PLC Controls Technician

Who are we? Fresca Foods, located in Louisville just outside Boulder, Colorado, is a dynamic force in the natural foods industry where innovation fuels progress and creative ideas transform into future food lifestyles. For over two decades, we have partnered with global CPG companies and visionary entrepreneurs as both a natural foods manufacturing partner and a vertically integrated operator of natural food brands—working together to redefine traditional food categories and revolutionize the food system with a strong focus on safety and excellence. Combining the high-energy spirit of a startup with the stability and opportunity of a larger organization, Fresca Foods is committed to integrity, producing high-quality, sustainable food that promotes joy, well-being, and environmental stewardship. As a leading Boulder County employer and recipient of industry recognition, we are equally dedicated to community service and to creating abundant opportunities for motivated individuals who share our passion for great food and for shaping the future of our company. As part of our continued growth, Fresca Foods is launching a new, state-of-the-art manufacturing facility featuring high-speed production lines and advanced automation. With production slated to begin in October, we are actively building our team now—bringing in key talent early to support equipment installation, process development, and operational readiness. This is a unique opportunity to be part of a foundational team, helping shape the systems, culture, and long-term success of a new facility from the ground up. This is a permanent role, designed to grow with the facility and play a critical part in its ongoing success. Job Overview The PLC / Controls & Instrumentation Technician is responsible for the performance, reliability, and optimization of electrical, control, and automation systems across highly automated manufacturing and packaging lines. This role serves as the technical authority for PLCs, instrumentation, motion control, and industrial networks, supporting integrated systems such as automated ingredient delivery, mixing and extrusion, enrobing, and robotic packaging. The technician partners with Operations and Maintenance to troubleshoot complex issues, improve equipment performance, and drive continuous improvement through data analysis, root cause identification, and automation enhancements. Essential Functions Controls, PLC & Automation Troubleshoot and diagnose PLC-controlled systems, HMI/SCADA interfaces, and industrial networks. Interface with PLC programs to monitor logic, identify faults, and perform minor modifications and improvements. Support and optimize servo systems, VFDs, robotics, and vision systems. Troubleshoot and maintain inter-machine communication and control system interlocks. Maintain and validate machine safety systems (safety PLCs, relays, guarding circuits). Instrumentation & Electrical Systems Install, maintain, calibrate, and troubleshoot process instrumentation (flow meters, RTDs, thermocouples, pressure sensors, scales). Perform advanced troubleshooting on industrial electrical systems (up to 480V), including MCCs, panels, and field devices. Read and interpret P&IDs, loop diagrams, electrical schematics, and one-line drawings. Utilize diagnostic tools including multimeters, oscilloscopes, power analyzers, and IR cameras. Update electrical drawings and documentation to reflect system changes. System Performance & Reliability Analyze alarms, faults, and trends to identify and eliminate chronic equipment issues. Lead or support root cause analysis (RCA) for complex automation and controls failures. Drive improvements in uptime, system stability, and overall equipment effectiveness (OEE). Utilize CMMS (eMaint/SAP) and system data to support reliability and maintenance strategies. Continuous Improvement & Projects Identify and implement automation and controls improvements to enhance system performance. Support equipment upgrades, capital projects, and system integrations. Participate in commissioning, startup, and validation of new equipment. Develop and improve SOPs, PMs, and troubleshooting standards for automation systems. Collaboration & Technical Leadership Serve as a technical resource and escalation point for operators and maintenance technicians. Train and mentor maintenance staff to improve electrical and controls troubleshooting capability. Partner with Operations to improve line understanding, response time, and performance stability. Safety & Compliance Ensure all work complies with electrical safety standards, LOTO, GMPs, and food safety requirements. Promote a safe work environment and immediately address any safety or food safety risks. Participate in plant shutdowns and maintenance of electrical distribution systems. Requirements & Qualifications Advanced troubleshooting across PLC, controls, instrumentation, and electrical systems Strong working knowledge of: PLC platforms (Allen-Bradley, Siemens), Industrial networks (EtherNet/IP, DeviceNet, etc.), Motion systems (servos, VFDs, drives), Process instrumentation and calibration Ability to troubleshoot system-level issues across integrated production lines Strong analytical and root cause problem-solving capability Experience in highly automated manufacturing environments (food/CPG strongly preferred) Knowledge of GMPs, food safety, and sanitary design principles Strong communication and cross-functional collaboration skills High school diploma or GED required; technical degree or certification in Electrical, Automation, or Mechatronics preferred 5+ years of experience in industrial controls, PLC, or automation roles Demonstrated experience troubleshooting PLC-based systems and instrumentation Experience supporting high-speed, highly automated production and packaging systems ISA or equivalent certifications a plus Work Environment / Physical Requirements Lift up to 50 lbs Stand/walk for extended shifts (10-12 hours) Work in hot/cold environments and moderate noise levels Frequent bending, reaching, and confined space work Exposure to food allergens (nuts, dairy, gluten, etc.) Work safely around automated and robotic equipment Adhere to all PPE, GMP, and food safety requirements Willingness to work off-shifts, weekends, and overtime as needed Benefits Health insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, pet insurance, 401(k) with company match, generous PTO, paid holidays, life insurance and short term disability insurance, annual bonus potential At Fresca, we don't just accept difference — we celebrate it, we support it, and we thrive on it for the benefit of our employees, our products and our community. Fresca Foods is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to equal consideration regardless of gender, age, disability, ethnicity, sexual orientation or religious affiliation. In addition, Fresca Foods is committed to equal pay for equal work. The pay range indicated in this job posting represents the low and high end of the hiring range for this job. Although actual pay may vary and may be above or below this range, generally speaking, offers will typically be made in the bottom half of the listed range. The amount offered will take into consideration a candidate's education, training, and experience, as well as the position's work location, expected quality and quantity of work, required travel (if any), external market and internal value, including seniority and merit systems, and internal pay alignment. Please, no third party inquiries.

