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Universal Corporation

Automation Controls Technician

Universal Corporation

Automation Controls Technician maintaining PLCs, HMIs, VFDs, and industrial controls. Supporting reliable, safe production at Lancaster Leaf’s premium tobacco processing factory.

Posted 8/23/2026full-timeLancaster • Pennsylvania • 🇺🇸 United StatesMid-LevelSeniorWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit
Core Competencies

Use this summary to align your resume positioning with the role.

Demonstrates expertise in PLC Programming, HMI Systems, and troubleshooting industrial electrical systems, ensuring compliance with safety standards and effective communication of technical information. Capable of supporting continuous improvement initiatives and collaborating with production teams to enhance operational efficiency.

Highest-signal resume keywords
PLC ProgrammingHMI SystemsTroubleshooting Industrial Electrical SystemsRoot Cause AnalysisElectrical Safety Compliance

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills
PLC ProgrammingLadder LogicHMI SystemsVFDsIndustrial SensorsMotor ControlsElectrical Drawings InterpretationControl SchematicsWiring DiagramsTechnical Documentation
Soft Skills
Problem-SolvingCommunication SkillsAbility to Work IndependentlyPrioritization SkillsFast-Paced Environment Adaptability
Tools & Technologies
Microsoft OfficePLC Programming SoftwareHMI SoftwareCMMS SystemsPlant Communication Protocols
Certifications & Qualifications
Technical School CertificateAssociate’s Degree
Industry Keywords
ManufacturingProcessingIndustrial MaintenanceMechatronicsNational Electrical Code (NEC)OSHA RequirementsNFPA 70ELockout/TagoutContinuous ImprovementTPM

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact
  • Program, troubleshoot, modify, and maintain PLC systems used in factory production, processing, packaging, by-product handling, receiving, storage, and utility operations
  • Support automated equipment including conveyors, presses, dryers, optical sorters, scales, sensors, drives, motor controls, safety circuits, HMI panels, and related control devices
  • Diagnose electrical, mechanical, instrumentation, network, and control system issues to reduce downtime and restore equipment to safe operating condition
  • Develop and modify PLC logic, HMI screens, alarms, recipes, setpoints, interlocks, and control sequences for operational needs and continuous improvement projects
  • Maintain current backups, documentation, drawings, I/O lists, program versions, and change records for control systems
  • Work with Maintenance and Operations personnel to identify recurring equipment issues, complete root cause analysis, and implement corrective actions
  • Assist with installation, commissioning, testing, and startup of new equipment, upgraded controls, and automation improvement projects
  • Provide technical support and basic training to maintenance technicians, operators, and supervisors on control system operation, troubleshooting, and safe restart procedures
  • Coordinate with outside contractors, OEM technicians, and vendors on equipment upgrades, software changes, troubleshooting, and repairs
  • Ensure PLC programming and automation work complies with company safety policies, lockout/tagout requirements, electrical safety expectations, machine guarding requirements, and applicable codes
  • Support preventive maintenance by inspecting control panels, verifying sensors and safety devices, reviewing alarm history, and identifying equipment reliability improvements
  • Partner with production leadership to improve throughput, quality, safety, traceability, runtime, and efficiency across factory processing lines
  • Respond to urgent breakdowns and provide on-call or overtime support when required by production demands
  • Perform other duties and special projects as assigned

Requirements

What you’ll need
  • Associate’s degree or technical school certificate
  • Minimum of 3 years of experience programming, troubleshooting, or maintaining PLC-controlled equipment in a manufacturing, processing, warehouse, agricultural, food, tobacco, or industrial environment
  • Working knowledge of PLC programming, ladder logic, HMI systems, VFDs, industrial sensors, motor controls, safety circuits, relays, starters, and control panels
  • Ability to read and interpret electrical drawings, control schematics, ladder logic, wiring diagrams, equipment manuals, and technical documentation
  • Experience troubleshooting industrial electrical systems up to 480 volts and understanding safe work practices around energized equipment
  • Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to diagnose issues quickly and communicate recommended repairs clearly
  • Ability to work independently, prioritize multiple issues, and support production needs in a fast-paced manufacturing environment
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to document changes, repairs, and system information accurately
  • Basic computer skills, including Microsoft Office applications and the ability to work with PLC programming software, HMI software, CMMS systems, and equipment interfaces
  • Must be authorized to work in the United States
  • Preferred: Experience with Allen-Bradley/Rockwell Automation, Siemens, Schneider, or comparable PLC platforms
  • Preferred: Experience with HMI/SCADA systems, industrial networking, Ethernet/IP, Profibus, Modbus, or other plant communication protocols
  • Preferred: Experience in electrical, automation, industrial maintenance, mechatronics, or a related field
  • Preferred: Experience with optical sorters, conveyors, presses, dryers, dust collection equipment, scales, packaging lines, or tobacco processing equipment
  • Preferred: Knowledge of National Electrical Code (NEC), OSHA requirements, NFPA 70E, machine safety practices, lockout/tagout, and industrial control panel standards
  • Preferred: Experience supporting continuous improvement, TPM, downtime reduction, or reliability improvement initiatives
  • Preferred: Ability to assist with electrical design, control panel modifications, wiring changes, and field device selection
  • Preferred: Bilingual communication skills, English and Spanish

Benefits

Comp & perks
  • 401(k) match
  • Pension
  • Merit increases
  • Paid holidays
  • Medical benefits
  • Dental benefits
  • Life insurance
  • Vision benefits
  • Short-term disability benefits
  • Long-term disability benefits
  • Tuition assistance