PLC Programmer / Automation Engineer

M Force Recruiting Partners; Virginia (MN); On-site; USD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

M Force Partners seeks an experienced PLC Programmer / Automation Engineer to design, program, integrate, and commission custom automated machinery and control systems. You’ll cover the full project lifecycle from programming and integration to startup, troubleshooting, and customer support.

The role requires 3–5 years in industrial automation, machine builds, and controls, with hands‑on work across Allen‑Bradley, Siemens, or Keyence platforms and some travel to customer sites.

Qualifications

• 3–5 years of experience in PLC programming, industrial automation, or controls engineering.
• Experience programming and troubleshooting Allen-Bradley, Siemens, or Keyence PLCs.
• Experience supporting custom machine builds and automation integration projects.
• Basic understanding of HMI programming and controls interfaces.
• Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics and control system documentation.
• Strong troubleshooting and problem‑solving skills.
• Hands‑on experience with industrial automation equipment and machinery.
• Strong communication and customer service skills.
• Willingness to travel occasionally to customer locations.
• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States and pass background/drug checks.

Responsibilities

• Program, modify, troubleshoot, and commission PLC-based automation systems.
• Develop and support PLC programs on Allen-Bradley, Siemens, or Keyence platforms.
• Support the integration and startup of custom automated machinery and machine builds.
• Assist with integration of industrial and collaborative robotic systems.
• Install, debug, test, and commission automated equipment.
• Troubleshoot electrical, controls, and automation issues independently and with project teams.
• Develop and modify HMI applications and operator interfaces.
• Read and interpret electrical schematics, control panel drawings, and technical documentation.
• Collaborate with engineers throughout the machine build process.
• Provide technical support during customer installations, startups, and commissioning activities.
• Maintain project documentation and support schedules and deliverables.
• Travel occasionally to customer sites for installation and support.

Skills

PLC programming

Industrial automation

Troubleshooting

Customer service

Willingness to travel

Tools

Allen-Bradley PLCs

Siemens PLCs

Keyence PLCs

Job description

Job Description

Position Overview

M Force Partners is seeking an experienced PLC Programmer / Automation Engineer to support the design, programming, integration, and commissioning of custom automated machinery and industrial control systems. This PLC Programmer / Automation Engineer role offers the opportunity to work across the full project lifecycle—from PLC programming and machine integration to equipment startup, troubleshooting, and customer support.

The ideal PLC Programmer / Automation Engineer will have 3–5 years of experience in industrial automation, machine builds, and controls systems and enjoy working hands‑on with advanced automation technologies in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Program, modify, troubleshoot, and commission PLC-based automation systems
• Develop and support PLC programs using Allen-Bradley, Siemens, or Keyence platforms
• Support the integration and startup of custom automated machinery and machine builds
• Assist with the integration of industrial and collaborative robotic systems
• Install, debug, test, and commission automated equipment
• Troubleshoot electrical, controls, and automation issues independently and as part of a project team
• Develop and modify HMI applications and operator interfaces
• Read and interpret electrical schematics, control panel drawings, and technical documentation
• Collaborate with mechanical, electrical, and controls engineers throughout the machine build process
• Provide technical support during customer installations, startups, and commissioning activities
• Maintain project documentation and support project schedules and deliverables
• Travel occasionally to customer sites for installation, troubleshooting, commissioning, and technical support

Required Qualifications

• 3–5 years of experience in PLC programming, industrial automation, or controls engineering
• Experience programming and troubleshooting Allen-Bradley, Siemens, or Keyence PLCs
• Experience supporting custom machine builds and automation integration projects
• Basic understanding of HMI programming and controls interfaces
• Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics and control system documentation
• Strong troubleshooting and problem‑solving skills
• Hands‑on experience with industrial automation equipment and machinery
• Strong communication and customer service skills
• Willingness to travel occasionally to customer locations
• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States
• Ability to successfully complete a background check and pre‑employment drug screen

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with industrial or collaborative robotics, including FANUC, KUKA, ABB, Universal Robots (UR), or similar platforms
• Experience developing and troubleshooting HMI applications
• Experience with industrial networking and communication protocols
• Experience with VFDs, servo systems, motion control, and machine safety systems
• Project management or automation project coordination experience
• Experience working for a machine builder, systems integrator, or manufacturing environment

Company Description

M Force Partners is a specialized recruitment partner connecting top‑tier talent with leading organizations. With a deep understanding of engineering/technical, medical, professional and executive disciplines and industry demands, we deliver tailored recruitment solutions, including direct hire and contract placements, to ensure the right fit for both candidates and clients.

If this role isn’t the right fit for you, we encourage you to explore our other opportunities at mforcepartners.com.

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