Pay:

$40.00

• $47.

00 per hour

Benefits:

401(k) 401(k) matching Dental insurance Health insurance Paid time off Referral program Vision insurance Application Question(s): Are you willing to work off-shifts, weekends, and overtime as needed?

Work Location:

In person PLC Controls Technician 3.3 3.3 out of 5 stars Louisville, CO 80027 $40

• $47 an hour
• Full-time Fresca Foods 18 reviews $40
• $47 an hour
• Full-time Who are we?

Fresca Foods, located in Louisville just outside Boulder, Colorado, is a dynamic force in the natural foods industry where innovation fuels progress and creative ideas transform into future food lifestyles. For over two decades, we have partnered with global CPG companies and visionary entrepreneurs as both a natural foods manufacturing partner and a vertically integrated operator of natural food brands—working together to redefine traditional food categories and revolutionize the food system with a strong focus on safety and excellence. Combining the high-energy spirit of a startup with the stability and opportunity of a larger organization, Fresca Foods is committed to integrity, producing high-quality, sustainable food that promotes joy, well-being, and environmental stewardship. As a leading Boulder County employer and recipient of industry recognition, we are equally dedicated to community service and to creating abundant opportunities for motivated individuals who share our passion for great food and for shaping the future of our company. As part of our continued growth, Fresca Foods is launching a new, state-of-the-art manufacturing facility featuring high-speed production lines and advanced automation. With production slated to begin in October, we are actively building our team now—bringing in key talent early to support equipment installation, process development, and operational readiness. This is a unique opportunity to be part of a foundational team, helping shape the systems, culture, and long-term success of a new facility from the ground up. This is a permanent role, designed to grow with the facility and play a critical part in its ongoing success. Job Overview The PLC / Controls & Instrumentation Technician is responsible for the performance, reliability, and optimization of electrical, control, and automation systems across highly automated manufacturing and packaging lines. This role serves as the technical authority for PLCs, instrumentation, motion control, and industrial networks, supporting integrated systems such as automated ingredient delivery, mixing and extrusion, enrobing, and robotic packaging. The technician partners with Operations and Maintenance to troubleshoot complex issues, improve equipment performance, and drive continuous improvement through data analysis, root cause identification, and automation enhancements. Essential Functions Controls, PLC & Automation Troubleshoot and diagnose PLC-controlled systems, HMI/SCADA interfaces, and industrial networks. Interface with PLC programs to monitor logic, identify faults, and perform minor modifications and improvements. Support and optimize servo systems, VFDs, robotics, and vision systems. Troubleshoot and maintain inter-machine communication and control system interlocks. Maintain and validate machine safety systems (safety PLCs, relays, guarding circuits). Instrumentation & Electrical Systems Install, maintain, calibrate, and troubleshoot process instrumentation (flow meters, RTDs, thermocouples, pressure sensors, scales). Perform advanced troubleshooting on industrial electrical systems (up to 480V), including MCCs, panels, and field devices. Read and interpret P&IDs, loop diagrams, electrical schematics, and one-line drawings. Utilize diagnostic tools including multimeters, oscilloscopes, power analyzers, and IR cameras. Update electrical drawings and documentation to reflect system changes. System Performance & Reliability Analyze alarms, faults, and trends to identify and eliminate chronic equipment issues. Lead or support root cause analysis (RCA) for complex automation and controls failures. Drive improvements in uptime, system