PLC Engineer – Robotics & Automation Controls (Remote/Hybrid)
We are a mid-sized, engineer-led automation firm that delivers turnkey control systems—robot cells, automated conveyors, water treatment skids, and everything between. Flat hierarchy, rapid decision loops, and an obsession with technical rigor define our culture.
Responsibilities
- Architect, code, and validate PLC programs using Rockwell Studio 5000, Siemens TIA Portal, and Codesys.
- Convert obsolete PLC5/S5/SLC logic into modern ControlLogix or S7-1500 platforms while preserving cycle-time performance.
- Integrate PLCs with robots, VFDs, safety relays, motion controllers, and SCADA databases.
- Develop intuitive HMI/SCADA screens that reveal real-time KPIs, alarms, and OEE metrics.
- Conduct I/O checkout, field wiring verification, and network commissioning (EtherNet/IP, Profinet, Modbus TCP).
- Draft functional design specifications, cause-and-effect matrices, and FAT/SAT test scripts.
- Deliver remote diagnostics—VPN tunnels, augmented-reality sessions, midnight phone triage—keeping downtime to minutes.
- Mentor technicians and junior programmers during startups and after-action reviews.
- Produce punch-list reports and continuous-improvement recommendations that cut cycle time, scrap, and energy use.
Required Expertise
- 5+ years hands-on PLC programming across discrete and process industries.
- Advanced proficiency in ladder, structured text, and add-on instructions.
- Deep understanding of motor controls, servo tuning, and industrial safety standards (NFPA 79, ANSI R15.06).
- Ability to interpret electrical schematics, P&IDs, and pneumatic diagrams.
- Competence with industrial networking—VLANs, managed switches, Wi-Fi6 clients in harsh environments.
- Strong analytical mindset; you isolate root causes quickly using oscilloscopes, protocol analyzers, and trend logs.
- Clear, concise communication—verbally, in code comments, and in technical reports.
- Valid authorization to work in the United States.
Preferred Plus
- Experience with water/wastewater treatment controls, material-handling ASRS, or food & beverage packaging.
- Python or C# scripting for edge analytics or custom test fixtures.
- Familiarity with cloud historians (Ignition Edge, FactoryTalk Optix) and MQTT-Sparkplug architectures.
- Willingness to travel up to 25 % for onsite commissioning; otherwise, work remotely from anywhere in the U.S.
Impact & Growth
- Tackle greenfield lines, brownfield retrofits, and pilot cells for Fortune 500 producers—your code will run millions of cycles per week.
- Influence roadmap decisions—select new PLC platforms, propose cybersecurity policies, pilot collaborative robots.
- Accelerate your career through paid certifications, peer-reviewed design sessions, and cross-training with mechanical and electrical teams.