What are the responsibilities and job description for the PLC Programmer / Automation Technician position at Howell Machine Inc?
PLC Programmer/Automation Technician
Job Summary
We’re looking for a PLC Programmer/Automation Technician to help support and improve our production equipment. This is a hands-on position, working on both new equipment and upgrading existing machines already in production.
You will mostly use Allen-Bradley PLC programming and troubleshooting, along with setting up and tuning PowerFlex drives and Kinetix servo systems. You need to be comfortable using Studio 5000, RSLogix 500, CCW, and RSLinx on a regular basis.
The job also involves wiring control panels and back panels, running and terminating field wiring, and troubleshooting issues directly on the equipment. A solid understanding of industrial electrical systems is required (24VDC controls, 120/240/480VAC, motors, sensors, relays, safety circuits, etc.). Good mechanical knowledge matters too, since a lot of problems tie electrical and mechanical systems together. You need to understand how the machine works as a whole, not just the code.
This position works closely with the Electrical Department, Maintenance, and Engineering to keep equipment running, reduce downtime, and support ongoing automation upgrades.
***ONSITE JOB, NOT REMOTE***
Duties and Responsibilities
Essential Functions:
- Programming and troubleshooting Allen-Bradley PLCs (ControlLogix, CompactLogix, Micro800)
- Supporting and troubleshooting Kinetix servo systems and motion control
- Building, modifying, and troubleshooting HMI screens (PanelView / FactoryTalk)
- Setting up and tuning PowerFlex VFDs
- Making PLC edits and supporting automation changes
- Wiring and building control panels and back panels
- Running and terminating field wiring
- Installing sensors and other field devices
- Helping troubleshoot equipment issues on the floor
- Supporting automation upgrades across production lines
Looking For:
- A strong background in PLC and HMI programming
- Experience with control systems
- Experience with PowerFlex drives and Kinetix servo systems
- Solid industrial electrical knowledge
- Ability to troubleshoot electrical and mechanical problems together
- Comfortable working in a manufacturing environment
- Able to work independently and with a team
Qualifications:
- Experience - 2 years of Allen-Bradley experience
- Education – High School diploma or GED required, DOE, relevant degree, and/or work experience preferred. Knowledge of electrical and mechanical systems.
- Responsibility – Supporting and improving production equipment.
- Mental and physical demands–
- Production environment: extreme noise, heat, cold, dusty
- Must have good hand-eye coordination and vision, good math skills
- Standing, lifting, pulling, pushing, carrying, speaking, listening, climbing, motor coordination skills, coordination of eyes, hands, and feet, sitting for long periods, and good eyesight for reading documents and data entry
- Able to lift up to 50 pounds.
- Confidential data – Access to intellectual property which must remain confidential and cannot be reproduced.
- Requirements: Must be able to pass a drug screening and a background test with no felonies. Must be able to work onsite; this is NOT a remote job.
Salary : $30 - $44