Elect Automation/Programmer

Elect Automation/Programmer

Vaagen Bros. Lumber Inc. is a family-owned wood products manufacturer that has operated in northeastern Washington for over 70 years. We heavily believe in continuous improvement and respect for people and are currently in a Lean transformation. We operate sawmills in Colville and Usk, WA. Vaagen Bros. Lumber, Inc. currently employs over 175 employees.

Vaagen Bros. Lumber, Inc. is looking for an individual to excel in our electrical department at our Colville, WA facility. The candidate will be responsible for the planning, layout, installation, testing, repairing electrical/electronic systems and program logic controllers within a Lean lumber manufacturing environment.  

JOB DUTIES:

• Performs maintenance, and calibration on production electronic equipment and controls, including computerized plant equipment
• Performs preventive maintenance and repairs on assigned equipment, electrical maintenance, etc.
• Monitors line efficiency and works with staff and supervisors for maintaining Company targets for process improvements
• Evaluates equipment to establish troubleshooting and repair procedures
• Programs all plant programmable controllers and maintains up-to-date program documentation
• Assists and instructs in the operation of electronic equipment and diagnosis of electrical control problems
• Provides operators with technical assistance and training as necessary
• Designs and develops programs for control systems
• Trains others on programmable controllers, proper program coding and with consistency 
• Specify instrumentation for manufacturing equipment and related systems
• Develop and implement programming of necessary systems for increased automation, efficiency, and value-added projects
• Analyzes causes and implements corrective action on repetitive or major electrical problems.
• Read and understand wiring schematics and blueprints
• Familiar with 4-20 ma instrumentation, servo systems, positioning systems and assorted feedback devices
• Understand standard control circuit wiring and troubleshooting 
• Other duties as assigned

JOB REQUIREMENTS:

• Preferred: Electrical Certification or Degree; BS Degree in Engineering a plus
• 2+ years of experience in electrical design and layout, Logic Controls, and Project Management
• 2+ years in a manufacturing plant environment (lumber manufacturing a plus)
• Software experience required: Rockwell RSLogix
• Software for which experience would be a plus: Siemens Ti, Rockwell  RS View & FactoryTalk, Siemens WinCC, WonderWare, Visual Basic, AutoCAD.
• PLC programming types required: Ladder, Function Block Diagram
• Programming languages a plus: Structured Text, Instruction List, Sequential Function Charts, C/C++
• Ability to program and network VFDs, specifically Allen Bradley PowerFlex.
• Six Sigma or other Lean experience a plus
• Works well in a team environment, communicating with manufacturing team on project status, process improvements etc.
• Experience with motion controls, including VFDs, servos, field wiring, relay logic etc.

• Ensure safe work practices & follow safety procedures 
• Ability to streamline processes and cut waste within area of responsibility

• Troubleshooting skills, self-directed leader, safe work record, and good attendance record
• Must be 18+ years old to work in an industrial sawmill environment
• Must be able to continuously stand, walk, lift, squat, bend, twist, crawl, kneel, climb, and reach above shoulders safely.  The weight required to be lifted each normal workday may occasionally exceed fifty (50) pounds at a time
• Applicants will be subject to a criminal background check.  However, having a criminal record will not automatically eliminate you from consideration for the job.  Records will be considered based on the requirements of RCW 9.96A.020, RCW 43.43, WAC
• Must be able to successfully pass a drug test and pre-employment physical exam

HOURS/DAYS/SCHEDULE:

• 40+ hours a week
• Shift work and/or weekends
• Full time

SALARY/WAGE/BENEFITS:

• Pay: $25-$55/hr
• FLSA Status:  Non-Exempt
• Company provided laptop, and phone or phone allowance

• Full benefits include: medical, dental, vision, life insurance, AD&D insurance, long term disability and 401k with match   

For more information, please visit our website www.vaagenbros.com or our social media platforms.