
Sr. Maintenance Technician
Niagara Bottling, Lancaster, TX, United States
Sr. Maintenance Technician – PLC
Sr. Maintenance Technician-PLC ensures equipment uptime through timely, in-depth electrical troubleshooting of 480VAC & 24VDC components. The Sr. Maintenance Technician-PLC has strong working knowledge of all operating systems in the plant including Allen Bradley (AB), B&R automation, Siemens, and Zenon, and serves as a subject‑matter expert on frequency drives, human‑machine interfaces (HMI), plant operating systems, and data collection/system backups. The technician performs troubleshooting and repair of facilities and auxiliary equipment and general electrical maintenance of the building and grounds, works directly with Maintenance Technicians, machine operators, supervisors and managers to resolve electrical and mechanical issues, and develops and implements best practices aligned with Niagara’s maintenance strategies. Through preventative and predictive maintenance processes, the Sr. Maintenance Technician‑PLC champions continuous improvement and assists with training in their focus areas.
Essential Functions
Adhere to and enforce the highest standards in safety and good manufacturing practices plant‑wide.
Train and lead operators, mechanics and supervisors on technical procedures related to high‑speed bottle manufacturing and packaging.
Work directly with plant leadership to develop and execute projects involving continuous improvement, upgrades and the resolution of recurring problems.
Rapid identification of machine problems to minimize equipment downtime with root‑cause analysis conducted to prevent re‑occurrence.
Partner with other Sr. Maintenance Technicians to resolve cross‑functional problems.
Use available software systems to analyze and identify issues to drive throughput performance.
Define requirements and lead overhaul efforts to rebuild equipment to like‑new status during planned downtime.
Transfer knowledge to Niagara team members to develop operating and troubleshooting procedures in the following areas of bottling production specialization:
Blow molding, including PET processing, machine set‑up, mold changes and quality inspection systems.
Filling/capping, beverage processing methods, cap feeding systems with light closures, vision inspection systems and laser date coders, quality/sanitation standards and conveying systems.
Labeling technology, roll‑fed and/or cut and stack, machine set‑up, hot‑melt gluing systems and conveying systems.
Dry‑end packaging including case packers, case conveyors, conventional and robotic palletizers, and stretch wrappers (machine set‑up required for all pack size changes).
Common OEMs for production equipment: Krones, Sidel, KHS, Sacmi, Tech Long.
Transfer knowledge to Niagara team members to develop operating and troubleshooting procedures in the following areas of injection technology:
Husky injection molding machines consisting of hydraulic, pneumatic and electromechanical systems.
Auxiliary systems including resin handling/blending, resin drying, dehumidification, vision inspection, conveying and cooling systems.
Mold systems, internal hot‑runner and cold‑half maintenance, identification of component wear and troubleshooting through detailed inspection of produced products.
Plastic processing at high speeds while maintaining tight part tolerances and acceptable levels of acetaldehyde (AA).
Create SOPs for troubleshooting machines and upload them to the BDA system.
Regular and predictable attendance, as well as required on‑call availability, are essential functions of the job to ensure equipment and facility uptime.
Ability to stand or walk for extended periods of time in a manufacturing environment.
Ability to lift up to 50 lbs.
Please note this job description is not designed to contain a comprehensive list of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without prior notice.
Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications:
6 Years – Experience in an electrical maintenance environment.
6 Years – Experience in this Position.
4 Years – Experience managing people/projects.
Additional Qualifications & Skills:
Experience may include a combination of work experience and education.
Effective communication of issues and solutions to cross‑functional team members.
Ability to read and interpret schematics: electrical and instrumentation diagrams.
Familiarity with all basic hand tools, multi‑meter and PLC hardware (I/O modules, communication modules, CPUs and safety relays).
Knowledgeable on RSLogix 5000, SIMATIC Step 7 and Factory Talk Studio.
Willingness to be a technical leader and trainer within the automation and electrical area of the plant or machine center.
Skilled in the repair of variable frequency drives, servomotors and controllers, communication systems (AS‑IBus, CAN‑Bus, Profi‑Bus, Ethernet), PLC input/output cards and safety modules.
Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively and resolve issues across multiple departments and levels of the organization.
Experience with Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook.
Will need own toolbox and basic tools.
Preferred Qualifications
10+ Years – Experience in an electrical maintenance environment.
10+ Years – Experience working in this Position.
6 Years – Experience managing people/projects.
4 Years of experience in troubleshooting one of the following operating systems: Allen Bradley (AB), B&R or Siemens.
4 Years of experience in an electro‑mechanical role with Krones, Husky, Sidel or other packaging or bottling equipment.
1 year of experience leading and developing others on the functionality and repair of electro‑mechanical equipment.
