Company Description

This is a U.S.-based agricultural manufacturing company specializing in food processing, animal feed ingredients, pet food production, agricultural equipment, and recycling services.

Job Description

The company is seeking qualified engineering and technical professionals to support the design, development, implementation, troubleshooting, and maintenance of industrial automation and control systems at Performance Pet Products in Mitchell, South Dakota. The position involves working with automated manufacturing equipment, electrical control systems, Human-Machine Interfaces (HMIs), system logic, motor drives, safety control systems, and related industrial automation equipment. Depending on the employee's education, technical qualifications, and experience, responsibilities may include independently performing engineering design and development activities or providing hands-on technical support to engineers responsible for industrial automation and control systems. The position combines engineering and technical problem-solving with practical work involving industrial equipment, automation systems, and manufacturing operations.

Primary Job Duties

• Participate in the design, development, implementation, and improvement of industrial automation and control systems to improve manufacturing efficiency, equipment reliability, and productivity.
• Evaluate existing automation systems, identify operational problems, and assist in developing and implementing technical solutions.
• Work with Human-Machine Interfaces (HMIs), system logic, motor drives, safety logic, control modules, and related industrial automation equipment.
• Support automation and controls projects involving system software, electrical controls, motor drives, and equipment modifications from initial planning through implementation.
• Troubleshoot automation system failures, electrical control problems, and equipment malfunctions to identify causes and implement corrective solutions.
• Read and interpret electrical wiring diagrams, OEM schematics, technical manuals, and equipment specifications to evaluate, troubleshoot, and repair industrial control systems.
• Perform testing, adjustments, preventive maintenance, and verification of automation systems and motor controls.
• Replace, configure, troubleshoot, and maintain automation components, including HMIs, control modules, motor drives, and safety control equipment.
• Troubleshoot and repair equipment wiring in accordance with manufacturer specifications and applicable safety procedures.
• Collaborate with engineering, maintenance, production, and other departments to identify opportunities to improve equipment performance and manufacturing operations.
• Document control system modifications, troubleshooting activities, testing results, and equipment maintenance performed.
• Provide technical assistance to Plant Maintenance Technicians when equipment problems involve automation, electrical controls, or related systems.
• Follow applicable workplace safety procedures, including electrical safety, lockout/tagout, and food safety requirements.

Engineering and Technical Responsibilities

The specific level of responsibility will depend on the employee's qualifications and assigned role.

Engineering Responsibilities

• Independently designing and developing industrial automation and control system improvements.
• Evaluating control system performance and developing engineering solutions to equipment and production problems.
• Planning and implementing modifications to industrial control systems and automated manufacturing equipment.
• Managing automation and controls projects, including technical design, implementation, testing, and completion.
• Applying engineering principles to improve system efficiency, safety, reliability, and operational performance.

Engineering Technical Support Responsibilities

• Working under the technical direction of qualified engineers to support industrial automation and control system projects.
• Assisting engineers with the implementation, testing, troubleshooting, and modification of automation systems.
• Performing hands-on technical work involving electrical controls, HMIs, motor drives, control modules, and related equipment.
• Collecting equipment performance information, identifying technical problems, and communicating findings to supervising engineers.
• Supporting engineers in implementing technical improvements and maintaining reliable manufacturing operations.

Additional Responsibilities

• Provide backup technical maintenance support to Plant Maintenance Technicians when needed.
• Assist with troubleshooting production equipment and facility systems, including equipment associated with boilers, ammonia refrigeration, and wastewater operations.
• Participate in required technical training, equipment certification programs, and workplace safety training.
• Maintain regular and predictable on-site attendance.
• Perform other related duties consistent with the employee's assigned engineering or technical responsibilities.

