PLC Programmer

South Sioux City Area Chamber of Commerce & CVB; South Dakota; On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health/Dental/Vision

Disability

Life insurance

Matching 401(k)

Profit Sharing

Paid Vacation and Holidays

Job summary

The South Sioux City Area Chamber of Commerce & CVB is seeking a PLC Programmer to handle programming, troubleshooting, and maintenance of PLCs and automation systems. The ideal candidate will work closely with engineering and operations teams to ensure effective control systems.

This position requires 2+ years of experience in PLC programming, proficiency in major PLC platforms, and the ability to communicate effectively with both technical and non-technical stakeholders.

Benefits include health insurance and a 401(k) matching program.

Qualifications

• 2+ years of PLC programming experience in a manufacturing or industrial automation environment.
• Hands-on experience with at least one major PLC platform.

Responsibilities

• Program, troubleshoot, and maintain PLCs and automation systems in an industrial environment.
• Support capital and process improvement projects from design through commissioning.

Skills

Proficient in major PLC platforms

Experience with HMI development tools

Proficient in IEC programming languages

Ability to read electrical schematics

Familiarity with VFDs and motion control

Basic understanding of electrical systems

Proficient with PC-based tools

Education

Associate's or technical degree in Automation

Job description

The PLC Programmer is responsible for programming, troubleshooting, and maintaining programmable logic controllers and associated automation systems in an industrial environment. This role works closely with engineering, technical, and operations teams to ensure control systems perform reliably, safely, and efficiently.

Responsibilities

Programming & Technical Development

• Develop, modify, and maintain PLC programs using industry-standard platforms such as Modicon, Rockwell Studio 5000 / RSLogix, or Schneider Electric Ecostruxure.
• Familiar with industrial communication protocols such as EtherNet/IP, Modbus TCP, HART.
• Program and tune closed-loop PID control loops, servo drives, and variable frequency drives (VFDs).

Troubleshooting & Maintenance

• Diagnose and resolve PLC hardware and software to minimize equipment downtime.
• Perform routine preventive maintenance on control systems, including backup and version control of all PLC programs.
• Provide on-call and after-hours support.
• Work alongside maintenance and technicians to maintain, repair, and implement corrective actions.

Project Support & Implementation

• Support capital and process improvement projects from design through commissioning and startup.
• Review project specifications and contribute to control system design, panel layouts, and I/O configurations.
• Test and validate new or modified control systems prior to production deployment.
• Assist with installation, wiring, and startup of new automation equipment.
• Identify opportunities to improve system reliability, efficiency, and safety through control system enhancements.
• Recommend and implement upgrades to aging or obsolete control hardware and software.
• Stay current with advancements in automation technology, PLC platforms, and industry best practices.
• Collaborate with engineering, operations, and technical teams to define control requirements and resolve system issues.
• Communicate project status, technical findings, and recommendations clearly to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Train operators and technical personnel on new or modified control systems as needed.

Documentation & Administrative

• Create and maintain accurate documentation including PLC program backups, revision logs, wiring diagrams, and standard operating procedures.
• Ensure all control system changes are documented and comply with applicable safety and regulatory standards.

Additional

• Ability to perform all essential job functions with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Dependable with regular and punctual attendance.
• Perform all other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Skills and Abilities

• Proficient in one or more major PLC platforms: Modicon, Rockwell/Allen-Bradley (Studio 5000, RSLogix 500), or Schneider Electric (EcoStruxure Control Expert).
• Experience with HMI development tools such as GE IFix, FactoryTalk View, or Inductive Automation Ignition.
• Proficient in IEC programming languages: ladder logic, function block diagram preferred, structured text, and sequential function chart.
• Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics, P&IDs, and mechanical drawings.
• Familiarity with variable frequency drives (VFDs), servo systems, and motion control.
• Basic understanding of electrical systems including panel wiring, I/O modules, and field instrumentation.
• Proficient with PC-based tools and Microsoft Office applications.

Demonstrated Competencies

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to troubleshoot complex automation issues under pressure.
• Attention to detail with a commitment to accuracy in both programming and documentation.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills across all organizational levels.
• Team-oriented with the ability to work independently when required.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to work in an industrial or manufacturing environment, including exposure to noise, heat, and equipment.
• Occasional lifting, bending, and standing for extended periods may be required.
• Available for after-hours and on-call support as operational needs dictate.
• Occasional travel to other facilities or vendor sites may be required.

Experience 2 plus years of PLC programming experience in a manufacturing or industrial automation environment is preferred. Hands‑on experience with at least one major PLC platform.

Education Associate's or technical degree, Automation, Industrial Technology, or a related field is preferred. A combination of equivalent technical training and relevant hands‑on experience will be considered.

Department Systems Engineering.

Benefits may include: Health/Dental/Vision, Disability, Life, Flex Medical and Dependent Care, Matching 401(k), Profit Sharing, Paid Vacation and Holidays.

Our company is an equal opportunity employer and will not discriminate against any person on the basis of race, religion, national origin or sex in violation of Title VII. The company prohibits discrimination against employees, applicants for employment and students on the basis of age, color, disability, marital status, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or veteran’s status.

Post offer physical and substance testing required.