Control Systems Technician presso Creekstone Farms

JOB SUMMARY

This position will be responsible for supporting & maintaining a new state of art Customer Order Fulfillment Center. This Customer Order Fulfillment Center will eventually handle the storage, inventory and shipments of nearly 100% of the daily boxed beef produced at Creekstone.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• These System Support Technicians will be responsible for the following activities at the new Customer Order Fulfillment Center:
• Ensure that all the Material Handling Equipment (MHE) is operating within the guidelines established by Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) & the System Integrator (SI) and to ensure that ALL Safety Devices and Safety Systems are working properly.
• Provide support, troubleshooting, calibration, and preventive maintenance for all the MHE which is housed in a cooler environment (30 to 34 degrees Fahrenheit).
• Conduct daily observations & inspections of all the MHE. This includes following up and inquiring with each of the key Creekstone Operations personnel regarding each major Sub-System to collect their thoughts and observations regarding how the MHE is operating.
• Learn how to correctly utilize & interpret the various WES / WCS / PLC / HMI & System Visualization Screens and Reports in order to ensure the daily “health” of the system:
  • Establish a daily archive of the base line reports for future reference and analysis
  • Scanner Read Rates
  • Various Sub-System Fault Reports
  • Planned and Unplanned Repairs
  • Replacement Part Orders
  • Hours of Operation Per Sub-System
• Report to Creekstone Management any MHE that is not operating within the normal guidelines and receive direction on the required next steps to return the MHE to normal operations.
• Work with Creekstone Management to establish the timelines and priorities for any repairs or corrective actions that may be needed.
• Interact with the various SI Support Personnel (Internal & External) regarding any planned or unplanned System Changes / Repairs / Corrective Actions that may be needed:
  • Provide detailed descriptions of any problems that may be occurring
  • Closely collaborate with Internal & External Support Staff to determine when Hardware, Software, Mechanical, Electrical or Controls Changes can be made and provide SPECIFIC feedback to them regarding the effectiveness of these changes
  • Clearly communicate to Creekstone Operations when there is a need for a System Change and what the deficiency is and what the desired result is from the planned System Change.
  • Accurately document and communicate operational test results.
  • Create graphical representations of daily, weekly, monthly system performance metrics & downtime.
  • Make timely recommendations regarding possible technical design or process changes to improve efficiency, quality, or performance of the system.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• The ability to learn, understand, troubleshoot & support advanced control systems, which are highly computer-driven.
• The ability to learn, understand, troubleshoot & support the MHE that is made up of several parts:
  • The mechanical system
  • The sensing and actuation devices
  • The PLC control systems and the PLC software functionality (NOTE: No PLC Programming Experience is required.)
  • The WES / WCS Software functionality (NOTE: No Software Programming Experience is required.)
• The ability to maintain and make recommendations to improve automated processes
• The ability to work closely with several different engineering disciplines to effectively maintain and trouble shoot the new system (Mechanical, Electrical, Controls, Software)
• The ability to collaboratively “Problem-Solve”.
• The ability to become a strong analytical thinker in order to effectively and efficiently solve day to day problems.
• The ability to WORK SAFELY at all times per Creekstone Safety Standards and Protocols.
• The ability to work at times without direct supervision.
• The ability and commitment to provide excellent & accurate communication to all stake holders.
• Basic to advanced understanding of the following;
  • Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC’s)
  • Photo Eyes, Sensors and Scanners
  • Variable Frequency Drives (VFD’s)
  • Solenoids, cylinders, and airlines
  • How PLC’s & Computer Systems control per each major sub-system to effectively troubleshoot
  • How major PLC’s, Scanners, Smart Devices & Computers are connected in the Creekstone Ethernet Network
  • Bar Code Label Printers and Applicators

Qualifications

• 3 to 5 years plant mechanical maintenance
• 3 to 5 years plant electrical experience
• Training in vocational school, related on the job training experience, or an associate’s degree preferred
• Proficient with Microsoft Windows
• Computer hardware and software troubleshooting a plus
• PLC programming experience
•  Attention to detail.