PLANT FLOOR SYSTEMS TECHNICIAN
JBS USA
Columbia, MO, USA
Posted on May 18, 2026
Description
Position at JBS USA
JOB DESCRIPTION INFORMATION
Position Title: Technical Specialist
Type of Job Description: New Job Description
Position Type: Fulltime
Job Catalog Position Title: Plant Floor Systems Technician
FLSA Status: Salaried Non-Exempt
Department: Maintenance
Location: Columbia, MO
Business Unit: JBS Prepared Foods
Reports to: Maintenance Supervisor
Years of Experience: 1 to 2 years
Number of employees Supervised: None
Since 1945, Principe has combined its Italian heritage with true craftsmanship to deliver the best Italian meats and charcuterie in the world. To meet growing consumer demand for great-tasting, high-quality Italian meats and charcuterie, Principe Foods is opening a new facility, combining old world traditions with innovative recipes, and expanding the authentic artisan offerings of Principe in the United States.
JBS Prepared Foods, a division of JBS USA, the leading global supplier of diversified, high-qualify food products, acquired Principe Foods in February 2022. Swift was founded nearly 150 years ago by Gustavus Swift, a pioneer whose passion and innovative spirit transformed the meat industry.
Now it is your turn to join a company with the mission to use these 100-plus years of knowledge to be the BEST in all we do; completely focused on our business, ensuring the BEST products and services to our customers; a relationship of trust with our suppliers and profitability for our shareholders. All this, we do to provide an opportunity for a better future for all of our TEAM MEMBERS.
We are looking for a Technical Specialist for the JBS Prepared Foods Columbia site that:
JOB SUMMARY
The Technical Specialist is responsible for the reliability, maintenance, and project support of PLC systems, mechanical equipment, and facility electrical infrastructure. This role oversees all levels of electrical and mechanical work within a food processing environment, including the installation, troubleshooting, and repair of electronic, control, and mechanical systems to ensure safe, efficient, and continuous operation of equipment.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Design, specify, start, validate, monitor, and troubleshoot electronic control systems including PLC logic, HMI, electrical drives, relay logic and motor controls.
- Work cross-functionally with other departments and across other engineering disciplines to design and detail industrial processes, motor controls, instrumentation, and power systems that meet business requirements.
- Program, troubleshoot, and configure Allen Bradley (Rockwell) PLC/HMI control systems
- Detail control strategy for process areas, communicate, educate, and train technicians, technical operators, and managers on processes, equipment, and standards.
- Problem-solve in processes and/or design issues by applying controls
- Converse with contractors from a project management standpoint on the installation and commissioning of electronic control systems and related electrical maintenance.
- Must have a working knowledge of scale controller setup and adjustment
- Must have a working knowledge of all voltage ranges
- Must have the ability to setup, maintain, install, troubleshoot, and repair all control systems as well as line voltage systems
- Must be able to use manufacturer technical support as a troubleshooting tool to solve complicated issues
- Must be able to read and follow electrical schematics to both troubleshoot and install equipment
- Daily inspection and repair of all lighting and protective covers for lighting throughout the facility.
- Inspect and repair all electrical flex connections.
- Answers to the on-shift Maintenance Supervisor for facility breakdown calls
- Responsible to maintain the working stock of electrical and mechanical parts that is separate from the parts we maintain in the Parts Warehouse.
- Meet face to face with the outgoing shift’s electrician to give an account of the day’s issues as well as a face to face meeting with the oncoming shift’s electrician to pass on issues for the day’s run.
- Enter and account for all time in SAP
- Order parts and materials for both projects and repairs.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
- Associates or Bachelors of Science in Electronic Engineering preferred
- Ability to work non-traditional hours based on facility needs for commissioning and uploading
- Demonstrate problem solving ability with root analysis (RCA) required
- Able to lead problem solving and troubleshooting efforts associated with high-level process issues.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Proficient with MS Word, Excel, and Outlook.
- Good planning and priority setting skills.
- Be Safety Minded
- May be required to work long hours and weekends.
DECISION – MAKING AUTHORITY
- Lead and determine root cause analysis (RCA) approach and corrective actions for major and recurring issues
- Implement permanent fixes to eliminate chronic equipment failures
- Prioritize technical issues based on risk to safety, quality, and production
- Develop, modify, and optimize Preventive Maintenance (PM) plans
- Establish equipment standards and best practices for operation and maintenance
- Define acceptable operating conditions and performance parameters
- Determine training content, methods, and delivery plans for Technical Operators
- Assess skill gaps and implement upskilling strategies
- Validate technical competency of operators on equipment
- Identify, prioritize, and lead machine improvement initiatives
- Implement process or equipment enhancements that improve reliability and efficiency
- Recommend and pilot new technical solutions or upgrades (within approval limits)
- Define and implement routable / exchangeable parts strategies
- Standardize critical components to reduce downtime and variation
- Recommend critical spare parts requirements
- Engage directly with equipment suppliers and OEMs for troubleshooting and improvements
- Direct and coordinate supplier activities during site visits
- Capture and apply supplier knowledge to internal standards
BUDGETARY OR PROPERTY RESPONSIBILITY
None
WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
Occasionally lift and/or move up to 50
Frequently required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl and talk or hear.
Office and plant setting. The plant environment will include wet or humid conditions (non-weather related), extreme cold (non-weather related), working near moving mechanical parts.
Noise level in the work environment is usually moderate but can be loud when in the production area.
More about us:
Opportunity for career growth – we prefer to promote internal employees into management roles as they are ready for new responsibilities
Comprehensive benefits package for full time employees including Medical, 401(k) and free tuition to select schools
Charitable involvement across Mid-West communities (Hometown Strong)
Company Culture (Purpose & Culture)
EOE, including disability/Vets