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Van Doren Sales, Inc.
PC and Controls Systems Technician
Career Insights for Controls / Valve Technician
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Scorecard
Based on Washington data
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What they do
A Controls or Valve Technician monitors and repairs gas gauges, pressure valves, and thermostats on manufacturing equipment or machinery.
$75,312 / year median in Washington
+10% projected growth
Job Description
PC and Controls Systems Technician Yakima, Washington | Full-Time About the Opportunity We are building the next generation of integrated produce solutions—combining equipment, automation, and data to transform how food is processed and packed. We are seeking a hands-on Control Systems Technician to support the development, manufacturing, troubleshooting, and field performance of computer and electronic systems used in automated produce grading equipment. Our equipment combines mechanical conveyor systems, machine vision, industrial PCs, microcontrollers, low-voltage electronics, networking, and AI-based grading technology. This position will be a key technical resource for the PC, electronics, and embedded systems within the product while working closely with engineering, manufacturing, service, customers, and our AI technology partner. This is not a traditional IT position. The ideal candidate is comfortable working across hardware, software, electronics, and industrial machinery and can effectively troubleshoot systems both remotely and hands-on.
Who we are:
Van Doren Sales, Inc. is a leading equipment manufacturer and systems integrator specializing in the design and build of sorting and handling solutions for fresh fruit and produce across North America. As a family‑oriented organization, we pride ourselves on our long‑standing reputation as an industry leader and trusted partner in the marketplace. We are a socially responsible employer committed to fostering an inclusive, friendly, and supportive work environment. Van Doren Sales, Inc. offers competitive compensation commensurate with experience, along with a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision insurance; a 401(k) plan with company match; paid holidays; and paid time off (PTO).Who you are:
The ideal candidate is a hands-on, methodical problem solver who enjoys understanding how complex systems work. They are comfortable moving between computers, electronics, networking, software, and industrial machinery and can troubleshoot effectively whether working directly on a machine or remotely supporting a customer. This individual should be able to take lessons learned from customer issues and field testing and turn them into better documentation, diagnostic tools, and product improvements. Over time, they will become a key internal technical resource for the PC, microcontroller, networking, and electronic systems within the product.Posted Position:
Location & Work Arrangement Union Gap, WA Onsite role with limited remote flexibility when operational needs allow Reporting Relationship Reports to the R&D Director Key Responsibilities The role will be divided into: 40% — Remote Service, Support & Documentation- Provide remote technical support for customer equipment.
- Remotely diagnose PC, software, networking, microcontroller, electronics, and communication issues.
- Work with customers, service technicians, engineering, and technology partners to resolve technical problems.
- Perform software, firmware, configuration, and system updates as needed.
- Document issues, root causes, solutions, configurations, and troubleshooting procedures.
- Identify recurring field issues and help develop permanent corrective actions.
- Develop troubleshooting guides, service procedures, and diagnostic tools to improve support efficiency. 40% — Product Development & Troubleshooting
- Build, configure, test, and troubleshoot PCs and electronic systems used within the equipment.
- Assist with selection and qualification of PC hardware, GPUs, networking equipment, microcontrollers, sensors, and other electronic components.
- Install, configure, program, and troubleshoot microcontroller and embedded systems.
- Work with low-voltage electronics, sensors, I/O devices, communication systems, wiring, and related components.
- Develop and maintain scripts, utilities, firmware, and diagnostic tools used for configuration, testing, manufacturing, and service.
- Troubleshoot communication and integration between PCs, microcontrollers, cameras, sensors, and other machine systems.
- Support machine vision and AI computing hardware and work with our AI technology partner on system integration and troubleshooting.
- Participate in prototype builds, product improvements, design changes, and production releases. 20% — Field Testing, Analysis & Optimization
- Participate in field testing of new products and system improvements.
- Troubleshoot complex issues under real-world operating conditions.
- Collect and analyze system data to evaluate performance and reliability.
- Test and validate hardware, software, and configuration changes.
- Identify opportunities to improve system performance, reliability, and serviceability.
- Document field-test results and communicate recommendations to engineering and other teams. Additional Responsibilities
- Support manufacturing with machine configuration, testing, and final validation.
- Maintain standardized PC and electronic system configurations.
- Assist with component obsolescence, replacement-part qualification, and hardware upgrades.
- Develop and maintain technical documentation, work instructions, and test procedures.
- Provide technical knowledge and training to service and manufacturing personnel.
- Use customer support and field experience to help drive continued product improvement.
- Associate degree, technical degree, or equivalent hands-on experience in electronics, computer systems, mechatronics, automation, or a related field.
- Strong understanding of PC hardware with hands-on experience building, configuring, and troubleshooting computers.
- Experience with low-voltage electrical/electronic systems and microcontrollers or embedded devices.
- Basic programming or scripting experience.
- Understanding of Ethernet networking, IP addressing, and computer-to-device communication.
- Ability to read electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, and technical documentation.
- Strong troubleshooting and root-cause-analysis skills.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to provide technical support to customers remotely.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively in engineering, manufacturing, and field environments.
- Ability and willingness to travel for field testing and technical support as required. Preferred Experience Experience in several of the following areas is beneficial:
- Arduino, ESP32, STM32, Raspberry Pi, or similar embedded platforms
C, C++, C
#, Python, or similar languages- Windows and/or Linux system configuration
- PC imaging, deployment, and remote support
- Industrial Ethernet, TCP/IP, RS-232, RS-485, CAN, or Modbus
- Machine vision cameras and GPU-based computing
- Sensors, encoders, industrial I/O, and low-voltage electronics
- Multimeters, oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, and other diagnostic equipment
- Git or other version-control systems
- Data collection, logging, and analysis
- Industrial automation or machine-building environments