Automation & Controls Specialist

Join Vylor—Powering the Future of Agriculture​

At Vylor, we’re advancing agriculture through breakthrough science—combining elite germplasm, cutting-edge biotech, and next-generation expertise in gene editing and molecular breeding. Our portfolio includes trusted industry brands like Pioneer®, Brevant®, and Hoegemeyer®, delivering performance farmers rely on.​

Join us to help scale innovation globally and shape what’s next in crop science.

We have an exciting opportunity for an Automation & Controls Specialist to join our company and support our Maxton NC production location.  As the Automation & Controls Specialist, you will maintain and troubleshoot PLCs, HMIs, and plant automation systems while supporting maintenance, ensuring safety compliance, and driving continuous improvement in reliability and performance. This role also provides technical leadership through training, documentation management, and hands-on support for control systems and electrical projects.

VISA Sponsorship is not available for this position now or in the future.

Relocation assistance is not offered for this position.

This role will be 100% on-site at the location.

What You’ll Do:

• Ensure all work meets company safety standards by leading safe practices, driving risk reduction efforts, supporting incident investigations, and managing automation changes through proper management of change processes
• Maintain the integrity, availability, and reliability of PLC automation servers, processors, and associated control systems
• Troubleshoot and modify configuration of Rockwell Automation PLCs using Studio 5000 software
• Configure, troubleshoot, and maintain HMI systems using Rockwell FactoryTalk View SE/ME
• Execute the site-level implementation of the Process Control Network (PCN) strategy in alignment with enterprise standards
• Provide technical automation support to operations and maintenance teams during normal operations and upset conditions
• Provide technical leadership by training and coaching technicians and operators on automation systems, serving as the site resource for standards and system behavior, and supporting additional duties as needed
• Estimate labor and equipment costs, maintain maintenance and repair records, and support the development, installation, inspection, and upkeep of new or upgraded mechanical and electrical equipment
• Maintain accurate Computerized Maintenance Management Systems work feedback and automation asset data while analyzing system performance to drive reliability, standardization, and continuous improvement initiatives
• Build strong relationships with internal and external partners while facilitating clear communication and collaboration across shifts and departments, fostering a positive and inclusive work environment
• Other duties as assigned

Education:

• High School Diploma/GED or higher level of education

What Skills You Need:

• 3+ years of experience and/or education in industrial automation or PLC systems.
• Hands-on experience programming and troubleshooting PLC ladder logic (Rockwell Automation Studio 5000)
• Experience with HMI development and troubleshooting (FactoryTalk View SE/ME)
• Electrical experience working with systems ranging from 24V to 480V, three-phase
• Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics, control drawings, and technical documentation
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications (Excel, Word, etc.)
• Strong communication skills across operations, maintenance, and engineering teams
• Commitment to safety and willingness to work in a tobacco-free facility
• Willingness and flexibility to work rotating shifts /overtime, including weekends and holidays, as required to support business needs
• Demonstrated passion for learning and improving skills so you can complete additional training as necessary
• Willing and able to work a rotating shift with overtime hours including weekend work when needed.

Physical Job Requirements:

• Stand and sit for extended periods
• Work both outdoors and indoors in hot, cold, wet, and dry conditions
• Lift up to 60 lbs.
• Perform work that involves repetitive motion and/or repetitive lifting
• Exposure to dust and plant allergens including but not limited to corn, sunflower, cotton, and canola pollen and protein and sorghum as well as potential mold spores and/or chemicals in the course of your duties

Reasonable accommodations will be considered in accordance with applicable laws to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the role.

What Makes You Stand Out:

• Associate degree or technical training in Industrial Technology, Automation, Electrical, or related fieldAdvanced FactoryTalk Studio experience
• Strong electrical troubleshooting and control panel expertise
• Experience supporting plant-wide automation architectures and networked control systems
• Experience working alongside maintenance planners and coordinators (without owning scheduling or planning)
• Training, coaching, or mentoring experience in technical environments
• Project execution experience, supporting automation upgrades, or capital projects
• Ability to obtain automation or electrical related certifications.
• Ability to read blueprints and electrical schematics
• Training/coaching skills
• Project management skills
• You have a good understanding of maintaining/repairing, hydraulic systems, pneumatic systems, mechanical power transmission systems, electrical systems, welding, and fabrication work
• Experience troubleshooting servers and networks      

Benefits – How We’ll Support You:

• Numerous development opportunities offered to build your skills
• Be part of a company with a higher purpose and contribute to making the world a better place
• Health benefits for you and your family on your first day of employment
• Four weeks of paid time off and two weeks of well-being pay per year, plus paid holidays
• Excellent parental leave which includes a minimum of 16 weeks for mother and father
• Future planning with our competitive retirement savings plan and tuition reimbursement program
• Learn more about our total rewards package here - Vylor Benefits
• Check out life at Vylor! https://www.linkedin.com/company/vylorgenetics/

Are you a good match? Apply today! We seek applicants from all backgrounds to ensure we get the best, most creative talent on our team.

Vylor is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to embracing our differences to enrich lives, advance innovation, and boost company performance. Qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, military or veteran status, pregnancy related conditions (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), disability or any other protected status in accordance with federal, state, or local laws.