Automation and Controls Technologists

Associate degree, technical degree, or formal training in Automation, Electrical/Electronic Technology, Mechatronics, Industrial Technology, Instrumentation, or a related field; equivalent relevant controls experience may be considered.

Three to five years of industrial automation, controls, instrumentation, electrical, or related manufacturing experience preferred.

Manufacturing or heavy industrial experience strongly preferred.

Demonstrated PLC troubleshooting and programming experience.

Experience with Rockwell/Allen-Bradley and/or Modicon platforms preferred.

Experience with VFDs, industrial instrumentation, automated equipment, and process-control systems preferred.

Strong hands-on troubleshooting, analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.

Previous leadership, supervisory, or demonstrated technical team-lead experience preferred, including experience directing the work of instrumentation, controls, electrical, or other technical personnel.

The Automation & Controls Technologist is a hands-on technical position responsible for troubleshooting, maintaining, modifying, and improving plant automation and process-control systems within a 24/7 glass manufacturing environment. The position works closely with Maintenance, Operations, Engineering, Quality, and other plant personnel to maintain reliable controls systems, resolve equipment issues, support Instrumentation Technicians, and drive continuous improvement of manufacturing processes.

Troubleshoot, maintain, and modify PLC-based control systems, including Rockwell/Allen-Bradley and/or Modicon platforms.

Diagnose and troubleshoot automation, electrical controls, VFDs, instrumentation, and related process-control systems.

Analyze equipment and process performance and recommend practical controls and automation improvements that improve reliability, quality, yield, safety, and productivity.

Assist with integration of new equipment and automation technologies into existing plant control systems.

Lead or support installation, testing, commissioning, and debugging of new and modified production equipment.

Perform PLC programming changes and controls modifications necessary to support equipment reliability, production requirements, and approved process improvements.

Provide hands-on technical support for equipment, automation, instrumentation, and controls issues throughout the plant.

Work with equipment manufacturers, vendors, contractors, Plant Engineering, and Corporate Engineering to support equipment modifications, troubleshooting, and implementation.

Lead and/or support assigned automation upgrades, capital projects, and process-improvement initiatives within assigned scope.

Maintain controls documentation and provide technical training and knowledge transfer to Instrumentation Technicians, Maintenance, Operations, Shift Managers, and other plant personnel.

Stay current with automation technology and industrial-controls best practices and recommend improvements that support stable, efficient operations.

Support plant safety, environmental, quality, housekeeping, and continuous-improvement requirements.

Provide day-to-day leadership and supervision to the plant's Instrumentation Technicians, including assigning and prioritizing work, providing technical direction and coaching, monitoring performance and work quality, supporting employee development, and coordinating resources based on plant operational needs.

Provide on-call and in-person technical support as needed to support the plant's 24/7 manufacturing operation, including responding to critical equipment, automation, instrumentation, and controls issues outside of normal working hours. Must be able to report to the facility when operational or technical needs require on-site support.

Troubleshoot and modify existing controls within approved procedures and assigned scope to support operational and process needs.

Recommend and implement controls, automation, and equipment improvements within approved procedures and assigned scope.

Support integration, testing, and startup of approved new equipment and controls modifications.

Analyze equipment and process performance and recommend technical improvements; escalate complex or high-risk design changes to engineering or management as appropriate.

Interact with outside vendors, contractors, and Corporate Engineering.

Provide technical input for process-improvement equipment, controls, and instrumentation specifications.

Provide technical direction, leadership, training, and supervision to the plant's Instrumentation Technicians and provide technical guidance to other plant personnel as appropriate.

Frequent interaction with Shift Managers, Operations, Maintenance, Quality, Plant Engineering, and other technical personnel. The position also works with outside vendors, contractors, and Corporate Engineering to support production equipment, controls systems, and improvement projects.

Equipment reliability and reduction of equipment-related production loss.

Completion of system and process-improvement projects.

Production yield, quality, and process stability.

Safety performance and compliance with plant safety standards.

Efficient use of labor, equipment, and operating resources.

Continuous improvement, standardization, and knowledge transfer.

Work is performed in a 24/7 glass manufacturing environment. Exposure may include dust, moving vehicles, heavy equipment, moving machinery, chemicals, high-temperature materials, broken and breaking glass, overhead cranes, confined or limited spaces, high noise levels, and a full range of ambient temperatures. The position also performs office-based work. After-hours, weekend, and on-call technical support may be required based on plant operating needs. Limited travel may be required. This position requires the ability to provide on-call support and report to the facility in person when operational or technical needs require on-site assistance. After-hours, weekend, and holiday support may be required based on plant operating needs.

Ability to stand, walk, and sit as required throughout the workday.

Occasional lifting and carrying of items generally under 20 pounds.

Ability to push, pull, climb, balance, bend, twist, reach, and handle equipment as needed to access and evaluate plant systems.

Ability to safely operate in and around industrial equipment and limited spaces.

Ability to hear, communicate, observe, and respond to normal and emergency conditions in the manufacturing environment.

Visual acuity, depth perception, and color vision sufficient to safely perform assigned technical duties.

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of all activities, duties, or responsibilities required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees without regard to race, color, ancestry, national origin, religion or creed, sex, gender, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression, age, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, military or veteran status, reproductive health decision-making, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

Vitro also provides reasonable accommodations to qualified applicants and employees with disabilities in accordance with applicable law.