Lead Controls Technician (Nights)

Job Summary:The Lead Automation Controls Technician serves as the senior technical authority for plant automation and control systems. This role provides hands-on advanced troubleshooting leads automation support activities and mentors controls technicians while partnering closely with engineering maintenance and operations. The Lead Technician ensures system reliability standardization and continuous improvement across automated Functions of the Job:Technical LeadershipLead troubleshooting and resolution of complex PLC HMI motion safety and network issuesOwn advanced diagnostics of control systems including intermittent systemic and production-critical failuresReview modify and implement PLC logic HMI applications and control strategiesServe as escalation point for Controls Technician I & IIEnsure PLC programs backups and documentation are current and standardizedMaintain and enforce change-control security best practices and system access controlProject & Improvement SupportLead or support automation upgrades retrofits and new equipment installationsParticipate in FAT/SAT commissioning and production startupsIdentify reliability risks and drive corrective and preventive actionsSupport continuous improvement safety and efficiency initiativesCollaborate with Controls Engineers on system architecture and standardsParticipate in controls design reviews risk assessments and equipment specificationsTeam & Operational LeadershipMentor train and develop Automation Controls TechniciansProvide technical guidance during downtime and critical production eventsAssist with work prioritization scheduling and technical decision-makingPromote and enforce safety standards electrical codes and LOTO complianceAct as technical liaison between maintenance engineering operations and vendors/contractors/consultantsSupervisory Responsibilities: Qualifications:High school diploma or GED requiredAssociate degree or technical certification in Automation Electronics Mechatronics or related field preferred610 years of experience in industrial automation controls or electrical maintenanceAdvanced knowledge of PLCs HMIs VFDs servos and industrial control systemsProven ability to troubleshoot complex automation and network issues independentlyStrong understanding of electrical schematics control panel design and standardsExperience leading or mentoring technical staffPreferred Qualifications:Expert-level experience with PLC platforms (Allen-Bradley Siemens etc.)HMI/SCADA development and system integration experienceIndustrial networking (EtherNet/IP Profinet DeviceNet Modbus etc.)Robotics or motion control experienceRoot cause analysis and reliability engineering exposureStrong communication and leadership skillsAdditional Considerations:Location: This position will be based in our SunOpta Plant in Allentown : Night Shift role on a 2-2-3m pattern; 5:30 pm to 6:00 or international remote working arrangements (outside of the US) will not be & Work RequirementsAbility to lift up to 50 lbs. and work in industrial environmentsAbility to climb ladders work in panels and access equipment safelyWillingness to support off-shift work startups and emergency call-ins as neededUse of PPE including arc-flash equipment as requiredPlease note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.