Automation Controls Technologist

A day in the life

When you walk onto our production floor, your focus is clear: keep advanced automation running reliably. You begin by reviewing any EHS notes from the prior shift and turning near‑misses into teachable insights. You move between PLC diagnostics, drive tuning, and HMI checks, calibrating instruments and verifying that safety interlocks operate as designed. A call from a line lead has you dive into a Fanuc palletizer fault, trace it through AC vector/servo drives, and resolve the issue in the PLC ladder — Allen Bradley first, with a quick cross‑check against a second platform (Mitsubishi, Schneider, GE, or Opto 22). You capture as‑built changes, update drawings, and coach electricians on the fix before the next run.

About Novolex

Pactiv Evergreen is now part of Novolex — a global manufacturer of food, beverage, and specialty packaging serving foodservice, delivery/carryout, processing, grocery/retail, and industrial markets across North America and Europe. Our portfolio is built through continuous R&D investment, aimed at delivering more sustainable choices. We also operate two world‑class plastic film recycling centers. Meet our 20,000+ teammates and explore our commitment to innovation and sustainability at .

How we give back

Our employee‑driven Social Responsibility platform powers matching gifts, community grants, and an annual Month of Action. Through these programs, our teams uplift local communities and support the nonprofits that matter to them — living our purpose of Packaging a Better Future.

What you’ll do

• Champion a zero‑incident EHS culture; participate in incident investigations, identify root causes, correct unsafe acts/conditions, and share lessons learned.
• Monitor, adjust, calibrate, and repair manufacturing equipment, instruments, and fixtures.
• Perform deep troubleshooting of PLCs, HMIs, motors, and drives; Allen Bradley required plus at least one of Mitsubishi, Schneider, GE, or Opto 22.
• Read, edit, and implement PLC ladder logic.
• Install and modify electrical/electronic systems, including drive systems and programmable controllers.
• Apply working knowledge of AC vector and servo drive technology.
• Diagnose circuits and electromechanical systems: AC/DC, sinking/sourcing, analog, and related concepts.
• Troubleshoot and maintain Fanuc robotic systems (palletizers, case erectors, pick‑and‑place).
• Leverage fundamentals in hydraulics, pneumatics, and mechanical systems.
• Work with PC components and industrial computing basics.
• Interpret drawings, wiring diagrams, schematics, and specifications; familiarity with CAD tools (AutoCAD, Vizio, etc.).
• Keep abreast of state‑of‑the‑art automation and control techniques.
• Use problem‑solving methods, including PDCA, to reach root cause, prevent recurrence, and elevate operations.
• Provide top‑tier technical support to shift electricians.
• Train colleagues at all levels on automation and controls topics.
• Oversee contractors to minimize planned/unplanned downtime.
• Maintain technical procedures, manuals, and drawings; record as‑built equipment and process changes.
• Work a flexible schedule as needed, including occasional weekends/holidays and call‑ins.

What you bring

• High school diploma or equivalent required; apprenticeship or equivalent training.
• Associate’s degree in maintenance or industrial technology preferred.
• 5+ years of industrial maintenance with significant automation/controls experience.
• Computer proficiency: Microsoft applications, Outlook, SAP, etc.
• Knowledge of OSHA Electrical Standards and the National Electric Code (NEC).
• Exceptional troubleshooting logic for true root‑cause resolution.
• Self‑starter who performs effectively with minimal supervision.
• Clear written and verbal communication skills.
• Sound decision‑making under time pressure and tight deadlines.
• Team‑oriented, collaborative approach.

Proficiencies

• Creating Preventive Maintenance Plans
• Mechanical Troubleshooting Skills
• Electrical Installation
• Electrical Troubleshooting
• Electrical Repair
• Pneumatics Troubleshooting
• Machine Safety Inspections

Machines & technologies you’ll use

• Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) — Allen Bradley

Legal

Pactiv Evergreen is committed to a diverse and inclusive workforce. Pactiv Evergreen is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, religion, creed, age national origin, physical or mental disability, genetic information, gender identity and/or expression, marital status, veteran status or other characteristics or statuses protected by law. For individuals with disabilities who would like to request an accommodation, please call (847) 482-4320 or email [email protected].

All information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines and applicable laws.