Plc Programmer

Actalent; Town of Wausau (WI); On-site; USD 28,000 - 34,000; Full time

Job summary

Actalent in Wausau, WI seeks an Engineering Technician to support design, implementation, and startup of industrial equipment and control systems. You will develop and troubleshoot PLC programs and work with HMIs.

The role is hands-on within a small three-programmer team, with travel about 45% to customer sites for multi-day installations. A strong background in Rockwell PLCs, panel building, and electrical troubleshooting is essential.

Qualifications

• 5+ years in industrial controls programming.

Responsibilities

• Provide programming support for the design, implementation, and startup of industrial equipment and control systems.

Skills

PLC programming

Rockwell PLCs

HMI configuration

Electrical schematics

Panel building

Troubleshooting

Vendor collaboration

Travel readiness

Small-team collaboration

Tools

RSLogix 5000

FactoryTalk

Wonderware

Job description

Job Title: Engineering TechnicianJob Description

Responsibilities

• Provide programming support for the design, implementation, and startup of industrial equipment and control systems.
• Develop, modify, and troubleshoot PLC programs to ensure reliable operation of control systems.
• Collaborate with vendors, customers, and internal personnel to define project requirements and deliver effective solutions.
• Support fluid process and controls applications, ensuring systems operate safely and efficiently.
• Participate in panel building activities, including interpreting and working from electrical schematics.
• Diagnose and resolve electrical and controls-related issues in equipment and systems.
• Contribute to HMI configuration and integration, particularly with platforms such as FactoryTalk and Wonderware, where applicable.
• Work as part of a small team of programmers to plan, execute, and complete projects on time.
• Travel to customer sites approximately 45% of the time for trips that typically last five days, to support installation, commissioning, and startup.
• Take ownership of assigned projects, working independently when needed, especially in a smaller company setting where initiative is valued.

Essential Skills

• At least 5 years of experience in a programming role focused on industrial controls or related systems.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience working with PLCs, including programming, troubleshooting, and maintenance.
• Hands-on experience with Rockwell / Allen-Bradley PLCs and control platforms.
• Demonstrated experience in fluid process and controls applications.
• Ability to read, interpret, and work from electrical schematics.
• Experience with panel building and electrical troubleshooting.
• Background as an engineer or technician in controls or automation environments.
• Strong problem-solving skills and ability to troubleshoot electrical and control system issues.
• Effective communication skills for working with vendors, customers, and internal teams.
• Willingness and ability to travel approximately 45% of the time for multi-day trips.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience with Wonderware HMI software.
• Experience with FactoryTalk HMI platforms.
• Familiarity with RSLogix 5000 or similar Rockwell programming environments.
• Comfort working in small, growing organizations where individuals take ownership of projects.
• Ability to work independently while also contributing effectively to a small programming team.
• Interest in long-term growth within a flexible, family-oriented company setting.

Work Environment

The role is part of a small team of three programmers working under the direction of an engineering leader. Work is split between in-house activities and travel to customer sites, with travel averaging about 45% in the form of five-day trips that rarely extend into weekends. The company operates as a small, family-owned business with significant room for growth and offers a flexible environment when not on the road. The position involves hands-on work with control panels, PLCs, HMIs, and electrical systems in industrial settings, and is well suited to individuals who enjoy taking ownership of projects in a close-knit, collaborative environment.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Wausau, WI.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $20.00 - $25.00/hr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: Medical, dental & vision Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital 401(k) Retirement Plan Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) Short and long-term disability Health Spending Account (HSA) Transportation benefits Employee Assistance Program Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Oct 26, 2026.

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Wausau,WI.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email [e-mail] for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.