Senior Controls Technician

Job Description:

The Senior Controls Technician’s role is to provide leadership in PM capability, WO completion, breakdown elimination, and technical support for delivering the team’s operational targets such as safety, quality and efficiency results.  The Controls Technician will have a focus on WOs and issues related to controls, instrumentation, or electrical systems; but will be expected to support mechanical WOs and issues as needed.  This role must proactively identify and take action against risks to safety, food safety, quality and production losses. The Controls Technician will also lead and coach root cause problem solving with the Make and Pack Technicians on team, effectively communicate priorities, and escalate issues within their area and across shifts.  

What are we looking for? 

Education/Training:

Minimum:

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• Technical degree/trade certification or 5-10 years equivalent work experience required.

Preferred:

• 5+ years of in maintenance at Mars
• Previous maintenance/TR experience at NEA factory
• Technical degree in industrial electrical/controls or related degree
• 5 to 10 years of experience in a TPM/technical, manufacturing environment
• Demonstrated experience working in quality and safety.
• Functional knowledge and understanding of HACCP concepts

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

Minimum:

• Possess a good working knowledge of electrical, hydraulic and pneumatic schematics and mechanical drawings in order to solve problems in a timely manner.
• Ability to troubleshoot ac/dc electrical components including motor starters, switches and sensors found on all assigned equipment using basic test equipment such as multi-meters and amp probes.
• Ability to troubleshoot basic pneumatic and mechanical drive systems at the component level on all assigned equipment; i.e. sorting systems and palletizing robots.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule as needed to support production needs and to conduct multi-task work in a very fast paced work environment.
• Willingness to develop required technical skills in welding, basic machinist and fabrication/layout skill sets.
• Possess good  PLC/ Instrumentation troubleshooting skills.

Preferred:

• Possess an advanced understanding of ac/dc electrical (up to 480-volt 3 phase), hydraulic and pneumatic schematics and mechanical drawings in order to solve problems in a timely manner.
• Technical/ Trade certification: welding, advanced machinist skills, fabrication and blueprint interpretation.

Physical Requirements:

• Frequent lifting/carrying (10-50 lbs.).
• Frequent pushing/pulling (50-200 lbs.).
• Frequent handling/gripping/bending/stooping.
• Ability to work at elevated heights off a ladder or platform, climb stairs, leaning over equipment.
• Ability to stand and / or work on feet for extended periods (minimum eight hours in one shift).
• Must be able to work under stressful conditions such as heat, cold, high, and/or confined spaces and have full mobility to climb stairs & ladders.

What would be your key responsibilities? 

• Deep understanding of site control systems, including the programming of PLCs, VFDs, and other controlled equipment.
• Help develop Reliability Technicians’ understanding of site control equipment to aid in their ability to troubleshoot said systems and eliminate unplanned downtime.
• Act as a reliable resource when problem solving or performing root cause analysis on systems involving controls.
• Capable of troubleshooting, repairing and overhauling equipment within close tolerances.
• Calibration of Site Instrumentation including, but not limited to, temperature, pressure, vacuum, pH, level, and flow instrumentation.
• Document work orders (WO)/preventative maintenance (PM's) using computerized maintenance management system (SAP PM).
• Effectively communicate with machine operators, peers, supervisors and all levels of management daily.
• Provide support where needed and complete other duties as assigned by the Reliability Manager.
• Demonstrate engagement in Total Productive Maintenance (TPM) Theory and Concepts through participation in Pillar Teams, training fellow Mechanics/Operators in autonomous (AM) activities and conducting Breakdown Analysis.
• Participation in the Mars Supply Excellence program driving reliability improvements through breakdown elimination and support of autonomous maintenance.
• Understand and adhere to Lock-Out/Tag-Out (LOTO) procedures, confined space procedures and all other plant safety/good manufacturing practices (GMP) requirements related to supporting machinery uptime.
• Adhere to all Safety, GMP, Quality & Food Safety, and Sanitation standards.
• Work effectively in a team by building integrity, trust, and developing relationships with your peers.
• Responsible for the maintenance and troubleshooting of electrical and control systems equipment down to the component level, including 480V electrical power distribution, instrumentation, motor controls, VFD’s, Servo’s, I/O devices/modules, PLC’s, HMI’s, and control networks.
• Troubleshoot machine breakdowns and malfunctions utilizing a working knowledge of control system programs and tools required to troubleshoot PLC’s, HMI’s, and VFD/servo systems including electrical schematics, programming software, meters, and other electrical test equipment.
• Identify and recommend changes to improve plant performance utilizing existing or new control systems.  Make program modifications in PLC’s logic, HMI’s programs and servo controller logic to improve equipment performance.

What can you expect from Mars?

• Work with over 130,000 diverse and talented Associates, all guided by the Five Principles.

• Join a purpose driven company, where we’re striving to build the world we want tomorrow, today.

• Best-in-class learning and development support from day one, including access to our in-house Mars University.

• An industry competitive salary and benefits package, including company bonus.

The base pay range for this position at commencement of employment is between the range listed below, however, base pay offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, including but not limited to job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. The total compensation package for this position will include variable pay, medical and dental benefits, participation in 401k plan, and paid time off benefits. Details of participation in these benefit plans will be provided if an applicant receives an offer of employment.

The pay range shown is applicable to all US locations listed within the job posting:USD 43.37 - USD 59.63