Maintenance Controls Technician 1st shift

Location: 

Watertown, WI, US, 53094

Job Posting Date:  Feb 27, 2026
Requisition ID:  53222
Shift:  First Shift
Employment Type:  Hourly
Full-time

Position Facility: Watertown

 

 We can’t do what we do best – make great-tasting sausage products – unless our equipment is reliably running at its best. Members of our maintenance team keep our machines, lines and facilities running. You and your teammates will be responsible for all production and industrial refrigeration equipment, as well as our electrical controls systems. You’ll also work closely with our engineers and production members to make important upgrades to our production machinery, as we innovate and grow the business.

Position Overview

Starting Hourly Pay:  $33.95. Skill block completion will increase hourly rate.
Pay Range:  $33.95 - $42.91 per hour    

Hours:  5:00am – 2:30pm. Flexibility required at times. Overtime expected, as well as weekend hours as needed.

 


The successful candidate will be involved in working to create standards and programs around the controls engineering function at Watertown which will help us get closer to our goal - "Best Company in the World."  This position will partner with our Engineering, Maintenance, and Operations Teams to focus on projects and initiatives in the areas of electrical and PLC's within our operations. This position will be at the forefront of our automation initiatives.

Responsibilities

•    Develop and maintain electrical control systems, robotics, and communication networks for machines and manufacturing processes
•    Create and implement technical competencies surrounding programming and controls systems
•    Write, edit, and enhance PLC programs for new and existing equipment
•    Participate and lead various projects
•    Lead controls and automation planning for facility 
•    Mentor other maintenance members
•    Be the main contact between the Watertown facility and the organization for automation and controls Initiatives
•    Develop schematics and line drawings for existing and future automation projects using CAD software
•    Create and display data collection routines to support our maintenance and operations teams to improve overall efficiencies
•    Provide high level troubleshooting for all controls and electrical systems
•    Develop complex safety circuits for new equipment as well as upgrading existing equipment
•    Troubleshoot electrical and mechanical problems on various production and utility equipment and apply RCA (Root Cause Analysis) techniques to improve and eliminate future problems
•    Maintain facilities and equipment to meet Perry Way Foods, OSHA and U.S.D.A. standards
•    Engage in continuous improvement efforts as they relate to equipment and process
•    Work on projects (i.e. machining, fabrication, Capital projects and work with outside vendors)
•    Use SAP-PM software to collect technical data for the development of better preventative maintenance information in SAP
•    Perform Preventive Maintenance and repair of all production and building equipment
•    Assist with new equipment installation and/or equipment relocation and modification
•    Be part of teams that implement ideas to improve the uptime of plant equipment through equipment modifications, layout adjustments, and general machine maintenance
•    Member must be highly motivated with high expectations

Education

•    High School Diploma or equivalent required

Experience

•    3 or more years of system programming experience including: PLC ladder logic, HMI screens, data collection, PLC networking, motor drives, and servo motion control
•    1 or more years of CAD experience including: Schematic design and panel layout component locations

Skills

•    Specific Hardware Qualifications:
     o    PLC: Allen Bradley
     o    Servo: Allen Bradley
     o    AC Drives: Allen Bradley 
     o    HMI: Allen Bradley
     o    Network Systems: Cisco network switches, Allen Bradley
•    Specific Software Qualifications:
     o    Allen Bradley RSLogix (500, 5000), RSView 32 (ME, SE), RSNetworx for Devicenet, Controlnet, Panelbuilder 32, Asset Center, RSlinx, Drive Explorer, Ultraware, Drive executive, Factory Talk, Vantage Point (excel add ins), Excelsius, CAD or equivalent 
     o    Windows (XP, 2000 Professional, 7) Windows Office Suite
•    Understand the difference between AC/DC circuits as well as how to measure each of them
•    Ability to understand different circuits (ie; safety circuits, relay logic circuits, PLC, and start / stop circuits)
•    Ability to safely understand and modify / repair, control wiring to enhance or update components
•    Ability to identify the major components in a control panel and describe what each does
•    Strong computer skills required
•    Ability to learn parts/inventory system using SAP for both production and building equipment information
•    Strong written and verbal communication skills required
•    Must be willing to share skills to help develop others
•    Must be highly motivated and possess a high level of expectations
•    Willingness to learn and support Continuous Improvement efforts, Asset Management, Maintenance, Product Quality, Safety and Operational Efficiency initiatives
•    Committed to providing a high level of detail and pride towards equipment, projects, general housekeeping and maintaining all shop/utility areas in a neat/orderly fashion
•    Member must have an unending commitment to personal and professional development through technical and non-technical efforts
•    Understanding of SAP-PM or other CMMS software is a plus

 

Physical Demands:
•    Ability to hand grip/lift/carry up to 65 lbs, and push and pull up to 50 lbs 
•    Walking and/or Standing throughout the shift
•    Bending and/or Reaching throughout the shift

Other Requirements

•    Ability to perform responsibilities in a safe and efficient manner
•    Comply with GMPs and safety rules at all times
•    Decision making
•    Prioritizing
•    Demonstrated capability in wireless and LAN network systems and development
•    Advanced electrical troubleshooting skills
•    Excellent communication, facilitation and influencing skills with a demonstrated ability to build relationships within the facility and teams
•    Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a team based environment
•    Proven experience in project management/leadership
•    Ability/Experience in troubleshooting mechanical systems
•    Perform minor mechanical repairs to equipment as needed
•    Expected to assist and perform non-controls related repairs as needed
•    Must be at least 18 years old
•    External Candidates Only:  Ability to pass a pre-employment, post offer drug screen, physical assessment, and background check

Benefits and Compensation

Members have potential for a monthly bonus and 401k with a company match. Members also have access to terrific benefits including affordable medical, dental and vision coverage; flexible spending accounts; disability and life insurance; and fertility and adoption assistance. Johnsonville also offers competitive paid time off, including paid parental time off! Exact compensation may vary based on skills, experience, and location.

 

 

Applicants must be eligible to work in the country where this job is located, without requiring sponsorship now or in the future.

About our Company

Since 1945, our family-owned band of sausage-makers has invented better ways to make, eat and prepare crave-able sausage.  Today, we are 4,000+ Members strong.  We sell our famous sausage in all 50 United States and more than 40 countries.  We have a culture built on the idea that if we make developing your talents our top priority, great business results will follow naturally.  We call it The Johnsonville Way.  It has been our secret sauce for decades, and we hope you get to experience it for yourself!

Johnsonville is an equal opportunity employer, including Vet/Disability. 

We embrace the principles of Equal Opportunity Employment and do not discriminate on the basis of any protected characteristic, including protected veteran and disability status.

The Johnsonville Way

Our culture, called the Johnsonville Way, guides the way we behave, operate and treat one another. We truly believe that here at Johnsonville, we have a moral responsibility to create and maintain an environment that requires each Member to fully develop their God-given talents and help others to do the same. We achieve this by living the Johnsonville Way.

Our owner is famous for saying that, "Other companies use their people to build a business, but at Johnsonville, we use the business to build our people." We are proud to offer endless opportunities for continued learning and growth here at Johnsonville.


Nearest Major Market: Milwaukee