Maintenance Controls Technician

Maintenance Controls Technician Hausbeck Pickle Company’s mission is to produce & deliver the highest quality food products with enthusiasm & integrity while striving for win-win partnerships with our customers and suppliers. Hausbeck Pickle Company is now an employee-owned company (ESOP). While Hausbeck Pickle Company has always been a family-oriented environment, establishing an ESOP is a way to honor employees for their stellar work and empower and reward them through shared equity for striving towards an even higher goal.

Please consider joining a team whose vision is to share the FUN, FLAVOR & FREEDOM of our food products with everyone, making the world a tastier place!

Job Summary

The Maintenance Controls Specialist is responsible for troubleshooting, maintaining, programming, and improving the facility's electrical control systems, automated equipment, and industrial technology. This position requires advanced technical knowledge of electrical systems, programmable logic controllers (PLCs), industrial networking, sensors, instrumentation, and mechanical equipment.

The individual must be capable of diagnosing complex equipment failures that involve multiple integrated systems, including electrical wiring, mechanical components, sensors, control circuits, and computer software. This role will support equipment reliability, minimize production downtime, improve automation processes, and ensure manufacturing equipment operates safely and efficiently.

Pay: $30/hr Benefits – We offer a comprehensive benefits package including BCBSM medical, dental, and vision coverage—with the company paying 85% of premiums. Additional benefits include company-paid short-term disability, long-term disability, and life insurance, employer HSA contributions, a 401(k) with company match, and 11 paid holidays.

Essential Job Functions:

1. Controls Systems & Automation Troubleshoot, maintain, and repair PLC-controlled equipment, automated machinery, and industrial control systems. Diagnose complex issues involving electrical wiring, mechanical equipment, sensors, instrumentation, and computer software. Interpret and troubleshoot PLC ladder logic, control schematics, electrical wiring diagrams, and system architecture. Identify and correct faults within automated processes, control circuits, motor controls, and communication networks. Assist with PLC programming, logic modifications, HMI configuration, and control system improvements. Maintain and troubleshoot variable frequency drives (VFDs), servo drives, motor starters, relays, and other industrial control components. Support the integration of new equipment, automation technology, and control systems into existing production operations.
2. Complex Troubleshooting & Diagnostics Perform advanced troubleshooting of equipment failures that cross multiple technical disciplines. Utilize electrical testing equipment, including digital multimeters, clamp meters, and other diagnostic tools, to identify electrical faults. Diagnose intermittent equipment failures, communication errors, sensor malfunctions, and control system abnormalities. Identify root causes of recurring electrical and automation-related downtime rather than relying on temporary repairs. Collaborate with maintenance technicians, engineers, and production personnel to resolve equipment issues efficiently. Provide technical support and guidance to maintenance personnel when troubleshooting complex electrical or controls-related problems.
3. Industrial Networking & Communication Troubleshoot and maintain industrial communication networks and fieldbus systems. Demonstrate working knowledge of industrial communication protocols, including Modbus and Ethernet/IP. Diagnose communication failures between PLCs, HMIs, sensors, drives, remote I/O, and other connected devices. Maintain proper connectivity and communication between automated equipment and plant control systems. Assist with network configuration, device addressing, and communication troubleshooting.
4. Electrical Systems & Instrumentation Troubleshoot industrial electrical systems, including AC/DC circuits, control panels, motor circuits, and power distribution components. Install, configure, calibrate, and troubleshoot proximity sensors, photo eyes, encoders, temperature sensors, pressure transmitters, and other instrumentation. Read and interpret electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, panel layouts, and technical documentation. Perform electrical testing and verify proper operation of control components following repairs. Ensure electrical systems and control panels meet applicable safety standards and facility requirements. Identify opportunities to improve electrical system reliability, equipment safety, and overall performance.
5. Preventative Maintenance & Equipment Reliability Develop, implement, and maintain preventative maintenance procedures for electrical and automated systems. Identify potential control system failures and proactively address issues before they result in production downtime. Maintain accurate documentation of PLC programs, control system configurations, electrical changes, and equipment modifications. Maintain backups of PLC programs, HMI configurations, and other critical control system files. Evaluate equipment performance and recommend upgrades or modifications to improve reliability and efficiency. Support equipment installation, commissioning, startup, and troubleshooting activities.
6. Safety, Compliance & Documentation Follow all electrical safety procedures, lockout/tagout requirements, and applicable OSHA standards. Ensure all electrical and controls-related work is performed in accordance with established safety practices. Maintain accurate records of repairs, troubleshooting activities, programming changes, and system modifications. Ensure control system modifications are properly documented and communicated to the maintenance team. Support food safety, GMP, and other applicable manufacturing requirements. Additional Responsibilities: Perform all other duties as assigned. Position Qualifications Education and/or Experience: Associate degree, technical degree, or equivalent specialized training in Industrial Automation, Electrical Technology, Mechatronics, Controls Engineering, or a related field preferred. Minimum of 3–5 years of experience troubleshooting industrial electrical systems, PLCs, and automated manufacturing equipment. Demonstrated experience working with PLC-controlled machinery and industrial automation systems. Experience in a manufacturing or food processing environment preferred. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required: Strong proficiency in reading and interpreting electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, and PLC ladder logic. Working knowledge of PLC programming and troubleshooting, including Allen-Bradley/Rockwell systems preferred. Experience with industrial communication protocols, including Ethernet/IP and Modbus. Advanced understanding of AC/DC electrical circuits, motor controls, VFDs, relays, contactors, and control panels. Proficiency using multimeters, clamp meters, and other electrical diagnostic equipment. Knowledge of industrial sensors, instrumentation, encoders, and automated control devices. Ability to troubleshoot HMI systems, industrial networks, and communication between interconnected equipment. Strong computer skills and the ability to work with control software, programming environments, and technical documentation. Ability to diagnose complex problems that involve the interaction of electrical, mechanical, and software-based systems. Physical Demands The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by a team member to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. This position requires the use of special safety precautions and working around operating machines. While performing the essential functions of this position, the employee is required to sit for periods of time at the computer. The work requires some physical exertion such as long periods of standing; walking over slippery surfaces; recurring bending, crouching, stooping, stretching, reaching, or similar activities. This position requires frequent pulling, carrying, and lifting up to 50lbs. Work Schedule This team member will have flexible hours but is expected to work during production hours and will include occasional meetings with maintenance technicians on any shift. The team member is also expected to work on scheduled down production days to make needed repairs to equipment. During our peak season, team members can work up to 7 days a week, 12 hours a day or more Equal Employment Opportunity Policy: Hausbeck Pickle Company provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training. https://hausbeck.com/