Job Summary
As an Electrical Programming Specialist, you will drive the operational success of our facility by bridging the gap between advanced hardware and control system software. This hybrid role seamlessly integrates hands-on electrical expertise with sophisticated automation programming, ensuring that every sensor, actuator, PLC, and network protocol communicates flawlessly. Far beyond a typical troubleshooting role, you will actively anticipate system needs—designing robust, efficient, and scalable control systems that adapt to our future manufacturing demands.
The Impact of Your Role
Your technical expertise will directly influence three critical pillars of our operation:
- Operational Reliability: Minimize facility downtime through predictive maintenance, rapid troubleshooting, and intelligent automation deployment.
- Safety & Regulatory Compliance: Guarantee that all industrial electrical and control systems meet or exceed strict NEC and OSHA safety standards.
- Process Optimization: Continuously drive manufacturing efficiency, throughput, and precision using advanced instrumentation and optimized control logic.
Essential Functions:
- Instrumentation & Calibration: Install, calibrate, and maintain industrial instrumentation, pressure transmitters, temperature sensors, level gauges, thickness gauges, and control valves.
- PLC Programming: Design, program, and troubleshoot PLC systems to support automation and process control requirements.
- Schematics & Documentation: Read and interpret electrical schematics, P&IDs, wiring diagrams, and technical manuals to execute installations and repairs.
- Preventive Maintenance: Perform preventive and predictive maintenance on electrical and control systems to minimize downtime and extend equipment life.
- System Integration: Integrate new equipment into existing control systems, ensuring seamless communication between devices and adherence to project timelines and safety.
- Network Configuration: Configure and maintain industrial networks (Ethernet/IP, Modbus, Profibus, Profinet, etc.) for reliable data exchange between field devices and control systems.
- System Design & Programming: Design and install Industrial Control Systems. Perform initial programming and ongoing maintenance on all PLCs.
- Instrumentation & Calibration: Install, calibrate, and maintain industrial instrumentation, pressure transmitters, temperature sensors, level gauges, thickness gauges, and control valves.
- Motor Control Systems: Work directly with VFDs (Variable Frequency Drives) and motor control systems, ensuring proper installation, programming, and troubleshooting.
- Robotics Support: Act as the designated back-up programmer for the Line 3 Robot.
- Project & Commissioning Support: Support commissioning and start-up activities for new projects, guaranteeing systems are fully operational and meet performance specifications. Assist in the physical installation of all electrical or instrument projects.
- Maintenance & Troubleshooting: Diagnose and troubleshoot complex electrical and instrument problems. Perform preventive and predictive maintenance on electrical, instrument, and control equipment to minimize downtime.
- Schematics & Data Networks: Read and interpret electrical schematics, P&IDs, wiring diagrams, and technical manuals. Configure and maintain industrial networks (Ethernet/IP, Modbus, Profibus, Profinet, etc.) for reliable data exchange.
- Compliance & Documentation: Document all programming changes, wiring modifications, and calibration records for compliance, audits, and future reference. Ensure strict code compliance (NEC and OSHA) on all electrical and instrument installations, maintenance, and modifications.
- Training & Development: Train maintenance personnel for qualification upgrading within the Maintenance Department.
- Cross-Functional Collaboration: Cooperate with Managers, Operators, and Maintenance Teams to identify opportunities for system improvements. Work closely with manufacturers and vendors to resolve technical
- Support Accessibility: Demonstrate the ability and willingness to answer technical questions and phone calls from all departments, including Production, Maintenance, Management, and the IT Department.
- General Duties: Exhibit a respectful, responsive, and positive communication style with everyone in the facility while intelligently articulating problems and solutions. Other duties may be assigned by the Maintenance and Plant Manager.
Qualifications & Requirements
Automation & Programming Expertise
- PLC Systems: Advanced proficiency in programming from scratch, debugging, and modifying logic across various PLC languages, with specific expertise in Siemens and standard automation platforms.
- HMI/SCADA: Demonstrated experience developing and configuring interface screens and handling data integration within platforms like WinCC and FactoryTalk View.
- Software Development: Ability to write or modify code using languages such as C++ or VB.NET / VB 6.0, along with foundational familiarity with legacy systems (MS-DOS).
- Robotics & Vision (Preferred): Hands-on programming knowledge of FANUC Robotics platforms, motion control, vision systems, or safety PLCs is a major asset.
Electrical & Hardware Skills
- Power & Controls: Strong background in physical electrical and electronic installations, including power distribution systems, control panel design, and control circuitry.
- Drive Systems: Expert troubleshooting and configuration knowledge of both Variable AC Drive (VFD) and DC Drive motor control systems.
- Instrumentation: Deep knowledge of process control instrumentation, including precise calibration techniques for sensors, valves, and transmitters.
- Schematics & Design: High proficiency reading, interpreting, and generating detailed electrical schematics and control diagrams using CAD software.
Networking & Compliance
- Industrial Protocols: Robust working knowledge of industrial network architecture and multi-device communication protocols, including EtherNet/IP, Profinet, and Profibus.
- IT Infrastructure: Solid understanding of computer networking principles and standard software tools (Microsoft Office Suite, including MS Project and Access).
- Safety Codes: Firm commitment to a safety-first culture, with operational knowledge of NFPA 70E, OSHA regulations, and the National Electrical Code (NEC).
Professional & Soft Skills
- Problem Solving: Elite diagnostic skills to independently isolate and resolve complex, intermittent electrical and control systems issues.
- Project Execution: Proven capability to drive complex automation projects independently while maintaining cross-functional team alignment.
- Communication: Exceptional interpersonal skills with the ability to collaborate respectfully, positively, and effectively with all plant personnel, from floor operators to executive IT management.
- Flexibility: Willingness to travel periodically for advanced technical training.
Physical Requirements & Working Conditions
Strength & Mobility
- Heavy Lifting: Lift up to 75 pounds occasionally and transport it for distances up to 15 feet.
- Material Handling: Carry up to 20 pounds for distances of 100 feet or more throughout a shift.
- Physical Stamina: Endure extended periods of physical activity—including standing, walking, bending, reaching, kneeling, and crouching—for up to 2 hours continuously, totaling up to 7 hours within an 8-hour shift.
- Overhead Work: Reach, manipulate, and operate precision tools and electrical test equipment safely above shoulder height.
Sensory & Safety Compliance
- Sensory Awareness: Maintain acute auditory and visual faculties to immediately detect and respond to plant-floor alarms, warning sirens, and strobe lights near active production lines.
- PPE Compliance: Wear all mandatory Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), including hearing protection, safety glasses, gloves, and respiratory dust masks.
- Hygiene & Food Safety: Strictly adhere to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) protocols, including the required use of hairnets and beard nets when servicing areas running food-grade orders.
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) 8% Match
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Relocation assistance
- Vision insurance
Education:
Experience:
- Electrical Programming: 3 years (Required)
License/Certification:
- Drivers License (Required)
Ability to Relocate:
- Cedar Rapids, IA 52404: Relocate before starting work (Required)
Willingness to travel:
Work Location: In person
