Automation Controls Specialist

Description

Open Gates Group, based near Kalona, IA, is a family of companies dedicated to the growth and manufacturing of local dairy products. What began as a single creamery has grown into 11 businesses that source, produce, and deliver high-quality Midwestern products to over 3,500 stores nationwide. Our unique organic milk comes from grass-fed cows on small family farms, pasteurized at the lowest legal temperature, non-homogenized, and verified regenerative through Land to Market- which means that our cows are grazed in a way that enhances the environment, rather than harming it.  As we continue to grow, we're investing in technology that improves efficiency, product quality, and food safety. We're looking for an Automation Controls Specialist who enjoys solving problems, building systems, and finding smarter ways to keep manufacturing running at its best.

Summary

The Automation Controls Specialist plays a critical role in maintaining and improving the automation systems that keep our manufacturing facilities operating efficiently. This position is responsible for programming, troubleshooting, maintaining, and optimizing PLCs, HMIs, instrumentation, and industrial control systems across multiple production facilities.  Working closely with Maintenance, Production, Quality, and IT teams, you'll help minimize downtime, improve equipment performance, support capital improvement projects, and identify automation solutions that allow our operations to continue growing.

What You'll Do

• Program and/or modify PLC (Programmable Logic Controller) and HMI (Human Machine Interface) systems.
• Develop logic to enable handshakes and data exchange between production equipment and IT systems.
• Design, build, and wire custom control panels.
• Perform system design and integration.
• Troubleshoot equipment issues involving hardware, software, and networked systems.
• Create and maintain technical documentation, including system designs, policies, and procedures.
• Maintain accurate records of assets and work performed.
• Evaluate and recommend new automation and control technologies to improve the team’s ability to meet the needs of the company. 
• Provide support and training to production and maintenance staff on the safe use of automation systems.
• Work collaboratively with co-workers and other personnel, consistently demonstrating a commitment to customer service, teamwork, and organizational success.
• Perform regular maintenance, diagnostics, and repairs on PLC-controlled equipment.
• Analyze production data and system feedback to recommend and implement process improvements.
• Perform duties in a range of environments, including extreme temperatures and confined spaces.
• Work from heights using ladders and lifts, and lift up to 50 pounds as needed.
• Perform additional duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Skills & Experience

• Associate's degree or technical certification in Automation, Electrical Technology, Mechatronics, Industrial Controls, or a related field; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Minimum of 2 years of experience supporting industrial automation or manufacturing control systems.
• Experience programming and troubleshooting PLC systems (LS Electric, Siemens, Allen-Bradley, or similar platforms).
• Experience with HMI development and configuration.
• Knowledge of industrial control panel design, wiring, and electrical troubleshooting.
• Understanding of industrial networking, Ethernet communications, TCP/IP, and communication protocols.
• Experience integrating production equipment with business or data collection systems.
• Familiarity with instrumentation, sensors, drives, VFDs, motors, and control devices.
• Experience with Windows operating systems, PC hardware/software, Microsoft Office, and Google Workspace.
• Familiarity with CAD/CAE or electrical drawing software is preferred.
• Understanding of cybersecurity best practices for industrial control systems is a plus.
• Strong analytical and troubleshooting abilities with a systematic approach to problem-solving.
• Ability to prioritize multiple projects while responding quickly to production needs.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to explain technical concepts to non-technical team members.
• Self-motivated with a continuous improvement mindset.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to producing high-quality work.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively across departments.
• Flexible and adaptable in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Physical & Work Environment

This position combines office work with hands-on work in a manufacturing environment.

The successful candidate must be able to:

• Lift, push, or pull up to 50 pounds on an occasional basis.
• Walk, stand, bend, kneel, crouch, crawl, and climb throughout the workday.
• Work from ladders, lifts, and elevated platforms when necessary.
• Perform work in confined spaces and around operating production equipment.
• Work safely in environments with varying temperatures, humidity, noise, and wet conditions.
• Occasionally be exposed to food allergens, cleaning chemicals, and sanitation processes.
• Respond to equipment issues outside of normal working hours when needed to support production operations.
• Consistently follow all food safety, quality, and workplace safety procedures, including the use of required PPE.

What Success Looks Like

In this role, success means:

• Manufacturing equipment operates safely, reliably, and efficiently with minimal downtime.
• PLC, HMI, and automation issues are diagnosed quickly and resolved with lasting solutions.
• Control systems are well documented, organized, and easy for others to maintain.
• Production teams view you as a trusted technical resource and collaborative problem solver.
• Automation projects are completed on time and improve productivity, quality, or reliability.
• Continuous improvement opportunities are identified and implemented proactively—not just when problems arise.
• New technologies are evaluated thoughtfully and integrated where they create measurable value.
• Safety, food quality, and regulatory compliance remain a top priority in every project and decision.
• You contribute to a culture of teamwork, accountability, curiosity, and continuous learning that reflects the Open Gates Guiding Principles.