2 Years of experience creating process improvements or continuous improvement initiatives.
Skilled in layout and installation of electrical and communication lines.
Skilled working with electrical systems including 480VAC & 24VDC power.
Proficiency in troubleshooting one or more of the following automation systems: Allen Bradley (AB), B&R, and/or Siemens.
Working experience with RSLogix 5000, SIMATIC Step 7 and Factory Talk Studio.
Understanding of binary numbers and computer infrastructure.
Knowledge of COPA‑Data Zenon, SEW Motion Studios and/or B&R Automation Studios.
Competencies
Lead Like an Owner
Makes safety the number one priority.
Keeps alert for safety issues and escalates immediately.
Effectively prioritizes tasks based on department goals.
Shows respect to others and confronts interpersonal issues directly.
Prioritizes resolution of customer issues effectively.
Responds promptly and honors commitments to internal and external customers.
InnovACT
Makes recommendations to continuously improve policies, methods, procedures, and/or products.
Demonstrates adaptability by reacting appropriately to unexpected changes in situations or circumstances.
Increases performance through greater efficiency.
Find a Way
Seeks to develop technical knowledge through learning from other experts.
Understands interdepartmental impact of individual decisions and actions.
Seeks solutions rather than placing blame.
Empowered to be Great
Consistently looks for ways to improve one’s self through growth and development opportunities.
Communicates clearly and promptly up, down, and across.
Communicates effectively to manage expectations.
Education
Minimum Required:
High School Diploma or GED.
Preferred Education
Associate's Degree in manufacturing, manufacturing technology, mechatronics, industrial manufacturing, manufacturing automation or similar specialization.
Certification/License
Required: N/A.
Preferred: N/A.
Foreign Language
Required: None.
Preferred: None.
Benefits
Paid Time Off for holidays, sick time and vacation time.
Paid parental and caregiver leaves.
Medical, including virtual care options.
Dental.
Vision.
401(k) with company match.
Health Savings Account with company match.
Flexible Spending Accounts.
Expanded mental wellbeing benefits including free counseling sessions for all team members and household family members.
Family Building Benefits including enhanced fertility benefits for IVF and fertility preservation plus adoption, surrogacy and doula reimbursements.
Income protection including Life, AD&D, short and long‑term disability, critical illness and an accident plan.
Special discount programs including pet plans, pre‑paid legal services, identity theft, car rental, airport parking and more.
Tuition reimbursement, college savings plan and scholarship opportunities.
Location
LANCASTER
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Sr. Maintenance Technician-PLC ensures equipment uptime through timely, in-depth electrical troubleshooting of 480VAC & 24VDC components. The Sr. Maintenance Technician-PLC has strong working knowledge of all operating systems in the plant including Allen Bradley (AB), B&R automation, Siemens, and Zenon, and serves as a subject‑matter expert on frequency drives, human‑machine interfaces (HMI), plant operating systems, and data collection/system backups. The technician performs troubleshooting and repair of facilities and auxiliary equipment and general electrical maintenance of the building and grounds, works directly with Maintenance Technicians, machine operators, supervisors and managers to resolve electrical and mechanical issues, and develops and implements best practices aligned with Niagara’s maintenance strategies. Through preventative and predictive maintenance processes, the Sr. Maintenance Technician‑PLC champions continuous improvement and assists with training in their focus areas.
Essential Functions
Adhere to and enforce the highest standards in safety and good manufacturing practices plant‑wide.
Train and lead operators, mechanics and supervisors on technical procedures related to high‑speed bottle manufacturing and packaging.
Work directly with plant leadership to develop and execute projects involving continuous improvement, upgrades and the resolution of recurring problems.
Rapid identification of machine problems to minimize equipment downtime with root‑cause analysis conducted to prevent re‑occurrence.
Partner with other Sr. Maintenance Technicians to resolve cross‑functional problems.
Use available software systems to analyze and identify issues to drive throughput performance.
Define requirements and lead overhaul efforts to rebuild equipment to like‑new status during planned downtime.
Transfer knowledge to Niagara team members to develop operating and troubleshooting procedures in the following areas of bottling production specialization:
Blow molding, including PET processing, machine set‑up, mold changes and quality inspection systems.
Filling/capping, beverage processing methods, cap feeding systems with light closures, vision inspection systems and laser date coders, quality/sanitation standards and conveying systems.
Labeling technology, roll‑fed and/or cut and stack, machine set‑up, hot‑melt gluing systems and conveying systems.
Dry‑end packaging including case packers, case conveyors, conventional and robotic palletizers, and stretch wrappers (machine set‑up required for all pack size changes).
Common OEMs for production equipment: Krones, Sidel, KHS, Sacmi, Tech Long.
Transfer knowledge to Niagara team members to develop operating and troubleshooting procedures in the following areas of injection technology:
Husky injection molding machines consisting of hydraulic, pneumatic and electromechanical systems.
