Automation Maintenance Technician in Horace, North Dakota at Red River Commodities

Red River Commodities is a leading processor of sunflower seeds and specialty grains, specializing in high-quality, nutritious food products. We pride ourselves on our sustainable practices, innovation, and commitment to delivering superior products to our customers. Our team shares core values focused on quality, innovation, responsibility, and community. We work hard, play harder, embrace authenticity, and always support one another to achieve our goals.

Location: 11505 38th St S, Horace, ND 58047

Wage: $30 - $40 per hour (+$2 shift differential 6pm-6am)

1st Shift: 7:00am - 3:30pm

2nd Shift: 3:00pm - 11:30pm

3rd Shift: 11:00pm - 7:30am

Position Summary

The Automation Maintenance Technician is responsible for supporting the operation, maintenance, and optimization of automated packaging, pack-off, and palletizing equipment within the SunGold facility. This role plays a critical part in ensuring equipment uptime, production efficiency, and product quality in a high-volume, automated manufacturing environment.

This position requires advanced troubleshooting capabilities across electrical, mechanical, and PLC-controlled systems and partners closely with operations and maintenance teams to improve equipment reliability and performance.

Key Responsibilities

Equipment Maintenance & Reliability

• Perform preventive and predictive maintenance on automated packaging equipment, including fillers, conveyors, robotics, and palletizing systems
• Troubleshoot and diagnose electrical, mechanical, and controls-related issues to minimize downtime
• Repair or replace faulty components to restore equipment functionality and performance
• Maintain and calibrate equipment to ensure operation within established performance parameters (centerline conditions)

Automation & Controls Support

• Troubleshoot PLC-controlled systems, sensors, HMIs, and automation components
• Support approved modifications or improvements to control systems and automation equipment
• Assist in commissioning and startup of new automated equipment
• Partner with engineering and external vendors on system upgrades and enhancements

Performance Optimization

• Monitor equipment performance and identify opportunities to improve throughput, efficiency, and reliability
• Make real-time adjustments to optimize production performance and reduce downtime
• Analyze equipment data and trends to proactively address issues

Safety & Quality

• Ensure equipment operates in compliance with safety standards and company policies
• Monitor equipment performance to maintain product quality standards
• Support food safety and quality initiatives in alignment with GMP, HACCP, and company standards

Qualifications

• High school diploma or technical degree in Industrial Maintenance, Mechatronics, Electrical Technology, or related field preferred
• 3–7+ years of maintenance experience, with a focus on automated manufacturing or packaging environments
• Experience supporting high-speed packaging or CPG manufacturing operations preferred
• Familiarity with PLC systems (Allen-Bradley or similar) strongly preferred

Skills & Technical Competencies

• Strong knowledge of automation systems, controls, and mechanical equipment
• Ability to troubleshoot:
  • Electrical systems (motors, drives, sensors)
  • PLC and control processes
  • Mechanical systems (conveyance, robotics, packaging equipment)
• Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics and technical documentation
• Strong problem-solving and critical thinking skills
• Ability to work independently in a fast-paced production environment
• Strong communication and cross-functional collaboration skills
• Basic data analysis and equipment performance tracking

Work Environment

• Manufacturing / production facility environment
• Requires working near automated equipment, machinery, and moving parts
• May require off-shift, weekend, or overtime work based on plant operations
• One role per shift supporting 24/7 operations

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand, walk, and move throughout the production floor for extended periods
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds occasionally
• Ability to work in varying temperatures and production environments

Company Benefits:

At Red River Commodities, we value our employees and are committed to providing a supportive and rewarding work environment. As a member of our team, you will enjoy a competitive salary, comprehensive health benefits, and opportunities for career growth and development. Below are some additional benefits that we offer.

• On-demand pay available through Tapcheck
• Paid time off
• Paid Holidays
• 401k & company match
• Profit Sharing
• Employee Assistance Program

Red River Commodities and its subsidiaries are an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws. This applies to all employment practices within our organization. Red River Commodities makes hiring decisions based solely on qualifications, merit, and business needs at the time.

We are committed to maintaining a legal and compliant workplace. As part of our hiring process, Red River Commodities participates in the E-Verify program.

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