Advanced PLC/HMI Programmer Lead

Agropur; Lake Norden (SD); On-site; USD 81,000 - 113,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life

Short and Long-term Disability

401(k) with company match

3 Weeks PTO

Paid holidays and 2 floating holidays

Advancement Opportunities

Tuition Reimbursement

Healthy work/life balance

Job summary

Agropur is seeking an Advanced PLC/HMI Programmer Lead to program automation and controls systems including DCS/PLC/HMI and process controllers. You will design, troubleshoot, and maintain applications while guiding PLC Automation Technicians.

Role requires leadership, strong electrical knowledge, and hands-on development experience. Responsibilities include creating specs, developing data models, and ensuring documentation is current.

Qualifications

• Associate’s or Technical Degree in Electrical Technology or related field.
• Minimum five (5) years of related experience.
• 4-20mA control loops and motor control centers.
• Rockwell PLC programming (Legacy and Logix) and Rockwell View Studio (ME).
• Intouch/Wonderware development and SQL Server familiarity.

Responsibilities

• Follow standard programming practices; develop and maintain internal applications.
• Create functional specifications and data models; translate to physical database structures.
• Provide technical guidance to maintenance and automation personnel.
• Oversee PLC/HMI changes and troubleshoot instrumentation and control systems.
• Coordinate with Plant Supervisors, Operators, and corporate Engineering to keep drawings and docs current.

Skills

Leadership

PLC programming

Problem solving

Team collaboration

Education

Electrical Technology degree

Tools

Rockwell PLC

FactoryTalk SE

Intouch

Intouch Historian

SQL Server

AutoCAD

Job description

Job Type:

RegularThe Advanced PLC/HMI Programmer Lead is responsible for programming automation and controls systems involving DCS, PLC’s, HMI’s and process controllers. The Advanced PLC/HMI Programmer Lead creates and reads logic and flow diagrams for program design; troubleshooting equipment and resolving issues efficiently. The Advanced PLC/HMI Programmer Lead is also responsible for the oversight and training of PLC Automation Technicians.

People are at the heart of everything we do. We believe in working together, speaking honestly, taking ownership, and creating value in everything we deliver. Our culture is built on collaboration, accountability, and a shared commitment to growing stronger together. Joining the team means being part of an environment where people support each other and take pride in making a real impact.

At Agropur, every role exists to deliver concrete results. What matters isrealimpact, not the volume of activity.

An environment that allows you to focus on what truly matters:

• Starting Rate: $46.14/hour

• Two pay increases in the first year up to $1.00

• Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Short and Long-term Disability Insurance

• 401(k) with up to a 7% company match

• 3 Weeks PTO

• Paid holidays and 2 floating holidays

• Advancement Opportunities

• Tuition Reimbursement

• Healthy work/life balance

• Shift time- Monday through Thursday 6am to 4pm and Friday 6am to 11am

Your role in achieving results:

Follow standard programming practices.

• Conduct needs-assessments and create functional specifications.
• Define technical specifications to meet business requirements.
• Make hardware and/or software purchasing recommendations regarding application development.
• Develop new, and maintain existing, internal applications; perform testing and troubleshooting to ensure applications function as required.
• Review, develop, and design data models using standard diagramming techniques; create logical data models and translate into physical database structures.
• Work with the Plant Supervisors and Operators, as well as utilities, corporate and contractor personnel to resolve day-to-day production/project issues as they arise.
• Assist the Engineering Team with various tasks related to in-house projects.
• Work with corporate Engineering Team and plant personnel to ensure drawings and other documentation are kept current.
• Maintain current and accurate documentation of maintenance activities.
• Plan and forecast daily work orders and tasks.
• Provide technical guidance and direction to maintenance and automation personnel concerning plant processes and controls related to PLC, HMI and other programming.
• Assist maintenance and automation personnel with learning production systems, operations and controls.
• Maintain, develop and improve Allen Bradley’s PLC hard and software.
• Create new PLC programs and make Factory Talk SE HMI changes as needed.
• Perform configurations and troubleshoot instrumentation; including flow, pressure, temperature, and level instruments.
• Evaluate piping and instrumentation diagrams (P&ID), control panel and junction box diagrams, process flow diagrams and electrical one-lines.
• Provide guidance to PLC Automation Technicians related to PLC and HMI changes.
• Drive training for the PLC Automation Technicians, ensuring they have the knowledge base to safely and efficiently perform their duties.
• Oversee the work of the PLC Automation Technicians for accuracy and proper implementation.
• Assist PLC Automation Technicians with issues as they arise; ensuring issues are resolved in a timely manner.
• Obtain and maintain knowledge of local and national Electrical Codes.
• Obtain and maintain knowledge of Capital projects, Project Management, and safety.
• Keep work area clean, organized, and ensure housekeeping is being completed in a timely manner.
• Understand and adhere to Good Manufacturing Practices.
• Safety Protocol
  • Stop any observed unsafe acts and obey facility safety rules and procedures.
  • Correct or report any observed safety hazards.
  • Support safety policies and programs.

