Controls & Automation Technician

Norsk Hydro; North Liberty (IA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, RX, Dental

Disability Insurance

Life Insurance

Flexible Spending Accounts

Retirement Savings Plans

Education Assistance

Bonus Plan Eligibility

Parental Leave

Job summary

Hydro Extrusions in North America is seeking a skilled PLC Programmer to join our maintenance and automation team in North Liberty, IA. You will program, troubleshoot, and support PLC-controlled equipment, integrating PLCs with HMIs, sensors, and actuators across our industrial systems.

The role collaborates with engineering on upgrades and improvements, trains junior techs, and participates in Reliability initiatives to improve equipment performance.

Qualifications

• 3–5 years of hands-on PLC programming, troubleshooting and support.
• Ability to modify, troubleshoot, and validate PLC ladder logic for equipment reliability.
• Experience with Allen Bradley Logix/Studio 5000 is preferred.
• Experience editing HMI applications in FactoryTalk View Studio preferred.

Responsibilities

• Perform intermediate programming and safety configuration of PLC-controlled systems.
• Develop, modify, and troubleshoot PLC logic using ladder logic and function block.
• Install, program, and troubleshoot PLC systems in industrial environments with minimal supervision.
• Troubleshoot and repair PLC-controlled systems and related components.
• Integrate PLCs with HMIs, sensors, and actuators.
• Collaborate with engineering teams on system upgrades and improvements.
• Train junior technicians and provide technical support.
• Support continuous reliability improvement initiatives (CRI).
• Share responsibility to support mechanical technicians ~30% of the time.
• Respond to equipment breakdowns to restore operations.

Skills

PLC programming

Ladder logic

Structured text

Add-on instructions

User defined tags

Industrial networks (Ethernet/IP)

Tools

Studio 5000

FactoryTalk View Studio

Job description

Hydro Extrusions is a world-leading aluminium extrusion business counting around 100 production sites in 40 countries and employing 20,000 people. Through our unique combination of local expertise, global network, and unmatched R&D capabilities, we can offer everything from standards profiles to advanced development and manufacturing for most industries. Since 1905, Hydro has turned natural resources into valuable products for people and businesses with focus on a safe and good workplace for our 30,000 employees in more than 140 locations.

What we offer you

• Medical, RX, Dental, Disability, Life Insurance, Flexible Spending Accounts
• Retirement Savings Plans with Company Match/Contributions
• Education Assistance
• Bonus Plan Eligibility
• Parental Leave

Shifts Available and Hours: 3pm-11pm

What you will be doing

Essential Job Responsibilities:

• Perform intermediate programming and safety configuration of PLC-controlled systems.
• Independently develop, modify, and troubleshoot PLC logic using standard programming languages (e.g., ladder logic and function block).
• Independently perform installation, programming, and troubleshooting of PLC systems in industrial environments with minimal supervision.
• Troubleshoot and repair PLC-controlled systems and related components.
• Integrate PLCs with HMIs, sensors, and actuators.
• Collaborate with engineering teams on system upgrades and improvements.
• Train junior technicians and provide technical support.
• Utilize predictive measures to enhance equipment reliability through Continuous Reliability Improvement (CRI) initiatives.
• Implement and support continuous reliability improvement standards and practices.
• This position is a multi-craft role and will be required to support mechanical technicians as needed, approximately 30% of the time in role.
• Respond to equipment breakdowns and other suddenly developed conditions requiring immediate action to restore operations.

What will make you successful?

Required Education/Experience:

• 3-5 years of hands-on professional experience independently programming, troubleshooting and supporting PLC-controlled equipment.
• Demonstrated ability to independently modify, troubleshoot, and validate PLC ladder logic to support equipment enhancements, process improvements, and operational reliability.

Preferred Skills/Qualifications:

• Experience in Ladder logic programming in Allen Bradley Logix/Studio 5000 Software.
• Proficient in programming User defined Tags, Add-on instructions, and Structured text programming.
• Experience with industrial communication protocols (e.g. Ethernet/IP).
• Experience in editing HMI applications in Factory talk view studio.

Equal opportunities

Hydro in North America is an Equal Opportunity Employer where all phases of employment are based strictly upon the qualifications of the individual as related to the work requirements of the position. This policy is applied without regard to race, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, veteran status, marital status or any other category protected by law. We strive to provide equal opportunities for all to contribute and succeed with us.

As part of our recruitment process, we may use job‑related assessments in selected roles. These tools help us better understand work‑related strengths and support a fair and consistent hiring process. Any assessment results are reviewed together with your experience, qualifications, and interviews, and are never used as the sole basis for hiring decisions.

If you need an accommodation in order to complete the application, please contact Hydro Recruiting via email at [e-mail]