stability, and overall equipment effectiveness (OEE). Utilize CMMS (eMaint/SAP) and system data to support reliability and maintenance strategies. Continuous Improvement & Projects Identify and implement automation and controls improvements to enhance system performance. Support equipment upgrades, capital projects, and system integrations. Participate in commissioning, startup, and validation of new equipment. Develop and improve SOPs, PMs, and troubleshooting standards for automation systems. Collaboration & Technical Leadership Serve as a technical resource and escalation point for operators and maintenance technicians. Train and mentor maintenance staff to improve electrical and controls troubleshooting capability. Partner with Operations to improve line understanding, response time, and performance stability. Safety & Compliance Ensure all work complies with electrical safety standards, LOTO, GMPs, and food safety requirements. Promote a safe work environment and immediately address any safety or food safety risks. Participate in plant shutdowns and maintenance of electrical distribution systems. Requirements & Qualifications Advanced troubleshooting across PLC, controls, instrumentation, and electrical systems Strong working knowledge of: PLC platforms (Allen-Bradley, Siemens), Industrial networks (EtherNet/IP, DeviceNet, etc.), Motion systems (servos, VFDs, drives), Process instrumentation and calibration Ability to troubleshoot system-level issues across integrated production lines Strong analytical and root cause problem-solving capability Experience in highly automated manufacturing environments (food/CPG strongly preferred) Knowledge of GMPs, food safety, and sanitary design principles Strong communication and cross-functional collaboration skills High school diploma or GED required; technical degree or certification in Electrical, Automation, or Mechatronics preferred 5+ years of experience in industrial controls, PLC, or automation roles Demonstrated experience troubleshooting PLC-based systems and instrumentation Experience supporting high-speed, highly automated production and packaging systems ISA or equivalent certifications a plus Work Environment / Physical Requirements Lift up to 50 lbs Stand/walk for extended shifts (10-12 hours) Work in hot/cold environments and moderate noise levels Frequent bending, reaching, and confined space work Exposure to food allergens (nuts, dairy, gluten, etc.) Work safely around automated and robotic equipment Adhere to all PPE, GMP, and food safety requirements Willingness to work off-shifts, weekends, and overtime as needed Benefits Health insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, pet insurance, 401(k) with company match, generous PTO, paid holidays, life insurance and short term disability insurance, annual bonus potential At Fresca, we don't just accept difference — we celebrate it, we support it, and we thrive on it for the benefit of our employees, our products and our community. Fresca Foods is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to equal consideration regardless of gender, age, disability, ethnicity, sexual orientation or religious affiliation. In addition, Fresca Foods is committed to equal pay for equal work. The pay range indicated in this job posting represents the low and high end of the hiring range for this job. Although actual pay may vary and may be above or below this range, generally speaking, offers will typically be made in the bottom half of the listed range. The amount offered will take into consideration a candidate's education, training, and experience, as well as the position's work location, expected quality and quantity of work, required travel (if any), external market and internal value, including seniority and merit systems, and internal pay alignment. Please, no third party inquiries.

Pay:

$40.00

• $47.

00 per hour

Benefits:

401(k) 401(k) matching Dental insurance Health insurance Paid time off Referral program Vision insurance Application Question(s): Are you willing to work off-shifts, weekends, and overtime as needed?

Work Location:

In person