Industrial Automation & PLC Instructor (Part-Time)

Tri-Rivers Career Center; Marion (OH); On-site; USD 34,000 - 55,000; Part time

Job summary

Tri-Rivers Career Center is seeking an experienced Industrial Automation & PLC Instructor for hands-on training in PLCs, industrial controls, troubleshooting, and automation systems. This part-time role welcomes automation professionals seeking to share expertise with adult learners, without requiring prior teaching experience.

You will teach PLC programming, industrial automation, HMI development, and related topics, translating real-world experience into practical instruction.

Qualifications

• Three or more years of industry experience involving PLC programming, industrial automation, controls, or a related field.
• Working knowledge of PLC programming, troubleshooting, industrial controls, HMI development, and automation systems.
• Experience with one or more common PLC platforms.
• Ability to explain technical concepts clearly to learners with varying levels of experience.
• Strong communication, organization, and professionalism.
• Commitment to safe work practices and hands-on learning.

Responsibilities

• Deliver engaging classroom and hands-on industrial automation training.
• Demonstrate PLC programming, troubleshooting, and industrial control concepts.
• Help learners build practical skills and confidence through hands-on activities.
• Evaluate student progress through assessments and skill demonstrations.
• Maintain accurate attendance and training records.
• Maintain a professional, organized, and safety-focused lab environment.
• Connect classroom instruction to current industry practices and workforce needs.
• Collaborate with Tri-Rivers staff to support customized employer training and Adult Education programming.

Skills

PLC programming

Industrial automation

HMI development

Automation controls

Technical communication

Tools

Allen-Bradley/Rockwell Automation

Siemens

Mitsubishi

Keyence

Job description

Bring your industry experience into the classroom and help develop the next generation of skilled technicians.

Tri-Rivers Career Center Adult Education is seeking an experienced Industrial Automation & PLC Instructor to provide hands‑on training in programmable logic controllers (PLCs), industrial controls, troubleshooting, and automation systems.

This part‑time position is a great opportunity for an experienced automation professional, controls technician, engineer, or skilled trades professional who wants to share their expertise while continuing to work in industry. Prior teaching experience is not required. We are looking for someone with strong technical knowledge who can translate real‑world experience into practical, engaging instruction for adult learners.

What You'll Teach

Depending on the training assignment, instruction may include:

PLC programming, setup, navigation, and troubleshooting

Industrial automation and control systems

HMI development and operation

Inputs, outputs, sensors, and control devices

Reading and interpreting PLC logic

Diagnosing automation and control system issues

Hands‑on programming and troubleshooting activities

Safe work practices and real‑world industrial applications

Experience with one or more major PLC platforms is preferred, including Allen-Bradley/Rockwell Automation, Siemens, Mitsubishi, or Keyence.

What You'll Do

As a part‑time instructor, you will:

Deliver engaging classroom and hands‑on industrial automation training

Demonstrate PLC programming, troubleshooting, and industrial control concepts

Help learners build practical skills and confidence through hands‑on activities

Evaluate student progress through assessments and skill demonstrations

Maintain accurate attendance and training records

Maintain a professional, organized, and safety-focused lab environment

Connect classroom instruction to current industry practices and workforce needs

Collaborate with Tri‑Rivers staff to support customized employer training and Adult Education programming

The existing position also includes participation in applicable staff training and collaboration with program and administrative staff.

Job Requirements

Three or more years of industry experience involving PLC programming, industrial automation, controls, or a related field

Working knowledge of PLC programming, troubleshooting, industrial controls, HMI development, and automation systems

Experience with one or more common PLC platforms

Ability to explain technical concepts clearly to learners with varying levels of experience

Strong communication, organization, and professionalism

Commitment to safe work practices and hands‑on learning

Schedule

This is a part‑time instructional position with assignments based on program and employer training needs. Training opportunities may occur during weekdays, evenings, or weekends, providing flexibility for professionals currently working in industry.