Automation Technician / Automation Engineer

LocationLiberty Packing Company, LLCAbout The CompanyThe Morning Star Company and its affiliates operate three tomato processing facilities in Central California, processing about 40% of the California processing tomato crop, in addition to tomato growing, transplanting, farming, harvesting and trucking operations. The company employs approximately 500 year-round and over 3,000 seasonal colleagues, with annual sales of about $1 billion.The Morning Star Company is the largest producer of bulk tomato ingredient products (tomato paste and diced tomatoes) in the world. We also produce canned tomatoes, tomato products and specialty sauces in pouches for customers in the retail and food service markets. The company is known worldwide for its innovation and integrity.We are organizationally structured through a system we term Mission Focused Self-Management™. Our company is operated by Colleagues without titles or an appointed hierarchy of authority. Authority relative to other Colleagues’ activities is lateral, with our Mission as our guiding principle of action, and respect, influence and success built based on each Colleague’s integrity, competency, effort, persistence and straightforward persuasiveness. Although we have grown significantly, we intend to maintain a culture of individual responsibility and Mission Focused Self-Management.Role SummaryThe Automation Technician / Automation Engineer is responsible for the design, implementation, maintenance, and optimization of industrial automation systems across processing and packaging operations. This role supports reliable plant operation by maintaining PLC, HMI, instrumentation, and electrical control systems while driving continuous improvement, troubleshooting, and automation upgrades in a food and beverage manufacturing environment.The position works closely with Engineering, Maintenance, Operations, and external vendors to ensure safe, robust, and efficient automation systems that meet production, quality, and food safety requirements.Key ResponsibilitiesAutomation & ControlsDesign, program, troubleshoot, and maintain PLC-based control systems, including logic, I/O, and communicationsDevelop and support HMI/SCADA systems for process monitoring and operator interactionDiagnose and resolve automation-related downtime in processing and packaging equipmentSupport startup, commissioning, and validation of new automation systems and equipmentElectrical & InstrumentationTroubleshoot electrical control panels, motor controls, VFDs, sensors, and field devicesMaintain and calibrate instrumentation (flow, pressure, temperature, level, pH, etc.)Interpret and update electrical schematics, loop diagrams, and P&IDsEnsure compliance with electrical codes, safety standards, and plant LOTO proceduresContinuous Improvement & ProjectsIdentify opportunities to improve OEE, reliability, and process consistency through automationSupport capital projects involving new equipment, line upgrades, or controls modernizationStandardize controls architectures, programming practices, and documentationCollaborate with vendors, integrators, and internal engineering teamsFood & Beverage Manufacturing SupportEnsure automation systems support Food safety, quality, and sanitation requirementsParticipate in CIP/SIP automation, batching, and recipe management systemsSupport traceability, alarms, data logging, and process controls critical to food productionRequired QualificationsTechnical SkillsStrong working knowledge of PLC platforms (e.g., Allen-Bradley, Siemens, or equivalent)Experience with HMI/SCADA development and troubleshootingSolid understanding of industrial electrical systems (480V/240V/120V controls, MCCs, VFDs)Experience with process instrumentation and field device integrationAbility to read and interpret electrical drawings, P&IDs, and control narrativesExperienceAutomation Technician:3–5 years of hands-on industrial automation and controls experienceAutomation Engineer:5+ years of automation/controls experience, including system design and project supportPreferred experience in food & beverage, CPG, or regulated manufacturing environmentsEducation (preferred, not mandatory depending on level)Associate or Bachelor’s degree in Automation, Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, or related fieldEquivalent hands-on experience will be considered in lieu of formal educationPreferred QualificationsExperience with batching systems, recipe control, or continuous process automationFamiliarity with industrial networks (EtherNet/IP, Profibus, Profinet, Modbus, etc.)Experience supporting capital projects and equipment commissioningUnderstanding of GMP, HACCP, and food safety requirementsAbility to work independently in a fast-paced production environmentSoft Skills & AttributesStrong troubleshooting and analytical skillsAbility to work cross-functionally with Operations, Maintenance, and EngineeringClear communicator with operators, technicians, and managementDetail-oriented with strong documentation habitsComfortable supporting off-hours troubleshooting during critical production periodsCompensationThe salary for this role is $180,000-$200,000, depending heavily upon qualifications.BenefitsMorning Star offers a top-tier, comprehensive health plan, including medical, dental, and vision, and we pay the full monthly premiums for the Colleague and all eligible family members. The company also contributes to Colleagues' Health Savings Accounts. Year-round Colleagues are eligible to enroll in our 401K plan, with 4% match.