This list of duties and responsibilities is not all-inclusive and may be expanded to include other duties and responsibilities, as management may deem necessary from time to time.

What we are looking for to deliver these results:

Education Required:

• Associate’s or Technical Degree in Electrical Technology or related field required.
• Equivalent combination of education and/or experience may be considered.

Experience Required:

• Minimum five (5) years of related experience required.
• 4-20mA control Loops.
• Motor Control Centers utilizing voltages from 120vac to 480vac.
• Variable Frequency Drives.
• Rockwell PLC Programming Software Legacy and Logix based.
• Rockwell View Studio (ME) Version 6 and up.
• Intouch (Wonderware) Development utilizing version 2012 P01 and newer.
• Intouch, Intouch Historian and SQL server2008.
• Computer Server file locations and Network configuration.
• AutoCAD or other Electrical Print Viewing Software.
• Understanding P&ID’s.
• Sound wiring principals and techniques.
• Troubleshooting using Electrical prints, PLC logic, and measuring equipment.
• Experience with Columbia Okura Robotic Palletizing preferred.
• Experience with Intouch Information Server Development preferred.
• Working knowledge and experience with industrial machines, motors, gearboxes and related tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance required.
• Experience with plant startups, PID loop controls, tuning, P&ID Development preferred.
• Experience in food manufacturing preferred.
• Experience with AutoCAD, OSI Pi and Maximo preferred.

Skills Required:

• Able to provide current, direct, complete, and “actionable” feedback to others, identifying issues and taking appropriate action.
• Ability to provide leadership and positively influence other team members.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively at all levels in a collaborative team environment.
• Communicate well both verbally and in writing with executives, managers, colleagues and individuals inside and outside the organization.
• Advanced computer skills with Microsoft Excel, Power Point, Word, Outlook and field-specific software.
• Intermediate math skills (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, comparative analysis, measurements, statistical analysis).
• Decisions administered soundly and consistently with policies and in compliance with appropriate laws and regulations.
• Demonstrate excellent organizational skills, establish priorities, ability to multitask, and meet deadlines.
• Demonstrate attention to detail and accuracy in work.
• Demonstrate functional and technical knowledge, ability to learn new skills quickly, and achieve a high level of accomplishment.
• Accurately scopes out length and difficult of tasks and projects, sets objectives and goals, breaks down work into the process steps, develops schedules and assignments, anticipates and adjusts for problems or roadblocks, measures performance against goals, evaluates results.
• Ability to apply logic and methods to solve difficult problems with effective solutions.
• Dedication to meet the expectations and requirements of internal and external customers; acts with customers in mind.
• Ability to extract, analyze and act on information with limited supervisory input; adapt to a changing environment quickly, and think independently.
• Exhibit a professional manner in dealing with others and works to maintain constructive working relationships.

Technical Skills Required:

• Ability to teach others, in department knowledge of PLC programming and troubleshooting, Sql databases and HMI configuration.
• Ability to troubleshoot problems related to control systems rated at 480 VAC and less.
• Ability to correctly and skillfully operate the various standard tools and equipment of the trade, e.g., ammeters, voltmeters, insulation tester, HART field device communicator etc.
• Able to install and troubleshoot basic 3 phase motor control circuits.
• Ability to install and set up both A/C and D/C drives
• Ability to install electrical circuits following all Local and National Electrical Codes.
• Excellent PLC trouble shooting and problem solving ability with practical, mechanical & electrical aptitude
• Strong electrical pneumatic and hydraulic knowledge.
• Ability to read and interpret both electrical and mechanical drawings.
• Extended knowledge of electrical theory and controls for low voltage systems.
• Knowledge of the various types of sensors and limit switches.
• Strong proficiency in ladder logic design using Allen Bradley equipment.
• Strong proficiency with programing/editing Factory talk SE Software.

A role for those who want to contribute to measurable and sustainable results.

AA/EEO – Minority/Female/Disability/Veteran/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity

Agropur welcomes people from all backgrounds and origins. We are proud to be an employer with a diverse community and are committed to providing a respectful and inclusive experience for all employees and applicants. We will work with candidates who request accommodation. Please note that an adequate knowledge of French is required for positions in Quebec. In this text, the use of the masculine gender to designate persons is intended only to lighten the text.