Position Summary:

The Junior Field Controls Technician supports the installation, programming, configuration, commissioning, troubleshooting, and service of industrial automation and control systems at customer facilities. This position works under the technical direction of the PLC Technician while developing practical engineering skills in PLC programming, HMI development, industrial networks, VFDs, servo systems, instrumentation, electrical controls, and automated manufacturing equipment. The Junior Field Controls Technician is expected to provide hands-on field support, assist with controls modifications and startup activities, troubleshoot equipment and communication issues, maintain accurate program backups and technical documentation, and represent Claremont Foods/CMC Claremont Manufacturing Services professionally at customer sites. The ideal candidate has a strong foundation in industrial automation and electrical controls, and is comfortable working directly with manufacturing equipment, and is motivated to develop into an independent field controls technician.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

PLC Programming & Troubleshooting Assist with programming, editing, monitoring, and troubleshooting industrial PLC systems. Perform online diagnostics to identify sequence problems, interlock conditions, I/O faults, communication issues, and equipment operating problems. Support development and modification of PLC logic for equipment sequences, alarms, permissives, timers, counters, analog signals, and process control. Perform PLC uploads, downloads, program backups, and approved online edits under established CMS and customer procedures. Assist with troubleshooting discrete and analog I/O, remote I/O, field devices, and industrial communications. Support Allen-Bradley / Rockwell Automation PLC platforms and Siemens PLC platforms based on project requirements. Document approved PLC program changes and maintain current backup files. HMI Programming & Troubleshooting Assist with development, editing, configuration, and troubleshooting of industrial HMI applications. Create and modify operator screens, navigation, status indicators, alarms, trends, setpoints, and diagnostic displays. Troubleshoot HMI tags, communications, display behavior, alarms, and PLC-to-HMI data exchange. Perform HMI application backups, downloads, runtime updates, and approved modifications. Support Rockwell FactoryTalk View, Siemens HMI systems, and other platforms used by CMS customers. Equipment Installation & Controls Integration Support installation and integration of automated manufacturing, processing, packaging, and material-handling equipment. Verify controls installation against electrical schematics, I/O drawings, network layouts, OEM documentation, and project requirements. Assist with control-panel connections, sensors, motors, drives, remote I/O, instrumentation, and equipment communication interfaces. Verify control power, field wiring, network connections, safety interfaces, and utilities before equipment startup. Coordinate field activities with CMS personnel, customers, contractors, vendors, and OEM representatives. Startup & Commissioning Support equipment startup, testing, and commissioning at customer facilities. Perform I/O checkout and verify sensor operation, actuator operation, motor rotation, drive configuration, communications, and control-panel functionality. Assist with configuration and testing of PLCs, HMIs, VFDs, servo drives, sensors, and other automation components. Verify sequences of operation, alarms, permissives, interlocks, automatic modes, and equipment communications. Support dry-cycle testing, production testing, customer acceptance testing, and final equipment turnover. Troubleshoot issues identified during commissioning and assist with implementation of corrective actions. Document commissioning results, program changes, outstanding items, and final operating condition. Field Service & Controls Troubleshooting Respond to scheduled and emergency field service calls as assigned. Troubleshoot PLCs, HMIs, VFDs, servo systems, motors, sensors, control panels, industrial networks, and automated equipment. Assist with diagnosis of electrical, controls, communication, and equipment performance problems. Use systematic troubleshooting and root cause analysis to identify failed conditions and recurring issues. Replace, configure, and test control components when trained and authorized. Work with the Senior Field Controls Technician, OEM technical support, and component manufacturers when escalation is required. Help restore equipment to safe and reliable operation while minimizing customer downtime. Industrial Networks & Automation Systems Support troubleshooting of industrial Ethernet and equipment communication networks. Assist with Ethernet/IP and other industrial communication protocols as required. Verify IP addressing, device connectivity, PLC/HMI communications, managed switch connections, and network configuration. Assist with integration of PLCs, HMIs, VFDs, servo systems, remote I/O, sensors, and instrumentation. Technical Documentation Complete professional CMS Field Service Reports for assigned customer visits. Document troubleshooting performed, root cause findings, program changes, repairs, testing, and final equipment status. Maintain accurate PLC, HMI, VFD, and controls program backups when applicable. Record relevant model numbers, firmware revisions, IP addresses, software versions, and configuration information. Update drawings, I/O documentation, device lists, and technical notes when assigned. Maintain accurate labor, travel, material, and project records. Customer & Team Support Represent CMS professionally at customer facilities. Provide clear updates regarding equipment condition, technical findings, project progress, and outstanding items. Communicate technical issues and recommended solutions clearly to customers and CMS leadership. Work collaboratively with senior engineers, service technicians, contractors, OEMs, and customer personnel. Continue developing technical knowledge through field experience, training, and mentorship.

