Job Description

Job Title: PLC Programmer / Automation Field Engineer

Department: Field Service & Industrial Automation

Reports To: Field Service Engineering Manager / Automation Director

Employment Type: Full-Time

Travel Expectation: 50% – 75% (Regional, Domestic, and occasional International travel)

Position Overview

We are seeking a hands-on PLC Programmer / Automation Field Engineer to lead the on-site deployment, commissioning, programming, and troubleshooting of industrial automated control systems. In this role, you will bridge the gap between design engineering and physical field installation, ensuring automated machinery, process lines, and robotic workcells are brought online safely, on schedule, and to exact customer specifications.

The ideal candidate is comfortable working in active plant environments, excels at real-time diagnostic problem-solving, and has strong experience with mainstream PLC platforms (such as Allen-Bradley and Siemens), industrial networking, motor control, and HMI/SCADA interfaces.

Job Responsibility

Primary Responsibilities

Programming & Software Integration

• Develop, debug, test, and optimize PLC logic using Ladder Logic, Structured Text, and Function Block Diagrams.

• Design and modify HMI and SCADA operator interfaces (e.g., FactoryTalk View, Ignition, WinCC) for intuitive machine operation and alarm management.

• Integrate motion control systems, including Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs), servo drives, and robotic controllers.

• Configure industrial communication protocols and networks (EtherNet/IP, PROFINET, Modbus TCP/RTU, DeviceNet, IO-Link).

On-Site Commissioning & Startup

• Lead machine commissioning and startup phases at customer manufacturing plants, distribution hubs, or processing facilities.

• Perform point-to-point I/O checkouts, sensor calibrations, loop checks, and emergency stop/safety circuit verifications.

• Coordinate with mechanical engineers, electrical contractors, and plant technicians to resolve mechanical/electrical fit-up and power distribution issues.

• Redline electrical schematics, P&IDs, and control architecture prints to reflect field modifications.

Field Troubleshooting & Support

• Respond to critical line-down situations, systematically isolating electrical, mechanical, software, or network bottlenecks.

• Conduct root-cause analysis on recurring faults and implement permanent PLC/HMI software revisions.

• Maintain strict revision control of codebases across varying machine iterations in the field.

Safety, Compliance & Client Relations

• Ensure all automation logic and hardware conform to industrial safety standards (NFPA 70E, NFPA 79, OSHA, ISO 13849-1, SIL/PL ratings).

• Deliver operator and maintenance personnel training on newly commissioned equipment.

• Prepare comprehensive post-trip field service reports detailing site activities, open issues, and punch-list completions.

Qualifications & Requirements

Required Education & Experience

• Education: Associate or Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, Automation Technology, Computer Engineering, or equivalent military/trade background.

• Experience: 3+ years of direct experience in PLC programming, electrical troubleshooting, and on-site industrial machinery commissioning.

• Core Competencies:

  • Demonstrated proficiency in at least one major platform: Rockwell Automation / Allen-Bradley (Studio 5000, ControlLogix, CompactLogix) or Siemens (TIA Portal, S7-1200/1500).

  • Strong ability to read, interpret, and mark up electrical control schematics, panel layouts, and single-line diagrams.

  • Deep familiarity with industrial hardware (power supplies, 24VDC circuits, contactors, safety relays, proximity sensors, solenoids).

Additional Requirements

• Willingness to travel 50% – 75% on short notice, including occasional weekends and shift work during plant shutdowns.

• Valid driver's license and clean driving record (ability to obtain or hold a valid passport for travel).

• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs and work comfortably on factory floors, catwalks, and around running machinery while adhering to PPE protocols.

Job Skills

PLC Programing, plc, panel wiring

Experiences

• 4 to 5 Years

Extra Benefits