SUMMARY: The Controls Technician is responsible for installing, maintaining, troubleshooting, and repairing automated control systems, electrical systems, and industrial equipment to ensure uninterrupted plant operations. Through hands-on experience and technical expertise, this role supports manufacturing equipment performance, productivity, and quality. This position works with PLCs, HMIs, automated systems, robotics, and industrial equipment while assisting in installation, debugging, calibration, and startup of new production lines. The Controls Technician utilizes CMMS to manage work orders, maintain equipment history, and support continuous improvement initiatives in a fast-paced manufacturing environment while ensuring compliance with all safety and regulatory standards.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Maintain uninterrupted operation of electrical systems, automated control systems, manufacturing equipment, and facility support systems.
- Perform industrial electrical troubleshooting and repairs on production equipment, machinery, PLC/HMI hardware, and automated systems.
- Work with PLC systems (Allen Bradley preferred), including troubleshooting, diagnostics, minor programming support, and ladder logic modifications.
- Diagnose and repair motor controls, power distribution systems, VFDs, AC/DC drives, sensors, robotics, and automated equipment.
- Perform preventive and predictive maintenance on electrical, automation, and control systems, including control panels and wiring.
- Calibrate instrumentation including pressure, temperature, and flow control devices to ensure proper system operation.
- Assist in installation, debugging, testing, and startup of new equipment, automated systems, and production lines.
- Install new control systems, electrical conduit, and wiring according to schematics, blueprints, and specifications.
- Maintain logs, update electrical drawings, schematics, and document system changes as required.
- Utilize CMMS to manage work orders, track maintenance activities, and maintain equipment history.
- Support continuous improvement initiatives to increase equipment uptime, throughput, efficiency, and product quality.
- Work closely with maintenance and production teams to resolve equipment and automation issues efficiently.
- Assist in training new employees and team members on proper maintenance procedures, troubleshooting techniques, and safety practices.
- Maintain compliance with all USDA, OSHA, SSOP, GMP, NEC, and company safety standards.
- Work with mechanical systems including pumps, valves, conveyors, and processing equipment as needed.
- Collaborate with outside vendors and contractors when necessary.
- Ability to work in non-climate-controlled environments, climb ladders, and lift heavy parts and equipment as needed.
- Perform other duties as assigned by Manager.
SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES:
- Experience with motor controls, robotics, automation systems, AC/DC drives, sensors, and power distribution systems.
- Ability to work in a high-paced production environment.
- Strong problem-solving skills with attention to detail and accuracy.
- Ability to communicate effectively in English (verbal and written).
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
- Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.
- Ability to interpret technical instructions in mathematical or diagram form.
- Basic math skills including addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, percentages, and ratios.
EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE:
Proficiency in one technical area and one to two years related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience. Associate’s degree in electronics, automation, electrical technology, or a related field preferred; a high school diploma with equivalent experience is accepted. Minimum of 1–3 years of industrial experience in maintenance, automation, controls, or electrical work preferred. Knowledge of PLCs (Allen-Bradley, Siemens, etc.), HMI software, electrical schematics, instrumentation, and mechanical troubleshooting required. Skills in any trade are desired but not required. These can include welding, plumbing, automotive mechanics, automotive electrical, and heavy equipment operation. Ability to lift heavy parts, work on ladders, and operate in non-climate-controlled environments.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Work is performed in an office setting on the second level of the facility and is occasionally exposed to refrigerated (35-40 degrees).
The noise level in the plant is usually loud.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to refrigerated and wet conditions.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee 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 employee is regularly required to use hands and arms to handle documents and operate a computer keyboard. While the job normally requires sitting, frequent walking to other areas of the building for meetings will be required. The employee must also occasionally lift and/ or move up to 25lbs.
Company Overview
Kayem Foods is a family owned and operated craft meat business that has been making New England’s favorite franks, sausages, and prepared meats in Chelsea, Mass. since its founding by Kaz Monkiewicz back in 1909. Well over 100 years later, we are the largest meat processor in New England and still pushing our craft to the next level – tweaking recipes to have the perfect flavors and extending our expertise into delicious new areas and collaborations – such as Kayem’s Night Shift Brewing Small Batch Beer Brats. One thing will never change, it’s our “Old World” food philosophy: to only make food we would share with our own friends and family. We offer the opportunity for professional growth and to make a difference in a flexible and collaborative environment.
Kayem offers competitive wages and benefits to full time employees. Kayem benefits include:
- Healthcare Insurance, and Dental (pre-tax and effective first day of employment)
- Vision (pre-tax and effective the 1st day of the month after start of employment)
- Life Insurance and Accidental Death and Dismemberment (effective 1st day of employment and no cost to employee)
- Safe Harbor 401(K) Retirement Plan (with employer matching contributions of up to 3% plus 50% of your contributions up to 5%)
- Vacation Pay, Paid Time Off (PTO) and Holidays
- Education Reimbursement (eligible after 6 months of continuous employment and up to $3,000 for career development)
- Opt-Out Medical Rebate, Doctor on Demand, and Wellness Initiatives for those who are eligible!
(Please NO staffing agencies or external recruiter calls)
Pay Range
The base pay range for this role is $40.00 - $60.00 USD/hourly.
The listed salary range represents Kayem Foods’ good faith estimate for this position and represents the minimum and maximum for new hire pay ranges. Ranges are reviewed on a regular basis. An employee’s rate of pay within the range is determined by their qualifications, relevant experience, and demonstrated performance over time. In addition to those factors, we believe in the importance of pay equity and consider internal equity of our current team members as a part of any final offer. Hiring at the maximum of the range would not be typical to allow for future and continued wage growth. This position is eligible for our comprehensive benefits package and is eligible for an annual wage review. Kayem Foods complies with all federal, state, and local minimum wage laws.
