Maintenance Drive/PLC Technician

International Paper Company

$83K — $100K *
Manufacturing & Automotive
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Minimum Level 2 Certification Level
  • Strong safety focus and troubleshooting skills
  • Team player with the ability to work collaboratively
  • Flexibility to work varied hours, including callouts
  • Commitment to continuous learning in Drives and PLCs

Responsibilities

  • Perform maintenance on AC/DC drives, motors, and control systems
  • Diagnose faults in PLCs, HMIs, and other systems
  • Use tools to troubleshoot system issues
  • Install and configure drive and PLC systems
  • Tune drive parameters for optimal performance
  • Develop PLC programs and configure communication protocols
  • Collaborate with teams to enhance machine uptime

Benefits

  • Paid time off for vacations and holidays
  • Retirement plan with 401k matching
  • Medical and dental insurance
  • Education development initiatives including tuition reimbursement
  • Life and disability insurance
Full Job Description
Job Description

Position Title:

Drive/PLC Technician

Pay Rate:

$40.12 - $48.19

Category/Shift:

Hourly Full-Time

Physical Location:

Mansfield Mill

1202 Highway 509

Mansfield, LA 71104



The Job You Will Perform:

The Drive/PLC Specialist is responsible for the maintenance, troubleshooting, and optimization of industrial control systems, including AC/DC drives, motors, PLCs, HMIs, and motor management systems.

Key Responsibilities:

Maintenance & Troubleshooting
  • Perform preventive and corrective maintenance on AC and DC drives, motors, and control systems.
  • Diagnose and repair faults in PLCs, HMIs, and motor management systems.
  • Utilize diagnostic tools and software to identify and resolve system issues.
  • Support predictive maintenance efforts using vibration analysis, thermal imaging, and motor diagnostics.

System Integration & Optimization
  • Install, configure, and commission drive and PLC systems in new and existing equipment.
  • Tune drive parameters for optimal motor performance and process efficiency.
  • Integrate control systems with plant-wide automation platforms and DCS systems.

Programming & Configuration
  • Develop and modify PLC programs using ladder logic, structured text, and function block diagrams.
  • Configure drive systems for torque control, speed regulation, and load sharing in multi-motor applications.
  • Configure communication protocols (Ethernet/IP, Modbus, Profibus) between control devices.
  • Maintain and update HMI screens for operator interaction and process monitoring.

Process Support
  • Collaborate with operations and engineering teams to improve machine uptime and product quality.
  • Analyze system performance data to identify trends and recommend improvements.
  • Provide technical support during shutdowns, startups, and capital projects.

Documentation & Compliance
  • Maintain accurate records of system configurations, wiring diagrams, and software backups.
  • Ensure compliance with electrical codes, safety standards (NFPA 70E, OSHA), and company policies.
  • Participate in safety audits, risk assessments, and continuous improvement initiatives.


The Skills You Will Bring:

  • Minimum Level 2 Certification Level
  • Strong safety focus and troubleshooting skills
  • Works well with others and able to work in a team-based environment
  • Willing to work flexible hours, which could include accepting callouts and working overtime on short notice
  • Continued advancement in Drives and PLCs is expected.

Competencies include:
  • Action Oriented
  • Drive for Results
  • Organizing
  • Timely Decision Making
  • Customer Focus
  • Time Management
  • Self-Development
  • Technical Learning


The Benefits You Will Enjoy:

  • Paid time off including Vacation and Holidays
  • Retirement and 401k Matching Program
  • Medical & Dental
  • Education & Development (including Tuition Reimbursement)
  • Life & Disability Insurance


The Career You Will Build:
  • Leadership training
  • Promotional opportunities


The Impact You Will Make:

We continue to build a better future for people, the plant, and our company! IP has been a good steward of sustainable practices across communities around the world for more than 120 years. Join our team and you'll see why our team members say they're Proud to be IP.

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