When it comes to being wild, we know a thing or two. We're not afraid of trying something new or the hard work it takes to make it happen. It's in our DNA. We've turned a family recipe into a new snacking category. And the wilderness into the world's largest meat snack business, that's still proudly family owned and operated.

We're a company built by innovators, and are driven to not only satisfy your hunger, but to also feed your journey – whether that journey is on the road, on the run, at the campground, at the playground, in the office or in the moment. It’s a journey we share with you. It’s the journey forward of our people, of our communities, of our category…with a reverence for quality and an irreverence for the status quo.

 At Jack Link's Protein Snacks, we see every moment of every day as an opportunity to move forward, to forge new ground. To realize our vision of becoming the World’s #1 Protein Snack Company. We never give up. You never give up. Together, we keep going. Are you wild enough to join us?

Jack Link's Protein Snacks is a global leader in snacking and the No. 1 meat snack manufacturer worldwide. Family-owned and operated with headquarters in Minong, Wisconsin, Jack Link’s Protein Snacks also has a large corporate hub in Downtown Minneapolis, Minnesota. The company is made up of over 4,000 passionate team members, across 11 countries, who share an uncompromising commitment to delivering awesome products and feeding the journey of those who move things forward. The Jack Link’s Protein Snacks portfolio of brands includes, Jack Link’s, Lorissa’s Kitchen, BiFi, Peperami, Wild River, Golden Island and Country Fresh Meats.

JOB DESCRIPTION SUMMARY

The Plant Controls Technician’s job is to keep the plant and equipment running in a safe and efficient manner. Maintains and repairs building and equipment. Carries out responsibilities in accordance with company policies and procedures.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The duties and responsibilities of this position shall consist of, but not be limited to, the following:

Daily work:                                                                                                                                    

• Maintain and troubleshoot software programs for process control systems, including PLC/PC controllers and industrial networks such as Ethernet and DeviceNet, motor control systems, servo drives, robotics, variable frequency drives, SCADA/MES, instrumentation, and electrical distribution systems.
• Comply with arc flash, confined space, hot work, LOTO procedures and policies in accordance with NFPA 70 E qualified electrical worker program.
• Communicate technical issues and project timelines with leadership, operations, and the maintenance team. Explain production impacts and work closely with operations and engineering to ensure a thorough understanding of impact to systems.

General:                                                                                                                                        

• Assist in developing specifications for instrumentation, controls, and electrical components. Read and interpret software control logic, electrical diagrams, manuals, and drawings.
• Perform installation, maintenance, testing and calibration of general control systems, transmitters, gauges, control valves, transducers, probes, level switches, pressure switches, temperature switches, flowmeters, and associated equipment that send and receive data.
• Attend technical conferences and seminars to maintain knowledge of control system processes and procedures.
• Collaborate with Engineering/Maintenance to develop procedures and standards.
• Help train and develop shift maintenance technicians on controls systems concepts and procedures.
• Must be a team player capable of working on multiple projects, must take initiative with assignments and be proactive with safety and add value in group projects.

• Other duties as assigned.

REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Required Education:  Associate degree in electronic technology or related field, or 5 years equivalent experience.

Required Experience:  Thorough understanding of PLC I/O and TCP/IP.

Preferred:

• Undergraduate technical degree and previous experience working in a meat processing facility
• Robotics maintenance and troubleshooting experience
• Ammonia refrigeration experience
• Experience working in food manufacturing environment
• English/Spanish bilingual
• Qualified Electrical Worker, NFPA 70 E compliance

REQUIRED SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE, AND ABILITIES

• Ability to identify, maintain, troubleshoot, and modify Allen Bradley Studio 5000 PLC's and PLC components.
• Ability to identify, maintain, troubleshoot, modify, and program AB HMI components.
• Ability to identify, maintain, troubleshoot, and modify Fanuc Robotics system components and controls.
• Ability to identify, maintain, troubleshoot, and modify Motor Controls including motor starters, Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs), DC drives, and standard electrical components.
• Industrial electrical distribution systems with hands-on experience and troubleshooting, including 120/208/240vac 3-phase, 277/480vac 3-phase, 4160 V medium voltage, and 24VDC systems.
• Familiarity with electrical testing and troubleshooting instruments such as a multimeter, megohmmeter, signal generators, communicators, calibration equipment.
• Ability to identify, maintain, troubleshoot, and modify multiple Industrial Ethernet networks and VLANs including cabling, unmanaged and managed switches, and all other associated devices.
• Ability to execute project tasks assigned.
• Reasoning, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Instrument calibration.
• Ability to interpret and modify drawings both mechanical and electrical.
• Ability to identify, maintain, and utilize SCADA systems and KPI's.
• A willingness to learn and grow their controls and automation skills.
• Ability to train others with lesser skills.
• Ability to interpret and understand policies and procedures.
• The ability to perform heavy physical work, exercising up to 50 pounds of strength frequently to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects. Work involves stooping, crouching, kneeling, reaching, standing, walking, and grasping.
• Utilizing CMMS for work scheduling and documentation.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS  

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by a Team Member to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

While performing the duties of this job the Team Member will be required to wear the appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (i.e beard/hairnet, ear plugs, frock, boots, etc), stand for extended periods of time, and use hands/arms to push, pull, reach and occasionally lift above head.  The Team Member must occasionally lift, push, pull up to 25 pounds and 50 pounds infrequently. Team Members are requested to visually inspect equipment and/or product.  

WORK ENVIRONMENT 

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those a Team Member encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. The work environment is a plant setting with wet/slippery floors, varying degrees of temperatures with an average temperature of 40 degrees in the production area.  Team Members will be exposed to raw and/or cooked meat products, and moving equipment and will be required to follow all Food Safety Quality requirements.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER:
Jack Link’s provides equal employment opportunity (EEO) to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, veteran status, or any other characteristic that is protected by federal, state or local law.

E-VERIFY:
Jack Link’s is participant in the federal E-Verify program to confirm the identity and employment authorization of all newly hired employees.  For information about the E-Verify program, please visit:  http://www.uscis.gov/e-verify/employees

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.