Industrial Automation and PLC Programming Lead

The Industrial Automation and PLC Programming Lead will serve as a technical subject-matter expert for shop-floor automation and controls systems supporting manufacturing operations and forward model programs.

This position combines hands-on production support with long-term technical standardization. The role will manage and prioritize automation-related support requests, troubleshoot production-impacting issues, perform root-cause analysis, and serve as an escalation point for complex or recurring controls problems.

The position will also lead the development, documentation, and implementation of programming standards, reusable software libraries, naming conventions, controls templates, and engineering best practices. The role will work closely with manufacturing engineering, information technology, operational technology, equipment suppliers, system integrators, and plant support teams to ensure that automation solutions are reliable, secure, maintainable, and aligned with applicable organizational and Original Equipment Manufacturer standards.

Education

- Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Electronics Engineering, Instrumentation Engineering, Mechatronics Engineering, Control Systems Engineering, Automation Engineering, or a closely related discipline.
- An equivalent combination of relevant education and significant industrial automation experience may be considered, subject to organizational policy.

Required Experience

- Approximately 6 to 10 years of relevant experience in industrial automation, controls engineering, PLC programming, or manufacturing systems.
- Strong hands-on experience developing, troubleshooting, and maintaining PLC applications.
- Experience developing or supporting industrial HMI applications.
- Experience troubleshooting production equipment and resolving manufacturing automation issues.
- Experience performing root-cause analysis and implementing permanent corrective actions.
- Experience documenting controls standards, technical procedures, or engineering best practices.
- Experience collaborating with manufacturing, maintenance, engineering, information technology, suppliers, or system integrators.

Required Technical Knowledge

- Strong knowledge of PLC programming principles, industrial controls architecture, sequencing, interlocks, alarms, and equipment diagnostics.
- Experience with at least one major PLC platform, such as:
- Allen-Bradley ControlLogix or CompactLogix using Studio 5000
- Siemens SIMATIC using TIA Portal
- An equivalent industrial PLC platform
- Experience with HMI development using FactoryTalk View, Siemens WinCC, or an equivalent platform.
- Working knowledge of industrial communication systems and protocols.
- Understanding of industrial Ethernet and shop-floor network fundamentals.
- Ability to read and interpret controls documentation, electrical drawings, network architecture diagrams, and equipment specifications.
- Strong technical documentation and structured problem-solving skills.