Note: You must enable text messaging in this program in order to answer the required questions by the screening bot.
Automation Controls Lead and Maintenance Operations Supervisor
Company: Superior Farms
Location: Dixon, California
Reports To: Maintenance Manager
Job Type: Full-time, on site
Shifts Available: first shift
Pay Rate: $30-$38 per hour and depending on experience
**FLSA Status: **Hourly,Non-Exempt
A day in the life
Start your morning on the production floor, checking HMI screens and control panels, scanning for alarms, and ensuring critical safety circuits (E-stops, interlocks, safety PLCs) are healthy. You’ll brief the maintenance team on priorities, then move into hands-on troubleshooting—diving into PLC logic to isolate a fault, tuning VFD parameters, or interpreting a European schematic to verify a sensor loop. Midday, you might adjust machine parameters via the HMI for a packaging prototype demonstration to a client, then collaborate with operations on SCADA tags for a data capture. In the afternoon, you’ll oversee commissioning steps on a new piece of automation, verify pneumatics and hydraulics per the prints, and use AutoCAD to refine a layout tweak. You’ll close the day by logging improvements for the Design Center’s continuous improvement pipeline and coordinating tomorrow’s work with your crew.
What you’ll lead and deliver
- Supervise maintenance activities with a strong emphasis on electrical and automation reliability.
- Diagnose and resolve faults across PLCs, HMIs, sensors, drivers, VFDs, relays, contactors, and power supplies.
- Interpret and update electrical schematics to US and EU standards.
- Configure machine parameters via HMI; perform basic PLC/HMI programming for SCADA integration.
- Commission new automation systems and equipment from startup to handoff.
- Implement and maintain safety systems: emergency stops, interlocks, and safety PLC logic.
- Support basic robot programming and integration into production processes.
- Develop and present high-quality manufacturing packaging prototypes for client feedback.
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives within the Design Center.
- Prioritize effectively, manage multiple workstreams, and keep organized documentation.
- Use AutoCAD (or similar) for layout reviews and minor design modifications.
Your technical toolkit
- Strong PLC logic comprehension and fault-finding skills.
- Expertise reading/troubleshooting electrical schematics (US/EU).
- In-depth knowledge of industrial electrical and electronic components.
- Hands-on HMI configuration and parameter tuning experience.
- Working knowledge of pneumatics and hydraulics.
- Basic PLC and HMI programming with SCADA connectivity.
- Understanding of 3-phase high-voltage systems.
- Familiarity with safety systems and standards.
- Exposure to industrial robotics and basic programming.
- Prototype development experience and client presentation skills.
- AutoCAD or equivalent CAD proficiency.
Education and credentials
- Certified Control Systems Technician (CCST)
- Certified Automation Professional (CAP)
- Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Control Systems Engineering, or Automation Engineering
What sets you apart
- Proven leadership and people-development skills.
- Clear, confident communication with cross-functional teams and clients.
- Meticulous approach to quality and safety.
- Innovative mindset with a drive to optimize processes.
Work environment
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently exposed to moving mechanical parts. The employee is occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions; cold temperatures; high, precarious places; fumes or airborne particles; toxic or caustic chemicals; outside weather conditions; risk of electrical shock; and vibration. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate to occasionally loud.
Benefits and ownership
- ESOP Shares
- 401(k) match
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Vision insurance
- Major holidays
- Vacation time
- Sick Time
Superior Farms is an employee-owned company and the leader in the American lamb industry. Through sustainable practices and innovative processing, we deliver the mouthwatering experience more consumers demand. Farm to fork isn't a slogan; it's how we live every day.
Proficiencies we value
- Electrical Schematics
- CAD Software
- Industrial Robot Programming
- Commercial Electrical Expertise
- Troubleshooting Industrial Automation Equipment
- PLC Programming Experience
- SCADA Experience
- High Voltage Systems