Controls Supervisor na Upstate Niagara Cooperative, Inc.

Job Summary:
The Controls Technician Supervisor leads the controls and automation team to ensure the reliability, safety, and efficiency of production systems. This role combines hands-on technical expertise with leadership responsibilities, overseeing installation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and optimization of electrical and automation systems. The Supervisor also drives continuous improvement initiatives, mentors technicians, and collaborates cross-functionally to support production goals.

Must have holiday and weekend availability. Must also be available to work all shifts (1st, 2nd, 3rd).

Key Responsibilities:

• Supervise and coordinate daily activities of Controls Technicians, ensuring timely and effective execution of maintenance and troubleshooting tasks.
• Lead efforts in diagnosing and resolving complex electrical and automation issues across production systems.
• Oversee development, modification, and troubleshooting of PLC programs (Allen-Bradley, Siemens) and HMI interfaces.
• Ensure calibration and maintenance of instrumentation devices including sensors, transmitters, and control loops.
• Review and approve electrical installations and repairs, ensuring compliance with safety and regulatory standards.
• Collaborate with engineering, production, and maintenance teams to identify and implement process improvements and automation upgrades.
• Maintain accurate documentation of control systems, electrical drawings, and maintenance records.
• Provide technical training and mentorship to Controls Technicians and production staff on control systems and safety protocols.
• Lead root cause analysis and corrective actions for recurring equipment failures, implementing preventative measures.
• Evaluate aging or obsolete equipment and recommend upgrades or replacements to maintain operational integrity.
• Support strategic planning for controls infrastructure, including budgeting and resource allocation.
• Ensure compliance with HACCP, GMP, and other food safety regulations.
• Other duties as assigned.

Experience & Education Required:

• Associate’s degree with 5+ years of experience in controls or automation, including supervisory or team lead experience.
• Technical degree or certification in electrical or controls-related field preferred.
• Proven proficiency in PLC programming (Allen-Bradley, Siemens), HMI development, and industrial control networks.
• Strong knowledge of electrical systems, instrumentation, and automation in a manufacturing environment.
• Experience with food processing equipment and familiarity with sanitation and safety standards is a plus.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Commitment to safety and continuous improvement.
• Flexibility to work off-hours and weekends when necessary for maintenance and emergencies.

Knowledge & Skills - Required

• Advanced troubleshooting of PLC-based control systems (Rockwell Software preferred).
• Skilled in digital/analog instrumentation and process loop calibration.
• Proficient in configuring industrial networks (Ethernet, DeviceNet, DH+).
• Experienced with 480V 3-phase power distribution and motor control systems.
• Familiar with RSLogix 5/500/5000, FactoryTalk, BOOTP, and WonderWare.
• Capable of reading and interpreting electrical schematics and control diagrams.
• Proficient in using electrical test equipment and diagnostic tools.
• Prior manufacturing experience with PLCs and automation controls.
• Must be a minimum of 18 years of age.

Preferred

• Dairy and/or food processing expertise, particularly in Mixing & Blending, Retort operations, automatic packaging, system and equipment mechanics, and sanitation and safety.
• Proficiency in setting IP addresses using BOOTP and familiarity with software programs such as RSLogix 5, RSLogix 500, RSLogix 5000, Factory Talk for programming PLCs, HMIs, and Drive. Experience with WonderWare is a bonus.

Confidentiality:
The Controls Technician Supervisor is exposed to and entrusted with confidential information relative to production methods, customers, and company strategy.

Management Responsibility:
This is a supervisory role reporting to the Maintenance Manager. Responsible for leading a team of Controls Technicians and coordinating with other departments to ensure smooth operations.

Work Environment:
While performing the duties of this job, the employee frequently works near moving mechanical parts, high-speed and processing equipment; is occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions and toxic or caustic chemicals; is frequently exposed to moderate to high noise levels in the work environment.

Must be able to see, grasp hold, walk, climb, bend, and stretch, lift up to 40 lbs.

Will spend significant time in the production environment where temperatures fluctuate, floors may be wet, and noise is a constant factor.

Pay: $90K-$115K a year*

*The salary range indicated in this posting represents the minimum and maximum of the salary range for this position. Actual salary will vary depending on factors including, but not limited to, budget available, prior experience, knowledge, skill and education as they relate to the position’s qualifications, in addition to internal equity. The posted salary range reflects just one component of our total rewards package. Other components of the total rewards package may include participation in group health and/or dental insurance, retirement plan, wellness program, paid time away from work, and paid holidays.

Upstate Niagara Cooperative, Inc. is committed to equal employment opportunity for all, without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, citizenship, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, veteran status, disability, genetic information, or any other protected characteristic.