Manager PLC Engineer/Technician at Ulrich Steinke Rechtsanwalt und Notar

Summary

The PLC Technician is responsible for programming, maintaining, troubleshooting, and optimizing Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) systems and associated automation equipment used in high-speed bottling and packaging operations. This role supports production, safety, quality, and continuous improvement initiatives by ensuring automation systems operate reliably and efficiently in a food and beverage manufacturing environment.

The PLC Technician works closely with Maintenance, Production, Quality, and Engineering teams to diagnose control system issues, support new equipment installations, and implement process improvements while maintaining compliance with food safety, electrical safety, and Cal/OSHA requirements.

The Manager, PLC Engineer/Technician is a critical hands-on leadership role responsible for maintaining, troubleshooting, programming, and optimizing PLC-controlled equipment in a hot-fill beverage manufacturing environment. In addition to advanced automation and electrical responsibilities, this role directly manages and leads the Maintenance team, ensuring safe, reliable, and efficient plant operations. This position serves as both a technical expert and a people leader, supporting production uptime, food safety, regulatory compliance, and continuous improvement initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Maintenance Leadership & Team Management

• Directly lead, coach, and manage Maintenance Technicians, including electricians and mechanics.
• Assign daily work, prioritize breakdown response, and coordinate preventive maintenance activities.
• Train and mentor maintenance team members on PLC systems, electrical safety, and troubleshooting best practices.
• Participate in hiring, onboarding, performance management, and corrective action processes.
• Build a culture of accountability, teamwork, and continuous improvement within the Maintenance department.
  
  

PLC & Automation Systems

• Program, troubleshoot, and maintain PLC systems (e.g., Allen-Bradley, Siemens, or equivalent).
• Diagnose and resolve PLC, HMI, VFD, servo drive, and motion control issues.
• Develop, modify, and maintain PLC logic, ladder logic, function block, and structured text programs as needed.
• Support and optimize automated bottling, filling, labeling, case packing, palletizing, and conveying systems.
• Interface PLC systems with HMIs, SCADA, and plant data systems.
  
  

Equipment & Production Support

• Provide technical support to production and maintenance teams to minimize downtime and improve line efficiency.
• Perform root cause analysis on recurring automation or control system failures.
• Support equipment startups, changeovers, upgrades, and new line installations.
• Collaborate with OEMs, integrators, and vendors for troubleshooting and system improvements.
  
  

Electrical & Controls

• Read and interpret electrical schematics, control diagrams, P&IDs, and technical manuals.
• Troubleshoot industrial electrical systems including sensors, encoders, relays, contactors, and safety circuits.
• Support calibration and configuration of instrumentation such as photo eyes, proximity sensors, flow meters, and level sensors.
  
  

Safety, Compliance & Documentation

• Follow all safety policies, Lockout/Tagout (LOTO), and electrical safety procedures.
• Ensure PLC and control systems meet applicable Cal/OSHA, NEC, and food safety requirements.
• Maintain accurate documentation of PLC programs, backups, change logs, and system configurations.
• Support audits and inspections related to safety, quality, and regulatory compliance.
  
  

Continuous Improvement

• Identify opportunities to improve system reliability, automation performance, and energy efficiency.
• Assist with standardization of control systems and programming practices.
• Participate in continuous improvement, lean manufacturing, and reliability initiatives.
  
  

Required Qualifications

• Associate degree or technical certification in Automation, Electrical Engineering Technology, Mechatronics, or related field (or equivalent experience).
• Minimum 3–5 years of hands-on PLC and industrial automation experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Strong experience with PLC platforms such as Allen-Bradley (ControlLogix / CompactLogix) or Siemens.
• Experience with HMI systems (FactoryTalk View, WinCC, or similar).
• Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics and control diagrams.
• Experience in food and beverage or high-speed packaging environments strongly preferred.
• Strong troubleshooting, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
  
  

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Automation, or related field.
• Experience with bottling, filling, labeling, or packaging equipment.
• Knowledge of SCADA systems and plant network communications.
• Familiarity with safety PLCs and machine safety standards.
• Experience with continuous improvement or reliability programs.
  
  

Physical & Work 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.

• Ability to work in a manufacturing environment with exposure to noise, moving equipment, and industrial conditions.
• Ability to stand, walk, bend, kneel, and climb ladders as required.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.
• Must be able to work flexible schedules, including nights, weekends, and on-call support as needed.
• Must be able to safely work around energized equipment following proper safety procedures.
  
  

While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is regularly required to stand; walk and talk or hear. The work requires over 90% of the time to be standing, walking, and/or bending. The employee is frequently required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms and taste or smell. The employee is required to lift 50 pounds with the ability to lift over 50 pounds by sharing the load with another person.

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.

While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is regularly exposed to wet, hot, and/or humid conditions and moving mechanical parts and hot liquids, equipment and materials. The employee is occasionally exposed to fumes or airborne particles. The noise level in the work environment is usually loud.

This description reflects the type and level(s) of work performed. It is not intended to be all-inclusive or to portray the specific duties of any one incumbent. The management of CGWC may change this description at any time, according to business needs.