JOB INFORMATION

• Job Type: Full-Time
• Wage Per Hour: $31.32 − $36.00 per hour (based on experience)
• Hours Per Week: 40–50 hours
• Workweek: 1st Shift: Monday–Friday, 7:00 AM–4:30 PM; 2nd Shift: Monday–Friday, 3:00 PM–1:30 AM W/ potential for overtime during the week and/or weekend. Actual hours may vary based on production/project needs during the week or weekend production and project needs.
• Payment Days: Biweekly (Thursdays)
• Payment Type: Direct deposit (rapid! PayCards available from employer)
• Break Times: 30-minute lunch and two 15-minute breaks

Qualifications

Education and Experience

Candidates may qualify through either of the following educational and professional backgrounds.

Engineering Candidates

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Electronics Engineering, Mechatronics Engineering, Automation Engineering, or a closely related engineering discipline.
• Experience with industrial automation, electrical control systems, motor controls, or manufacturing equipment controls.
• Ability to apply engineering principles to the design, development, implementation, and improvement of industrial automation systems.

Engineering Technical Support Candidates

• Associate degree, Técnico Superior Universitario (TSU), or other relevant technical education in electronics, automation, mechatronics, industrial maintenance, or a related technical field.
• At least two years of relevant practical experience with industrial automation, electrical control systems, motor controls, or manufacturing equipment.
• Technical knowledge of industrial automation systems, electrical control equipment, motor drives, and control logic.
• Ability to interpret electrical wiring diagrams, OEM schematics, technical manuals, and equipment specifications.
• Ability to provide hands-on technical support to engineers responsible for industrial automation and control systems.

Additional Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in a manufacturing or industrial production environment.
• Experience with HMI systems, industrial control software, and automated production equipment.
• Familiarity with ammonia, boiler, and wastewater systems.
• Experience with Redzone or similar manufacturing software.
• Knowledge of industrial safety procedures, including lockout/tagout and electrical safety.

BOILER AND AMMONIA CERTIFICATIONS

Willing to obtain ammonia and boiler certifications within the first year of employment, if not currently secured.

EXPERIENCE REQUIRED?

Yes. See the applicable Engineering Candidates or Engineering Technical Support Candidates requirements above.

IS THE EMPLOYEE REQUIRED TO SUPERVISE OTHER WORKERS?

No

CRIMINAL BACKGROUND CHECK:

Yes. 3A to check if the candidate resides in Mexico. FUI to check if the candidate resides in the US.

DRUG TEST:

Yes, 4-panel. 3A to test if the candidate resides in Mexico. FUI to test if the candidate resides in the US.

ENGLISH LEVEL:

Upper-Intermediate

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS?

Not specified in the updated job description.

MUST ATTEND JOB TRAINING?

Yes

BILINGUAL ENVIRONMENT?

Partially

MUST ATTEND SAFETY TRAINING?

Yes

DRIVER’S LICENSE REQUIRED?

Preferred, Mexican license is okay

MUST BE ABLE TO LIFT:

Not specified in the updated job description.

Additional Information

EQUIPMENT AND APPAREL

• COMPANY UNIFORMS: Pants and collared shirt provided
• SAFETY APPAREL: Reimbursements available for steel toe boots and prescription safety glasses. Other required PPE available at no costs (ear protection, hard hat, etc.)

FLIGHT AND TRANSPORTATION

• PAID FLIGHT TO BUSINESS LOCATION?: Yes, when first starting employment.
• AIRPORT OF ARRIVAL: FSD

WORKPLACE TRANSPORTATION

• TRANSPORTATION TO AND FROM WORKSITE?: TBD

JOB INCENTIVES AND BENEFITS

• WORKERS’ COMPENSATION INSURANCE?: Yes
• 401(K)?: Yes, see benefits guide
• HEALTHCARE INSURANCE: Yes, see benefits guide
• PAID HOLIDAYS: Yes: New Years Eve, New Years Day, Memorial Day, Fourth of July, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, Black Friday, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, plus employee’s birthday

HOUSING

• HOUSING OPTION: Still sourcing
• INDIVIDUAL OR SHARED ROOMS?: TBD
• RENT PER PERSON?: TBD
• HOUSING COSTS: TBD
• UTILITIES INCLUDED?: TBD
• FURNISHING: TBD
• WI-FI?: TBD
• CABLE TV: TBD
• LAUNDRY: TBD
• COIN OPERATED?: TBD