Auxiliary systems including resin handling/blending, resin drying, dehumidification, vision inspection, conveying and cooling systems.
Mold systems, internal hot‑runner and cold‑half maintenance, identification of component wear and troubleshooting through detailed inspection of produced products.
Plastic processing at high speeds while maintaining tight part tolerances and acceptable levels of acetaldehyde (AA).
Create SOPs for troubleshooting machines and upload them to the BDA system.
Regular and predictable attendance, as well as required on‑call availability, are essential functions of the job to ensure equipment and facility uptime.
Ability to stand or walk for extended periods of time in a manufacturing environment.
Ability to lift up to 50 lbs.
Please note this job description is not designed to contain a comprehensive list of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without prior notice.
Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications:
6 Years – Experience in an electrical maintenance environment.
6 Years – Experience in this Position.
4 Years – Experience managing people/projects.
Additional Qualifications & Skills:
Experience may include a combination of work experience and education.
Effective communication of issues and solutions to cross‑functional team members.
Ability to read and interpret schematics: electrical and instrumentation diagrams.
Familiarity with all basic hand tools, multi‑meter and PLC hardware (I/O modules, communication modules, CPUs and safety relays).
Knowledgeable on RSLogix 5000, SIMATIC Step 7 and Factory Talk Studio.
Willingness to be a technical leader and trainer within the automation and electrical area of the plant or machine center.
Skilled in the repair of variable frequency drives, servomotors and controllers, communication systems (AS‑IBus, CAN‑Bus, Profi‑Bus, Ethernet), PLC input/output cards and safety modules.
Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively and resolve issues across multiple departments and levels of the organization.
Experience with Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook.
Will need own toolbox and basic tools.
Preferred Qualifications
10+ Years – Experience in an electrical maintenance environment.
10+ Years – Experience working in this Position.
6 Years – Experience managing people/projects.
4 Years of experience in troubleshooting one of the following operating systems: Allen Bradley (AB), B&R or Siemens.
4 Years of experience in an electro‑mechanical role with Krones, Husky, Sidel or other packaging or bottling equipment.
1 year of experience leading and developing others on the functionality and repair of electro‑mechanical equipment.
2 Years of experience creating process improvements or continuous improvement initiatives.
Skilled in layout and installation of electrical and communication lines.
Skilled working with electrical systems including 480VAC & 24VDC power.
Proficiency in troubleshooting one or more of the following automation systems: Allen Bradley (AB), B&R, and/or Siemens.
Working experience with RSLogix 5000, SIMATIC Step 7 and Factory Talk Studio.
Understanding of binary numbers and computer infrastructure.
Knowledge of COPA‑Data Zenon, SEW Motion Studios and/or B&R Automation Studios.
Competencies
Lead Like an Owner
Makes safety the number one priority.
Keeps alert for safety issues and escalates immediately.
Effectively prioritizes tasks based on department goals.
Shows respect to others and confronts interpersonal issues directly.
Prioritizes resolution of customer issues effectively.
Responds promptly and honors commitments to internal and external customers.
InnovACT
Makes recommendations to continuously improve policies, methods, procedures, and/or products.
Demonstrates adaptability by reacting appropriately to unexpected changes in situations or circumstances.
Increases performance through greater efficiency.
Find a Way
Seeks to develop technical knowledge through learning from other experts.
Understands interdepartmental impact of individual decisions and actions.
Seeks solutions rather than placing blame.
Empowered to be Great
Consistently looks for ways to improve one’s self through growth and development opportunities.
Communicates clearly and promptly up, down, and across.
Communicates effectively to manage expectations.
Education
Minimum Required:
High School Diploma or GED.
Preferred Education
Associate's Degree in manufacturing, manufacturing technology, mechatronics, industrial manufacturing, manufacturing automation or similar specialization.
Certification/License
Required: N/A.
Preferred: N/A.
Foreign Language
Required: None.
Preferred: None.
Benefits
Paid Time Off for holidays, sick time and vacation time.
Paid parental and caregiver leaves.
Medical, including virtual care options.
Dental.
Vision.
401(k) with company match.
Health Savings Account with company match.
Flexible Spending Accounts.
Expanded mental wellbeing benefits including free counseling sessions for all team members and household family members.
Family Building Benefits including enhanced fertility benefits for IVF and fertility preservation plus adoption, surrogacy and doula reimbursements.
Income protection including Life, AD&D, short and long‑term disability, critical illness and an accident plan.
Special discount programs including pet plans, pre‑paid legal services, identity theft, car rental, airport parking and more.
Tuition reimbursement, college savings plan and scholarship opportunities.
Location
LANCASTER
#J-18808-Ljbffr