Automation Controls Technician

Position: Automations Controls Technician

Location/Department: Lancaster, PA/Factory-Maintenance

Status: Full-Time Hourly Non-Exempt
Job Code: P186
Reports To: Facilities Manager

Our Company

Lancaster Leaf Tobacco Co Inc. is a subsidiary of Universal Corporation, the leading global leaf tobacco supplier. Lancaster Leaf manages Universal’s dark air cured tobacco operations in all relevant traditional dark air-cured origins. Operations in Lancaster, PA. consist of a processing facility, storage facility, and main office which also houses Universal’s dark air cured regional headquarters. The Company also has a cutting/flavoring line in the Dominican Republic. Lancaster Leaf supplies virtually all of the major cigar manufacturers in the U.S. with filler, binder, and wrapper from the U.S. and other origins. In addition to domestic supply, Lancaster exports filler, binder, and wrapper to international cigar manufacturers. Lancaster Leaf contracts directly with farmers in all dark air cured growing regions of the U.S. which include Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Virginia, Tennessee and Kentucky.
 
The Global Leader in Premium Leaf Tobacco Supply

Universal Leaf Tobacco Company is the world’s leading supplier of premium leaf tobacco, with over 100 years of experience sourcing, processing, and delivering tobacco crops tailored to customer specifications. With operations spanning major tobacco-regions across five continents, we connect hundreds of thousands of farmers to global manufacturers through a reliable, transparent, and traceable supply chain.

Our portfolio includes flue-cured, burley, oriental, and dark tobaccos, supported by deep agronomic expertise and advanced processing capabilities. Beyond the leaf, we offer value-added services such as customized blending, next-generation nicotine solutions, recycled by-products, and digital traceability tools that enhance efficiency and sustainability across the supply chain. Universal Leaf Tobacco is more than a supplier – we are a long-term partner committed to responsible sourcing, farmer support, and continuous innovation. By investing in agricultural communities and upholding the highest standards of quality and compliance, we help ensure a resilient tobacco supply for generations to come.

Summary 

As an Automation Controls Technician at Lancaster Leaf Tobacco Company you are responsible for supporting, troubleshooting, programming, and improving automated control systems throughout the Lancaster Leaf Tobacco Factory. This position works closely with Maintenance, Operations, Engineering, outside vendors, and production leadership to maintain reliable equipment performance, reduce downtime, improve process controls, and support safe and efficient factory operations. The role requires strong knowledge of programmable logic controllers, industrial electrical systems, HMI interfaces, VFDs, sensors, instrumentation, and manufacturing equipment.

What You’ll Be Doing (Essential Duties)

• Program, troubleshoot, modify, and maintain PLC systems used in factory production, processing, packaging, by-product handling, receiving, storage, and utility operations.
• Support automated equipment including conveyors, presses, dryers, optical sorters, scales, sensors, drives, motor controls, safety circuits, HMI panels, and related control devices.
• Diagnose electrical, mechanical, instrumentation, network, and control system issues to reduce downtime and restore equipment to safe operating condition.
• Develop and modify PLC logic, HMI screens, alarms, recipes, setpoints, interlocks, and control sequences to support operational needs and continuous improvement projects.
• Maintain current backups, documentation, drawings, I/O lists, program versions, and change records for control systems.
• Work with Maintenance and Operations personnel to identify recurring equipment issues, complete root cause analysis, and implement corrective actions.
• Assist with installation, commissioning, testing, and startup of new equipment, upgraded controls, and automation improvement projects.
• Provide technical support and basic training to maintenance technicians, operators, and supervisors on control system operation, troubleshooting, and safe restart procedures.
• Coordinate with outside contractors, OEM technicians, and vendors to support equipment upgrades, software changes, system troubleshooting, and repairs.
• Ensure PLC programming and automation work complies with company safety policies, lockout/tagout requirements, electrical safety expectations, machine guarding requirements, and applicable codes.
• Support preventive maintenance activities by inspecting control panels, verifying sensors and safety devices, reviewing alarm history, and identifying opportunities to improve equipment reliability.
• Partner with production leadership to improve throughput, quality, safety, traceability, runtime, and efficiency across factory processing lines.
• Respond to urgent breakdowns and provide on-call or overtime support when required by production demands.
• Perform other duties and special projects as assigned.

 Minimum Requirements

• Associate’s degree or technical school certificate.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience programming, troubleshooting, or maintaining PLC-controlled equipment in a manufacturing, processing, warehouse, agricultural, food, tobacco, or industrial environment.
• Working knowledge of PLC programming, ladder logic, HMI systems, VFDs, industrial sensors, motor controls, safety circuits, relays, starters, and control panels.
• Ability to read and interpret electrical drawings, control schematics, ladder logic, wiring diagrams, equipment manuals, and technical documentation.
• Experience troubleshooting industrial electrical systems up to 480 volts and understanding safe work practices around energized equipment.
• Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to diagnose issues quickly and communicate recommended repairs clearly.
• Ability to work independently, prioritize multiple issues, and support production needs in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to document changes, repairs, and system information accurately.
• Basic computer skills, including Microsoft Office applications and the ability to work with PLC programming software, HMI software, CMMS systems, and equipment interfaces.
• Must be authorized to work in the United States.

Preferred RequirementsExperience with Allen-Bradley/Rockwell Automation, Siemens, Schneider, or comparable PLC platforms.

• Experience with HMI/SCADA systems, industrial networking, Ethernet/IP, Profibus, Modbus, or other plant communication protocols.
• Experience in electrical, automation, industrial maintenance, mechatronics, or a related field.
• Experience with optical sorters, conveyors, presses, dryers, dust collection equipment, scales, packaging lines, or tobacco processing equipment.
• Knowledge of National Electrical Code (NEC), OSHA requirements, NFPA 70E, machine safety practices, lockout/tagout, and industrial control panel standards.
• Experience supporting continuous improvement, TPM, downtime reduction, or reliability improvement initiatives.
• Ability to assist with electrical design, control panel modifications, wiring changes, and field device selection.
• Bilingual communication skills, English and Spanish

Benefits
We offer a wide range of market-competitive total rewards that include 401(k) match, pension, merit increases, paid holidays, medical, dental, life, vision, short and long-term disability benefits, and tuition assistance to name a few.