Automation Specialist I: PLC & HMI Systems Engineer

Prime Controls; Cedar Rapids (IA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, Dental, Vision coverage

Flexible Spending Account(s)

Generous PTO

ESOP

401k matching and more!

Job summary

Prime Controls, L.P. is seeking an Automation Specialist I to support system integration projects across the United States. The role involves identifying parts, programming PLCs and HMIs, testing logic, and assisting with documentation and user manuals.

You will read electrical drawings, develop BOMs, configure networks, and collaborate with engineers, vendors, and customers to ensure successful startup, commissioning, and training on automation systems.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering or related technical field; OR an associate degree or technical certification in automation, controls, instrumentation, or related field; OR equivalent industrial controls experience.
• Ability to read and interpret technical drawings, schematics, and documentation.
• Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to communicate effectively and work collaboratively with technical teams and customers.
• Willingness to travel to customer and project sites as required.

Responsibilities

• Read and interpret electrical drawings, control diagrams, specifications, and other technical documentation.
• Assist with developing bills of materials (BOMs), I/O lists, control panel requirements, and system documentation.
• Develop and modify PLC programs using ladder logic, function block, and other related programming languages.
• Develop and configure human machine interface (HMI) applications.
• Assist with configuring industrial networks, computers, controllers, instrumentation, and other automation components.
• Develop and execute hardware and software test plans, including simulation logic used to validate PLC and HMI functionality.
• Support system startup, commissioning, and field testing at customer and project sites.
• Troubleshoot PLC, HMI, network, instrumentation, hardware, and software issues.
• Identify and resolve issues resulting from design changes, drawing discrepancies, instrumentation specifications, or field conditions.
• Work with engineers, project teams, customers, manufacturers, and vendors to resolve technical issues.
• Develop and maintain project documentation, operating procedures, and user manuals.
• Provide customers with training on the operation and use of completed automation systems.
• Respond to service requests and assist with diagnosing and resolving control system failures as needed.

Skills

Read electrical drawings

PLC programming

HMI development

Troubleshooting

Team communication

Willingness to travel

Education

Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering

Associate degree or technical certification in automation

Equivalent industrial controls experience

Tools

Ladder logic

Function block programming

HMI software

Industrial networks

Job description

Prime Controls, L.P. is seeking an Automation Specialist I to support system integration projects across the United States. The role involves identifying parts, programming PLCs and HMIs, testing logic, and assisting with documentation and user manuals.

You will read electrical drawings, develop BOMs, configure networks, and collaborate with engineers, vendors, and customers to ensure successful startup, commissioning, and training on automation systems.