Automations Controls Technician II (Days)

About SunOpta

SunOpta delivers customized supply chain solutions and innovation for top brands, retailers, and foodservice providers across a broad portfolio of beverages, broths, and better-for-you snacks. With over 50 years of expertise, SunOpta fuels customers’ growth with high-quality, sustainability-forward solutions distributed through retail, club, foodservice, and e-commerce channels across North America.

Job Summary:
The Automation Controls Technician II is responsible for independently troubleshooting, maintaining, and improving automation and control systems. This mid-level role supports production and facility operations by diagnosing complex electrical and controls issues, performing control system modifications, and assisting with automation projects. The Technician II serves as a technical resource for junior technicians and works closely with engineering, maintenance, and operations teams.

Essential Functions of the Job:

• Independently troubleshoot and repair PLC-based control systems and automated equipment
• Diagnose electrical, controls, and instrumentation issues with minimal supervision
• Perform systematic troubleshooting of automated systems from PLC logic and I/O through instrumentation, field devices, and controlled equipment
• Troubleshoot and modify PLC logic, HMI applications, and control parameters in accordance with engineering standards
• Install, test, and commission control panels, field devices, and automation components
• Perform advanced troubleshooting of VFDs, servos, instrumentation, field devices, and industrial communication networks
• Support continuous improvement initiatives and automation upgrades
• Participate in root cause analysis of automation and controls-related failures and implement corrective actions
• Mentor and support Automation Controls Technician I staff
• Maintain accurate controls documentation, system backups, and change records
• Ensure compliance with safety standards, electrical codes, and LOTO procedures
• Provide technical support during equipment startups, shutdowns, and downtime events
• Accountable to the SunOpta Manufacturing Food Safety and Quality Principles.
• All other duties, as assigned.
• Assist in coaching and training employees as requested by the management team.
• Completes and adheres to the Annual Alchemy Schedule.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• None.

Minimum Qualifications:

• High school diploma or GED required
• Associate degree or technical certification in Automation, Electronics, Mechatronics, or related field preferred
• 3–5 years of hands-on experience in industrial automation and controls, including independent troubleshooting of PLC-based control systems
• Strong working knowledge of PLCs, industrial controls, and electrical systems
• Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics and read, troubleshoot, and modify PLC ladder logic
• Experience independently troubleshooting control panels, instrumentations, field devices, and industrial automation networks
• Demonstrated understanding of digital and analog I/O, instrumentation, sensors, actuators, and industrial control circuits
• Proficient with electrical test equipment and diagnostic tools

Preferred Qualifications:

• Hands-on experience with Allen-Bradley PLC platforms, including ControlLogix and CompactLogix, experience with other industrial PLC platforms is also valued.
• HMI development and troubleshooting experience, Rockwell FactoryTalk View experience preferred
• VFD, servo, and motion control experience
• Experience with Ethernet/IP, industrial Ethernet, and other industrial communication networks
• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills
• Experience supporting automated manufacturing processes in a high-speed production environment
• Ability to mentor, train, and provide guidance to junior technicians

Additional Considerations:

• Location: This role is at our SunOpta Plant at MN Street in Alexandria, MN.
• Shift: This is a day shift role, Monday through Friday, 7am to 3:30pm.
• Ability to stand, walk, bend, climb, and lift up to 50 lbs.
• Ability to work in industrial environments (noise, heat, moving equipment)
• Willingness to work shifts, weekends, overtime, or on-call as needed

Featured Benefits

• Medical insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Paid Family leave
• Paid maternity leave
• 401(k) with Match
• Voluntary Life, Accident, Critical Illness and Hospital indemnity
• Paid Holidays
• Tuition assistance
• Short-term and Long-term Disability insurance

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing 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 notice.

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

EOE M/W/VET/DISABLED