the facility and equipment to ensure maximum reliability. * Maintain spare parts inventory program * Assess areas for continuous improvement as well as Identify and recommend training needs * Understand implications of “downtime” and inefficient processing

The successful candidate will be detail oriented with above average organizational and mathematical skills. They must be self-motivated, possess leadership skills and experience, and have excellent verbal and written communication skills in order to deal with problems and communicate effectively within the department. Must be able to interact in a dynamic team environment with a positive attitude and sound judgment **Education and/or Experience** * One year certificate from college or technical school; or three to six years related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience. * Proven electrical and mechanical skills. * Proven knowledge of Industrial Electrical and Maintenance. * Electrical control systems: 480/208 volt three phase, 120 vac, 24v dc, 4-20 mA signal systems, I/P devices. * Motor controls, including installation, wiring, and set up of variable frequency drives * Automatic valves – primarily pneumatic, digitally and proportionally controlled. * Experience working with AB PLCs, SLC-500, Automation Control, Omron and Mitsubishi PLC’s. * Experience with PC based HMI systems. * Thorough understanding of RSLogix 500 & 5000, Device Net, RSView SAP experience. * Demonstrated maintenance and troubleshooting skills with PLC’s and VFD’s * Ability to operate a variety of hand and power tools, shop equipment and machining tools. * Use and read blue prints, manuals, and schematics. * Willingness to work flexible shifts including nights, weekends and holidays depending on * project/production requirements. * Willing to be on-call in case of emergency. **Qualifications** **Education** Preferred * Technical/other training or better. **Experience** Required * 1 year: AB PLCs, SLC-500, Omron PLCs, Mitsubishi PLCs * 1 year: Motor Control Installations, Wiring * 1 year: Electric Control Systems