Automation & Controls Technician

Position Overview

General Mills, Inc. manufactures some of the most beloved foods in the world – from Cheerios to Lucky Charms, and even products for your pets. Our Geneva, IL Plant is the newest addition to our North America network and is expanding capacity for our cherished Fruit brands. As an Automation & Controls Technician, you will support, create, integrate, troubleshoot, and improve the control systems in a 24/7 manufacturing environment.

Location: Geneva, ILSchedule: 8-hour shifts (1st Shift: 6:45 am–3:00 pm; 2nd Shift: 2:45 pm–11:00 pm; 3rd Shift: 10:45 pm–7:00 am with on-call rotation and overtime opportunities)Salary: $37.69–$48.94 per hour plus shift differentials

Key Responsibilities

• Safely create high quality foods consumed everyday worldwide.
• Utilize advanced technology in a newly built, industry-leading facility.
• Collaborate with high-level operating teammates in a plant that embraces a learning mindset culture.
• Challenge yourself to get the job done right while gaining skills for future opportunities.
• Support, create, integrate, troubleshoot, and improve various processing/packaging control systems (e.g., Wonderware, ArchestrA Systems, PLCs).
• Program, troubleshoot, and maintain FANUC robotics systems, including integration with PLC systems.
• Perform program adjustments and parameter tuning on robotic systems to enhance operational efficiency.
• Read and update electrical/control schematics, piping, and instrumentation diagrams.
• Provide technical support for equipment troubleshooting and control/equipment modifications.
• Participate in Root Cause Analysis initiatives to resolve operational issues.
• Engage in continuous improvement efforts to boost platform performance.
• Assist in the training of new employees.

Required Qualifications

• Education: Minimum of a high school diploma or GED
• Experience Required: 2+ years in Controls Programming and Industrial Controls Technology, and 3+ years programming and troubleshooting FANUC robotics in a manufacturing environment
• Proficient in English
• Experience integrating FANUC robots with PLC systems and optimizing robot performance through program adjustments and parameter tuning
• Strong working knowledge of PLCs, HMIs, process instrumentation, machine control systems, VFDs, servo drives, robotics, power distribution (<600V), control system networking, and electrical safety
• Familiarity with pneumatic and hydraulic systems and experience in a manufacturing/production environment
• Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs and perform physical tasks for extended periods (standing, walking, climbing, bending, pushing, pulling, twisting)
• Ability to work at heights using stairs, ladders, personnel lifts, or platforms
• Willingness to wear protective clothing and equipment as required, and adhere to grooming standards for a food manufacturing environment
• Capable of working in hot, cold, noisy, dusty, and wet conditions, and around industrial high-speed moving machinery
• Ability to work with allergens that may be present in a food environment

Benefits & Perks

• 120 hours of vacation annually and 11 paid company holidays
• 48 hours of paid sick and emergency time
• Comprehensive paid time off benefits
• 401(k) with company match and annual company contributions
• Health Insurance covering medical, dental, vision, and life
• And much more!