Automation Technician 3rd shift

At Link Snacks, we show up hungry, roll up our sleeves, plaid or otherwise, and dive straight into the hard work. We don’t hide from challenges; we hunt them down. We push harder, move faster, and take the kinds of big swings that built this business in the North Woods of Wisconsin four decades ago.

We’re everyday people who deliver extraordinary results. Innovation, creativity, and urgency aren’t buzzwords, they’re expectations. And just like the real protein snacks we make across our global house of brands: Jack Link’s®, Lorissa’s™ Organic Snacks, Golden Island®, BiFi®, Peperami® and KOOEE!® to name a few, there’s nothing artificial about us. What you see is exactly what you get: humble, gritty, passionate people who show up every day ready to not just be a participate in the meat snack industry that the Link Family created, but to move faster, innovate harder and keep raising the bar so high, the rest of the world needs a ladder just to see it.

Dominating this space across the world takes a team. A team that runs together, succeeds together, and celebrates together. A team that’s full of relentless energy and spirit that can only be fueled by one thing: a fist full of our delicious meat snacks.

Real Meat Protein. Real People. Real Results. THAT is Link Snacks.

We offer:

• Steady, predictable shifts
• A passionate team 
• Strong family values
• Career opportunities with a goal to promote from within  
• Competitive pay including a bonus plan
• Great benefits including a medical plan, dental plan and vision plan
• Paid Time Off (PTO) and holiday pay
• Discounted product

Hours: Friday-Sunday, 5:30 am - 6 pm

The role of the Maintenance – Automation Technician is responsible for making sure all automated machines are running effectively.  Stopping production when machines are not running effectively, troubleshooting the problem, and find the solutions quickly.  Maintenance/Automation Technician should have extensive knowledge on hydraulics, pneumatics, systems and a working knowledge of PLC’s.  This position will be carried out in accordance with all company policies and procedures.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The duties and responsibilities of this position shall consist of, but not be limited to, the following:

• Load product into machines as needed to get ready for startup.
• Set up lines correctly.
• Operate auto-palletizing robot.
• Ensure cartoner, case erector, and robotic palletizer are operating effectively.
• Follow good manufacturing practices and HACCP training, along with company SOP’s.
• Manage start-up to make sure equipment is in proper operating condition.
• Perform necessary checks at start of shift and at each new product change over; document on paperwork, code date, correct label, upper/lower film, etc.
• Move and install plant machinery and equipment as needed.
• Perform preventative maintenance on all plant machinery and equipment as scheduled.
• Ability to give detailed descriptions related to troubleshooting and repair of equipment on a PC based system.
• Extensive experience with pneumatics, hydraulics, electrical, electronic equipment.
• Ensure product conforms to specifications.
• Ensure products are correctly labeled and identified for proper disposition.
• Prevent/minimize rework and/or inedible product.
• Monitor workflow to maximize machine output efficiencies.
• Keep accurate records of products produced and materials used.
• Suggest improvements; continuously improve the quality of all support activities.
• Tasks will vary as situations and demands change; the lead/foreman/supervisor will assign tasks as necessary.
• Performs other duties and responsibilities as necessary.

REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Required Education: Some college level training in Electronics Technology or similar technical field.  Combination of experience and skilled trade’s programs or military training.

REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Required Education: Some college level training in Electronics Technology or similar technical field.  Combination of experience and skilled trade’s programs or military training.

Preferred:

• Associate degree in a related technology field
• One year of experience in a distribution center
• One year of training experience or a combination of education and experience
• ASRS (Automated Storage and Retrieval System) experience 

REQUIRED SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE and ABILITIES:

• Proven attention to detail demonstrated in a fast-paced environment. 
• Good math and accounting skills
• Proficient in Internet navigation, Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
• Ability to communicate professionally with people at all levels.
• Problem solving skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Must demonstrate effective leadership, problem solving, and facilitation, presentation, and employee motivational skills.

Additional Information

The starting rate for this role is $23.42-$29.28 hourly. Actual salaries will vary based on several factors, including but not limited to external market data, internal equity, location, and candidate skill set and experience. Base pay is just one component of Link Snacks Total Rewards package for Team Members. Other rewards may include annual incentive and program-specific awards.Link Snacks provides a variety of benefits to eligible Team Members, including medical, dental and vision benefits, life and disability insurance, 401k participation, paid holidays, and paid time off.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to be 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 stand, walk, use hands to finger, handle, or feel, lift and/or move up to 25 pounds, and talk or hear.  The employee is occasionally required to sit, and reach with hands and arms.  The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.  Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. The work environment is a plant / office setting with varying degrees of temperatures and noise levels. Exposure to manufacturing equipment movement and wet / slippery floors. Travel may be required.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER:
Link Snacks provides equal employment opportunity (EEO) to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, veteran status, or any other characteristic that is protected by federal, state or local law.

E-VERIFY:
Link Snacks is participant in the federal E-Verify program to confirm the identity and employment authorization of all newly hired employees.  For information about the E-Verify program, please visit:  http://www.uscis.gov/e-verify/employees

Disclaimer:

This job description is intended to generally describe the nature and level of work to be performed by employees in this position.  It is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and skills required of employees performing this role.