Candy Manufacturing Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Position: Plant Electrician / PLC Technician

Location: Philadelphia, PA

Reports to: Maintenance Manager

JOB SUMMARY:

Frankford Candy is seeking a highly skilled Plant Electrician / PLC Technician to join our Maintenance team. This individual will be the cornerstone of electrical and automation reliability across our food manufacturing facility, ensuring all equipment operates safely, efficiently, and in full compliance with food safety standards. The ideal candidate brings deep hands-on industrial electrical expertise, advanced PLC programming capability, and a genuine commitment to GMP, HACCP, and LOTO safety practices in a high-volume candy manufacturing environment.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Install, alter, maintain, and repair electrical wiring systems, fixtures, transformers, motor controls, and all other plant electrical equipment from 24V DC to 480V AC
• Analyze, troubleshoot, install, and repair Controls and Automation systems (PLCs, HMIs, VFDs, servo drives) on industrial manufacturing equipment with minimal supervision
• Program, edit, and troubleshoot Allen-Bradley PLCs (PLC5, SLC 500, ControlLogix/CompactLogix) using RSLogix 500/5000 and Studio 5000; experience with Siemens TIA Portal a plus
• Read and interpret electrical wiring diagrams, schematics, P drawings, and blueprints; update drawings to reflect as-built conditions
• Locate, diagnose, and correct complex equipment failures including electrical, electronic, pneumatic, and hydraulic control systems; resolve power failures and short circuits
• Service electronic equipment by checking, testing, and replacing faulty components: circuit boards, PLCs, sensors, drives, relays, and associated hardware
• Install, maintain, and repair all cabling, conduit, and wiring related to production and facility electrical systems
• Perform and document Preventive Maintenance (PM) and Predictive Maintenance (PdM) activities on all electrical and automation components; identify continuous improvement opportunities
• Generate, complete, and close work orders in the Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS); maintain accurate records of all repairs, parts used, and work performed
• Maintain and program AC variable frequency drives (VFDs) and soft starters for conveyor, mixing, and processing equipment
• Enforce and comply with LOTO (Lockout/Tagout) procedures for all electrical work; serve as a resource for LOTO best practices
• Maintain all emergency lighting, exit signs, and related life-safety electrical equipment
• Fabricate parts not commercially available using machine and hand tools common to the electrical trade
• Act as a technical consultant to Line Maintenance, Operators, and Supervisors regarding electrical hazards, machine capabilities, and corrective actions
• Support Production to sustain safe, sanitary, and productive processes; minimize unplanned downtime
• Coordinate and complete capital and repair projects, occasionally interfacing with outside contractors and vendors
• Adhere strictly to all GMP practices, HACCP requirements, allergen controls, and food safety regulations applicable to candy manufacturing
• Promote and maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment at all times
• Perform all other related duties as assigned by Maintenance Supervisor or Maintenance Manager
• Assist in the onboarding and training of new Maintenance and Production employees
• Participate actively in safety training programs, drills, and toolbox talks
• Support continuous improvement initiatives including energy efficiency and automation upgrades
• Assist with annual equipment inspections, third-party audits (SQF, AIB, customer), and regulatory reviews
• Provide on-call or off-shift emergency electrical coverage as required by business need

EXPERIENCE & EXPERTISE REQUIREMENTS:

• Education: Associates Degree (or higher) in Electromechanical Technology, Industrial Electricity, or equivalent; OR Journeyman's Electrician Certification from an accredited trade/vocational program
• Experience: Minimum 3–5 years of industrial electrical maintenance experience in a manufacturing environment; food or beverage manufacturing strongly preferred
• Licensing: Current State Electrician's License required
• PLC Proficiency: Demonstrated hands-on experience programming and troubleshooting Allen-Bradley PLC5, SLC 500, ControlLogix, and/or CompactLogix using RSLogix / Studio 5000; experience with Siemens S7 or other platforms is a plus
• Electrical Systems: Proficiency with AC and DC systems from 24V to 480V; high and low voltage installation and conduit routing for new and existing equipment
• Drives & Motion: Experience maintaining, configuring, and programming AC variable frequency drives (VFDs) and servo/stepper systems
• Codes & Standards: Working knowledge of NEC, OSHA electrical standards, and applicable local/state electrical codes
• Instrumentation: Proficiency with digital multimeters, clamp meters, oscilloscopes, and other advanced test and measurement equipment
• Food Safety: Familiarity with GMP, HACCP, LOTO, and SQF/AIB standards as applied in food/candy manufacturing; ServSafe or equivalent training a plus
• Documentation: Ability to read, interpret, and update complex technical documentation, schematics, P, and technical manuals
• IT/Software: Proficient with PCs, CMMS software (e.g., SAP PM, eMaint, Fiix), and Microsoft Office Suite
• Physical Requirements: Ability to lift up to 60 lbs.; stand and walk for extended periods; work from elevated platforms, ladders, and confined spaces as needed; access all areas of the facility including overhead structures
• Work Style: Must be able to work independently with minimal supervision, manage competing priorities under pressure, and function effectively as part of a cross-functional team
• Communication: Strong written and verbal communication skills; able to produce clear written repair reports and communicate effectively with all levels of the organization

ENVRIONMENT

• Must pass a validated test of advanced electrical and PLC principles, or otherwise demonstrate a high level of proficiency through practical assessment
• Work environment includes industrial food manufacturing areas with exposure to sugar dust, chocolate, cocoa, and other confectionery ingredients
• Exposure to high-voltage electrical systems; strict adherence to PPE and LOTO protocols required
• Potential exposure to heights (mezzanines, rooftop equipment, elevated platforms)
• Fast-paced production environment; occasional weekend, holiday, or on-call coverage required