PLC Technician, 1st Shift

PLC Technician

Position Summary

The PLC Technician is responsible for the controls health, troubleshooting, and continuous improvement of automated material handling systems (MHE) and supporting control networks across a highly automated distribution center. This role ensures equipment availability, safe operations, rapid recovery from faults, and reduction of recurring downtime by owning controls diagnostics, supporting root cause analysis, and improving logic, HMI, and system performance.

This role partners closely with Maintenance Technicians, Maintenance Leadership, Reliability/Asset Engineering, Operations, IT, and OEM vendors to maintain stable automation and improve overall throughput and uptime.

Responsibilities

· Serve as the controls escalation point for automation-related issues impacting throughput and availability.

· Diagnose and resolve issues including

o PLC faults and program behavior anomalies

o Sensor/actuator failures, I/O issues, device configuration

o VFD/servo faults, safety circuit trips (as applicable)

o Network communications faults (EtherNet/IP, Profinet, industrial networks)

· Support rapid recovery during system-down events, including safe restart and verification of normal operations.

· Provide clear communication and timeline updates to Operations and Maintenance leaders during incidents.

· Perform routine checks and validation on

o PLC panels, remote I/O, safety devices, sensors

o Network switches, cables, patching, industrial connectivity

o HMI and SCADA connectivity where applicable

· Establish and maintain controls PM standards, including backups, battery checks, error log reviews, and alarm/fault cleanup.

· Make controlled changes to PLC logic, HMI screens, and alarm handling to improve stability and reduce repeat downtime.

· Maintain version control and change management

o Program backups

o Release notes

o Rollback plans

o Change approvals aligned to site standards

· Tune sequences and control parameters to improve

o Flow stability

o Jam recovery performance

o Induction rates

o Sortation accuracy and system efficiency

· Partner on RCA for chronic faults and high-impact downtime.

· Identify recurring failure modes and implement corrective actions:

o Logic improvements

o Device replacements or standards

o Alarm rationalization

o Training and procedures

· Track actions to closure and validate effectiveness post-implementation.

· Support interfaces between control systems and software platforms (as applicable):

o WCS/WES, WMS, scanners, print & apply, dimensioners

· Coordinate with OEMs and integrators for escalation, troubleshooting, and upgrades.

· Support Operations during peak/volume events by monitoring controls stability and proactively addressing constraints.

· Maintain updated controls documentation

o Network diagrams

o Panel drawings / I/O maps

o Standard operating procedures for restart/recovery

o Alarm definitions and fault trees

· Train Maintenance Techs/Leads on

o Fault recognition and first-response steps

o Safe recovery procedures

o Proper escalation criteria and documentation expectations

Qualifications

· High School Diploma or GED

· 5–7+ years experience supporting PLC-controlled automation in industrial, manufacturing, or distribution environments

· Strong troubleshooting skills across electrical controls and automated equipment

· Ability to interpret and work from

o Electrical schematics

o I/O lists

o Network layouts

o OEM manuals

· Familiarity with industrial controls components

o Sensors, relays, contactors, VFDs/servos (as applicable), safety devices

· PLC platforms experience preferred (any of the following):

o Rockwell/Allen-Bradley (ControlLogix / CompactLogix, Studio 5000)

o Siemens (S7 / TIA Portal)

o Beckhoff / Codesys (bonus depending on your automation stack)

· Experience with industrial networking

o EtherNet/IP, Profinet, managed switches, VLAN concepts (with IT partnership)

· HMI/SCADA exposure

o FactoryTalk View, WinCC, Ignition, Wonderware, or similar

· Familiarity with automated MHE systems

o Conveyance and sortation, ASRS/shuttles, print & apply, scanners

· Understanding of reliability concepts

o MTTR/MTBF, alarm pareto, downtime categorization

Skills

· Calm under pressure; strong prioritization in system-down events

· Excellent structured troubleshooting (hypothesis → isolate → verify → document)

· Strong communication with both technical and non-technical partners

· High ownership, attention to detail, and disciplined change control

· Safety-first mindset (LOTO, energized work practices, risk awareness)

Physical / Work Requirements

· Ability to work nights/weekends/holidays as needed (shift-based role)

· Ability to climb ladders, access mezzanines, and work around automated equipment

· Ability to lift/carry typical tools and components within facility standards

· Ability to work in noisy environments and around moving machinery following safety protocols

· Ability to work in a 24/7, high availability environment with urgent response needs

Hiring Range:$88,880.00 USD - $111,100.00 USD annually

Incentive Potential: This position is eligible for additional compensation awards that may include an annual incentive plan, sales incentive, or commission potential. Specific details of the additional compensation eligibility for this position will be provided during the recruiting and interview process.

Benefits at VF Corporation: You can review a general overview of each benefit program offered, including this year's medical plan rates on www.MyVFbenefits.com  and by clicking Looking to Join VF? Detailed information on your benefits will be provided during the hiring process.

Please note, our hiring ranges are determined and built from market pay data. In determining the specific compensation for this position, we comply with all local, state, and federal laws.

At VF, we value a diverse, inclusive workforce and we provide equal employment opportunity for all applicants and employees. All qualified applicants for employment will be considered without regard to an individual’s race, color, sex, gender identity, gender expression, religion, age, national origin or ancestry, citizenship, physical or mental disability, medical condition, family care status, marital status, domestic partner status, sexual orientation, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other basis protected by federal, state or local laws. If you require accommodations during the application process, please contact us at peopleservices@vfc.com. VF will provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals to the extent required by applicable law.

Pursuant to all applicable local Fair Chance Ordinance requirements, including but not limited to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, VF will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.