Champion Petfoods is an award-winning pet food maker with a reputation of trust spanning 35+ years. Founded in a small town in Alberta, Canada, Champion – with its ORIJEN® and ACANA® brands – is a key player in the global premium pet food industry across three major geographic regions.

We would love to hear from you if you are passionate about personal and professional growth and see yourself as a key player contributing to our continued success as an award-winning company.

Here's the Scoop - Summary

The PLC Technician will be responsible for repairing, maintaining, calibrating, adjusting, and installing all aspects of our manufacturing control systems.  This position will be expected to work in a team environment and work with operators, supervisors, and management in order to improve processes, locate and eliminate inefficiencies, and to continually validate functional controls and accuracy of data gathered at the manufacturing level.  The PLC Technician works out of our Acheson Kitchen, and reports to the Supervisor, Maintenance

What a typical day looks like:

• Ensure compliance to Company’s policies, practices and procedures related to Health and Safety, Food Safety, and the Environment
• Install, program, calibrate, troubleshoot, and commission various electrical/instrumentation devices including variable frequency drives, level transmitters, flow meters, power monitoring equipment, electrical motors and equipment, power panels, 110-250v and 600v, and PLC’s
• Perform regularly scheduled checks on transfer lines, packaging lines, pick and place robots, weighing systems and light mechanical, and PM tasks
• Writes or re-writes logic code, troubleshoot, and read logic ladders
• Exposure to creating or altering HMI graphics
• Acts as a technical lead for troubleshooting production lines and process issues
• Troubleshoot electrical, mechanical, pneumatic and hydraulic systems and diagnose problems with limited supervision and resources
• Maintain accurate and complete records of all electrical modifications resulting in requesting parts and/or equipment
• Maintain accurate and complete logs of PLC repairs and maintenance work activities
• Liaise with other departments to co-ordinate work activities and ensure work plans are communicated within and between departments
• Demonstrate knowledge, understanding and compliance of corporate policies, practices and procedures regarding health and safety
• Perform other duties and tasks as assigned

What are we looking for?

• Experience as an Automation Specialist with proven ability to troubleshoot and repair PLC/Control/Electrical/Instrumentation systems/Linear Processes
• Exposure to Allen Bradley PLC, Rockwell Viewpoint, and FactoryTalk View SE/ME is required. Ignition development environment and SQL/Python scripting is a plus
• Familiar with PowerFlex drives and their applications.
• Knowledge regarding Industrial data protocols and communications
• Understand piping and instrument diagrams, signal flow diagrams, wiring diagrams, panel drawings, one-line drawings, loop sheets and wire lists
• Possess strong analytical, mathematical and scientific aptitude and the patience to pursue complex problems methodically
• Self-directed, with ability to work successfully both independently and within a team environment
• Highly flexible, with ability to work well under pressure and stressful situations performing agile projects that require mechanical, electrical and automation knowledge
• Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing in English
• Able to plan and execute a project in a timely manner with material planning, strong attention to detail, and efficient communication with other stakeholders within the team
• Ability to deal with people and/or diverse groups with sensitivity, tact, diplomacy, and professionalism
• Ability to pass a Drug & Alcohol and Fit-to-Work test up to 75 lbs
• Ability to clear a Criminal Record Check and provide references

Other Desirable Skills may include:

• Experience using Inductive Automation Ignition for HMI development
• Understanding of industrial IT concepts and best practices
• Ability to program in computer languages such as Python and SQL

Working Conditions

• Work environment is in a pet food distribution centre, with exposure to dust, noise, and fluctuating temperatures
• Overtime and weekends as required
• Working Monday – Friday, Morning Shift
• Must be able to physically inspect company equipment, property, and assets
• Regularly required to work at heights; fall arrest training to be provided by the Company
• Manual dexterity required to perform repairs on various types of equipment, and occasional computer use

What can you expect from Champion?

• Safety: a strong commitment to ensure all people are provided with a safe, healthy and respectful environment.
• Earnings: Competitive Wages that give financial peace of mind, RRSP with Company, and donation matching.
• Industry Competitive Benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision and Employee Assistance Programs to meet your individual or family needs.
• Continuing Education: In House & Online Learning & Development, as well as an Education Assistance Program.
• Quality: a dedication to uphold the highest standards of authenticity, nutritional integrity, and food safety, to earn the trust of Pet Lovers everywhere.
• Other Perks: Free Bag of Premium Pet Food each month, Free Parking and more!

What are you waiting for? Join the pack!

Come as you are.

We value diversity in all forms and know the power it can bring. Workplace equality allows for creative ideas to bloom, diverse points of views to be heard, and increases overall happiness. That sounds pretty good to us.

Champion is an equal opportunity employer. Regardless of your race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, age, veteran status, or any other creed, you are wanted here.

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