Controls Technician - 1st Shift

We are always looking for talented, hardworking people to join the E.A. Sween family. We are a third-generation family-owned organization that understands the significance of our employees and that we are successful due to our incredibly committed team. We are excited to announce the search for our next team members for our brand-new manufacturing facility in Greenwood County, South Carolina! We are looking for a Controls Technician to join our growing team! The future is bright at E.A. Sween Company and we invite you to come grow with us!

E.A. Sween is an Equal Opportunity Employer – Minority/Female/Veteran/Disability

The Controls Technician’s primary responsibilities are to provide support which involves programming, debugging, and problem solving of highly automated equipment and controls systems including PLCs, HMIs, and electrical circuits. Additional responsibilities consist of providing support for continuous improvement and capital projects and analyzing data to attain high equipment reliability and uptime. The Automation Technician works within an environment that requires considerable interaction and collaboration with team members from other departments and support functions.

Essential Competencies:

1. Safety
   • Demonstrate a solid understanding of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) for the various areas of the plant. Including handling of equipment, tools, etc.
   • Assist in maintaining a clean, safe, and organized workspace.
   • Demonstrate safe work habits by following all safety rules and general plant rules.
   • Wear Personal Protection Equipment: Cut resistant gloves, hard hats while in Production, or safety glasses and specific protective equipment-based task being done.
   • Successfully complete the mandatory E.A. Sween safety training
2. Technical Scope
   • Using a meter to perform high level troubleshooting to component level. Act as first level escalation support for the maintenance teams. Appropriately escalate downtime situations to leadership for support to restore equipment operation.
   • Apply subject matter expertise in material handling and electronic control systems to maximize utilization of systems.
   • Monitor metrics and to resolve equipment electrical problems that create performance deficiencies.
   • Partner with Facility Operations leadership, equipment vendors and parts suppliers to plan and coordinate new technology installations. Acting as the technical consultant for capital projects inside the building.
   • Communicate technical issues and project timelines with building leadership, operations, and the maintenance team. Explain production impacts and work closely with operations to ensure a thorough understanding of impact to systems.
   • Replace/Program electrical components including VFDs, PLC programming and complex wiring.
     • Advanced electrical abilities including sensor technologies & reliability maintenance.
   • Display an advanced understanding and aptitude of pneumatic processes and procedures while troubleshooting equipment.
     • Ability to read schematics and interpret circuits design and component functions within the circuit.
     • Ability to troubleshoot pneumatic components effectively.
     • Understand and troubleshoot solenoid panels and related equipment.
   • Display advanced ability to troubleshoot and maintain HVAC and refrigeration systems.
     • Ability to interpret system read outs and adjust as necessary.
     • Ability to repair/replace electrical components of HVAC and refrigeration systems including ammonia and freon based equipment.
   • Help to build & enhance the PM procedures for all controls/electrical equipment. Complete Work Orders in CMMS for all work performed in a timely fashion.
   • Follow all aspects of the Maintenance Planning Process
     • Use and help validate PM Job Plans
     • Use Asset Essentials to create a Work Order
   • Follow all aspects of the Parts Process
     • Understand Storeroom Layout
     • Parts Checkout process and expectations
     • Using Asset Essentials (parts lookup, part requests etc.)
   • Must maintain good attendance, GMP and Safety records.
3. Quality               
   • Understand SQF Level 3 (Food Safety & Quality).
   • Understand regulatory & customer requirements.
   • Understand HACCP plans.
   • Understand your responsibility in protecting the safety and quality of our food through proper GMPs.
   • Report any questionable product to the QA, Supervisor or QC
4. Teamwork               
   • Support and demonstrate the Spirit of E.A. Sween and inspire others to do the same.
   • Assist in providing a friendly, positive work environment. Show respect for all other co-workers.  Get along with all co-workers.                           
   • Ability to accept work instructions & complete requests from co-workers.
   • Provide input and feedback on department updates, status, changes, etc.
   • Provide training for Technicians as needed.
5. Continuous Improvement               
   • Understand general principles and goals of EAS Continuous Improvement/LEAN program.
   • Take an active role in new equipment design/install projects.
   • Be willing to participate in any company mandated or recommended training to grow skills within given scope of the role.
6. Automation Technician:

• Demonstrate the mastery of the following standard work processes:
  • Complete all required paperwork for Production and the department:
    • Daily PM Walk Through.
    • Maintenance board.
    • Parts checkout sheet.
    • Work Order (enter new and complete assigned).
    • Other documentation as required.                               

Required Qualifications:

1. Have good communication skills.
2. Be proficient at Microsoft Word, Google Drive and Outlook.
3. Ability to manage time and workload efficiently and independently.
4. Highly proficient at PLC, HMI, electrical troubleshooting and building wiring circuits.
5. High level understanding of pneumatic/hydraulic and mechanical components and circuits.
6. Highly proficient at HVAC HMI & electrical troubleshooting in ammonia and freon based systems.
7. Degree in Electronics Engineering Technology or equivalent field. 2+ years of experience with Motor Controls (motor starts, variable frequency drives, DC drives, and standard electrical components), 2+ years of experience with Programmable Logic Controls (PLC) programs, 2+ years with SCADA systems and KPI's, 2+ years of experience supporting conveyors, HVAC, refrigeration systems. Experience with robotic maintenance and AB RS LOGIX 5000 PLC’s and PLC components a plus.
8. Experience with Computerized Maintenance Management Systems (CMMS).

Physical Demands and Work Environment:

1. Must be highly motivated and willing to work in a fast-paced environment.
2. Must be able to work well with various levels of employees and diverse cultures.
3. Some overtime is expected in the role.
4. Ability to safely lift >50Lbs.or greater on occasion.
5. Ability to move safely over uneven terrain or in confined spaces.
6. Ability to safely climb ladder and work at heights over 10 feet.
7. Ability to work in various temperature environments for extended periods of time (-10F up to >90F)

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)