PLC Controls Technician

Location: Dandridge, Tennessee, United States

Workplace: on_site

Employment Type: full

Description

Overview:

The PLC Instrumentation Technician plays a vital role in ensuring the automation systems that power our food manufacturing processes are safe, reliable, and optimized. This is a hands-on technical role focused on the installation, programming, calibration, and troubleshooting of PLCs, sensors, and control systems critical to high-speed food production.

Technicians will develop and debug PLC programs, calibrate field instrumentation, and ensure seamless communication across HMIs, SCADA systems, and industrial networks. This role directly supports safe, efficient, and high-quality operations by enabling accurate data acquisition and precise process control. It also includes supporting reliability initiatives, capital projects, storeroom inventory accuracy, and the continuous development of maintenance best practices.

We’re looking for technicians who are calm under pressure, eager to share knowledge, and committed to craftsmanship—people who can translate complex control problems into simple, effective solutions.

Compensation

• $35 / hr to start
• Raise opportunities up to $40 /hr
• Very generous annual bonus
• Consistently get a few hours of overtime

Shifts

• Monday - Friday
• 3rd - 11pm - 7am

Responsibilities

• Develop, modify, and troubleshoot PLC programs (ladder logic, function block, etc.) to support production line functionality.
• Calibrate and maintain sensors, transmitters, pressure gauges, flow meters, and other instrumentation used in food manufacturing.
• Ensure control signal integrity and accurate data acquisition across all automation systems.
• Interface PLCs with HMIs and SCADA systems; support integration of new equipment into existing control architecture.
• Collaborate with production, quality, and planning teams to execute safe and timely maintenance aligned with production needs.
• Collaborate with planners and schedulers to improve SM/PM compliance and optimize maintenance schedules.
• Provide technical feedback to improve job plan detail and PM effectiveness.
• Contribute to reliability efforts through root cause analysis, CAPA investigations, and continuous improvement teams.
• Document all activities in Fiix CMMS, ensuring accurate logs of PLC changes, instrumentation calibrations, and parts usage.
• Support development of training materials and job plans to share automation knowledge with peers.
• Participate in cross-functional teams including food safety, safety, standard work, and continuous improvement.

Requirements

Required:

• 5+ years of plant maintenance experience focused on PLCs and industrial instrumentation.
• Associate’s degree or technical certification in Electrical Engineering, Instrumentation, Automation, or related field.
• Proficiency with PLC logic and controls (ladder logic, function block, structured text).
• Experience calibrating field instruments (sensors, flow meters, transmitters, etc.).
• Familiarity with SCADA systems, HMIs, and industrial communication protocols (Modbus, Profibus, Ethernet/IP).
• Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics and P&IDs.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to work in a team-oriented environment.

Preferred:

• Familiarity with asset improvement projects, reliability-centered maintenance, or CI initiatives.
• Basic electrical troubleshooting (24V–120V systems, sensors, limit switches).

Ideal Candidate

• Automation-Focused – Enjoys working with complex PLC and instrumentation systems to keep operations running smoothly.
• Organized & Detail-Oriented – Maintains clear documentation and supports accurate inventory and job plan development.
• Reliable & Safety-Minded – Delivers consistent, high-quality work while upholding food safety and workplace safety standards.
• Collaborative – Works well with technicians, operators, and planning staff to keep production on track.
• Growth-Oriented – Eager to learn new systems, contribute to process improvements, and support others through training.

Benefits

• Generous annual bonus (up to 20% of salary)
• Full medical, dental, and vision (100% employer-paid)
• 401(k) with employer match
• Paid holidays, vacation, and personal leave
• Formal development pathways for controls, automation, or reliability roles
• Culture of teamwork, continuous learning, and craftsmanship