PLC Programmer

Halian | Managed Services, Recruitment Agency & Contract Staffing; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Halian is seeking an experienced Automation & Controls Engineer to support high-volume manufacturing operations. The role focuses on developing, commissioning, and optimizing Siemens-based automation systems that control assembly lines and material handling equipment.

The candidate will bring hands-on PLC and motion-control expertise, drive efficiency improvements, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to implement safety architectures and MES integrations.

Qualifications

• Strong experience programming and troubleshooting Siemens PLC platforms, particularly within the TIA Portal environment.
• Hands-on expertise with modern Siemens control systems, including safety-integrated solutions.
• Experience with automated manufacturing equipment in battery/EV/electronics/automotive sectors.
• Experience with conveyors, lifts, shuttles, and material handling equipment.
• Knowledge of motion control, servo drives, axis synchronization, and tuning.
• Familiarity with Siemens drive technologies and commissioning tools.
• Experience implementing machine safety functions and safety architectures.
• Understanding of industrial communication protocols and safe motion technologies.
• Ability to develop, modify, and troubleshoot HMI applications.
• Proven track record in commissioning equipment and driving efficiency improvements.

Responsibilities

• Develop, commission, and optimize automation systems for high-volume production.
• Support operations by troubleshooting issues and driving continuous improvement.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams on project delivery and milestones.
• Validate machine safety and ensure compliance with standards.
• Integrate automation with MES, traceability platforms, or production databases.

Skills

Siemens PLC programming

TIA Portal

Motion control

Servo drives

HMI development

Machine safety

Industrial networks

Commissioning

Continuous improvement

Tools

Siemens TIA Portal

Siemens drive technologies

MES integration

Factory automation software

Job description

We are seeking an experienced Automation & Controls Engineer to support advanced manufacturing operations within a high-volume production environment. The successful candidate will be responsible for developing, commissioning, and optimizing industrial automation systems that support complex assembly and material movement processes.

Key Requirements

• Strong experience programming and troubleshooting Siemens PLC platforms, particularly within the TIA Portal environment.
• Hands-on expertise with modern Siemens control systems, including safety-integrated solutions.
• Background working on automated manufacturing equipment within industries such as battery technology, electric vehicles, electronics, automotive, or other advanced production sectors.
• Experience with conveyor systems, automated transfer mechanisms, lifts, shuttles, and related material handling equipment.
• Knowledge of motion control systems, including servo drives, positioning applications, axis synchronization, and performance tuning.
• Familiarity with Siemens drive technologies and associated commissioning tools.
• Experience implementing and validating machine safety functions and safety-related control architectures.
• Understanding of industrial communication protocols and safe motion technologies.
• Ability to develop, modify, and troubleshoot HMI applications.
• Proven track record in commissioning equipment, resolving production issues, supporting operational teams, and driving efficiency improvements.

Preferred Experience

• Previous involvement in large-scale manufacturing or Gigafactory-style production environments.
• Exposure to battery cell, module, or pack assembly operations and associated testing processes.
• Experience integrating automation systems with manufacturing execution systems (MES), traceability platforms, or production databases.
• Knowledge of automated quality inspection, joining, fastening, laser, welding, or testing equipment.
• Participation in machine acceptance testing, commissioning validation, or production ramp-up activities.
• Familiarity with manufacturing data collection, reporting, and operational analytics.

What We're Looking For

The ideal candidate will combine strong PLC and motion-control expertise with a practical, hands-on approach to commissioning and production support. You should be comfortable working in fast-paced manufacturing environments, collaborating with multidisciplinary teams, and driving continuous improvement initiatives across automated production systems.