Automation Technician
Role Overview
Reporting directly to the Maintenance Director, the Process & Packaging Automation Technician serves as the plant's automation subject matter expert.
Primary responsibility is to ensure reliable operation of automated manufacturing and packaging systems through advanced troubleshooting, technical support, and automation expertise.
This is not primarily a project engineering role; success is measured by maximizing equipment uptime, quickly resolving automation issues, supporting the maintenance team, and maintaining control system integrity.
Key Skills for This Role
Full Job Posting
About the Role
Reporting directly to the Maintenance Director, the Process & Packaging Automation Technician serves as the plant's automation subject matter expert.
Primary responsibility is to ensure reliable operation of automated manufacturing and packaging systems through advanced troubleshooting, technical support, and automation expertise.
This is not primarily a project engineering role; success is measured by maximizing equipment uptime, quickly resolving automation issues, supporting the maintenance team, and maintaining control system integrity.
Duties and Responsibilities
- Diagnose and resolve complex automation issues affecting manufacturing and packaging equipment.
- Troubleshoot PLCs, HMIs, industrial networks, VFDs, sensors, instrumentation, and control systems.
- Provide advanced controls support to maintenance technicians and electricians.
- Minimize production downtime through effective fault diagnosis and rapid problem resolution.
- Perform root cause analysis and implement permanent corrective actions.
- Maintain automation backups, documentation, and software revisions.
- Support automated process equipment including ingredient delivery, batch processing, mixers, cookers, pumps, valves, CIP, and utility control systems.
- Support automated packaging equipment including fillers, cappers, labelers, conveyors, case packers, palletizers, and robotic systems.
- Support installation, commissioning, startup, and validation of new automation equipment.
- Coordinate with OEMs, system integrators, contractors, and equipment suppliers.
- Assist with Factory Acceptance Tests (FAT) and Site Acceptance Tests (SAT) when required.
- Perform work in accordance with ESA requirements and plant safety standards, supporting Lockout/Tagout procedures.
Education and Experience
- Diploma or Degree in Automation Engineering Technology, Electrical Engineering Technology, Industrial Electronics, Industrial Automation, or equivalent experience.
- A licensed Industrial Electrician (442A or 309A) with strong automation experience will also be strongly considered.
- Minimum 5 years of hands-on industrial automation experience in a manufacturing environment.
- Experience troubleshooting automated manufacturing equipment in production.
- Experience supporting both process and packaging automation is strongly preferred.
- Food manufacturing experience is considered a significant asset.
Technical Skills
- Strong experience with Rockwell Automation (ControlLogix, CompactLogix, Studio 5000).
- Strong experience with Siemens PLCs (TIA Portal).
- Experience with HMIs and SCADA systems (Ignition experience is an asset).
- Experience with Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs).
- Experience with industrial instrumentation and sensors.
- Experience with industrial Ethernet communications (EtherNet/IP, Modbus, Profibus).
- Experience with electrical drawings and control schematics.
- Experience with robotics (Fanuc or equivalent) is considered an asset.
- Experience with automated process systems such as batching, ingredient delivery, or CIP systems is highly desirable.
Soft Skills
- Strong troubleshooting and analytical skills.
- Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
- Calm and effective under production pressure.
- Excellent communication and teamwork.
- Strong organizational skills.
- Safety-focused mindset.
- Results-oriented with a strong sense of ownership.
About Solina
Solina designs customised savoury solutions for clients in the food industry, food service, butchery, and nutrition markets.
Solina has around 50 production sites and R&D laboratories in more than 19 countries, mainly in Europe and North America.
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