SAFETY RESPONSIBILITIES

Follow all CMS and customer safety policies, OSHA requirements, and applicable industry standards. Properly apply Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) procedures and verify zero-energy state when required. Use appropriate PPE and approved electrical safe-work practices. Recognize electrical, mechanical, pneumatic, hydraulic, thermal, motion, and stored-energy hazards. Never bypass or defeat machine safety functions without approved engineering and safety authorization. Stop work when unsafe conditions exist and immediately communicate safety concerns. Maintain clean and organized work areas during field activities.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Education, technical training, or practical experience in electrical engineering, controls engineering, automation, mechatronics, industrial electronics, or a related technical field. Foundational knowledge of PLC programming and industrial control systems. Basic experience with HMI configuration or programming. Understanding of industrial electrical systems, sensors, motor controls, relays, contactors, and control panels. Ability to read electrical schematics, control drawings, equipment manuals, and technical documentation. Strong troubleshooting, analytical, and problem-solving skills. Ability to safely use electrical and network diagnostic tools within training and authorization level. Ability to work independently on assigned tasks while recognizing when technical escalation is required. Professional customer communication and technical documentation skills. Valid driver's license and ability to travel to customer locations.

Preferred Qualifications:

Allen-Bradley / Rockwell Automation PLC experience, including Studio 5000 / RSLogix 5000. Rockwell FactoryTalk View HMI experience. Siemens PLC and HMI experience, including TIA Portal. VFD configuration and troubleshooting. Servo drive and motion-control experience. Industrial Ethernet and Ethernet/IP networking. Remote I/O, sensors, instrumentation, and industrial control panels. Experience with food manufacturing, bakery, packaging, conveyor, processing, or material-handling equipment. Equipment startup and commissioning experience.

TRAVEL & SCHEDULE REQUIREMENTS

Travel to customer facilities for local and out-of-town assignments. Work in manufacturing and industrial facilities. Work occasional evenings, weekends, shutdowns, or extended hours when project or customer needs require. Respond to emergency service assignments when scheduled or available. Travel overnight for installation, commissioning, troubleshooting, or project support. Adjust work schedules based on customer production and equipment availability.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Stand and walk for extended periods. Bend, kneel, climb, reach, and work around industrial equipment. Use ladders and approved elevated work platforms when required. Work inside and around manufacturing equipment following applicable safety procedures. Lift and carry tools, components, and equipment as required for the position. Work in manufacturing environments that may include noise, temperature variations, wet conditions, and active production areas.

PROFESSIONAL EXPECTATIONS

Maintain a professional appearance and attitude at customer facilities. Take ownership of assigned work and follow tasks through completion. Protect confidential customer and CMS information, including automation programs and technical documentation. Communicate professionally with customers, vendors, OEMs, engineers, technicians, and team members. Maintain accurate service documentation and program backups. Accept technical direction and mentoring from senior engineering personnel. Escalate technical, safety, schedule, or customer concerns when appropriate. Continuously improve knowledge of PLCs, HMIs, industrial automation, electrical systems, networking, and commissioning.

Back up:

PLC Technician Benefits:

Health Insurance Dental Insurance Vision Insurance 401 (K) matching Paid Time Off Paid Holidays

FMLACO-FMALI

Opportunities for advancement "Responsible for knowledge and adherence to Safe Quality Food (SQF) for Food Manufacturing standards, FDA compliance, FSMA compliance, GFCO certification, Organic certification, GMP Program, Allergen Program, and other food safety programs as trained upon initial hire and annually. Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor's legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)