Plc Programmer

PLC Programmer Job Description As a PLC Programmer, you prepare, program, and refine robotic and automation systems to meet customer-specific requirements. You develop and debug PLC and robot programs, collaborate closely with controls and application engineers, and spend significant time on the plant floor testing equipment, troubleshooting issues, and improving cycle time and throughput. This is a hands-on, project-driven role with occasional travel for field startups and customer support, offering exposure to advanced automation, robotic welding, and cutting systems that are engineered from the ground up. Responsibilities Develop, program, and debug PLC and robot programs to meet customer-specific automation and robotic system requirements. Prepare and refine robotic and automation systems, ensuring they operate reliably and efficiently in production environments. Collaborate closely with controls engineers, application engineers, and other team members to design, implement, and optimize control solutions. Spend time on the plant floor testing equipment, verifying system performance, and ensuring proper integration of hardware and software. Troubleshoot PLCs, robots, and related automation equipment to diagnose and resolve control and communication issues. Read, interpret, and apply electrical schematics and wiring diagrams to support system design, installation, and debugging. Configure, modify, and support Human-Machine Interfaces (HMIs) to improve usability and provide effective operator controls and feedback. Assist in the integration, start-up, and debugging of plant floor equipment, including robotic welding and advanced automation systems. Adjust robot paths and functions to improve cycle time, throughput, and overall system efficiency while maintaining quality and safety. Support field start-up activities at customer sites, including commissioning, testing, and fine-tuning automated systems. Provide customer training and technical support on system operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting as needed. Contribute to the design and implementation of custom-engineered automation projects, often involving new concepts and creative problem-solving. Participate in long-term installation and commissioning projects that require in-depth, hands-on involvement with complex automation systems. Collaborate with project teams, engineers, technicians, and customer stakeholders to ensure successful project execution and customer satisfaction. Document programming changes, configuration details, and system updates to support future maintenance and continuous improvement. Leverage tools such as Windchill, Creo, and SolidWorks in support of controls and automation projects, as appropriate. Support ongoing maintenance and servicing of installed systems, both in-house and at customer locations, to maximize uptime and performance. Essential Skills Proficiency in PLC programming, including the ability to read, write, and troubleshoot PLC Ladder Logic. Hands-on experience with Allen-Bradley PLCs and related control hardware. Ability to read, interpret, and troubleshoot using electrical schematics and wiring diagrams. Experience configuring and modifying Human-Machine Interfaces (HMIs). Basic understanding of robotics interfaces and how robots integrate with PLCs and automation equipment. Experience with robotic welding and automation systems in an industrial environment. Ability to improve cycle time and throughput by adjusting robot paths or functions while maintaining process quality. Experience with Fanuc robots and their integration into automated systems. Experience assisting in the integration, start-up, and debugging of plant floor equipment. Experience supporting field start-up and providing customer training on automated systems. Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, Electro-Mechanical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related field, OR an Associate's degree with relevant industrial experience. Ability to work effectively in a hands-on, project-driven environment with frequent interaction on the plant floor. Strong troubleshooting skills for PLCs, robots, and automation systems in a production setting. Additional Skills & Qualifications Exposure to electrical design and the ability to collaborate with electrical engineering and design teams. Experience using engineering and product lifecycle tools such as Windchill. Familiarity with mechanical and design software such as Creo and SolidWorks to support automation and controls projects. Experience working on custom-engineered automation or robotic systems where no two projects are the same. Interest in working on projects that involve new concepts, creative problem-solving, and advanced automation technologies. Ability to communicate clearly with engineers, technicians, and customer stakeholders during installation, commissioning, and training. Comfort working on long-term, complex automation projects that require deep, hands-on involvement rather than brief service visits. Motivation to work in an environment that values technical input, practical solutions, and continuous improvement. Work Environment The work environment blends hands-on plant floor activity with collaboration in an engineering and project team setting. You will work on advanced automation, robotic welding, and cutting systems that are custom-engineered, ensuring constant exposure to new concepts and technical challenges. The role involves roughly 50% travel, typically less in practice but planned around that level, to support system installation, commissioning, servicing, and ongoing maintenance for customer projects. Travel is structured and intentional, generally capped at about two weeks at a time, allowing you to return home on weekends or between project phases. Assignments range from primarily Midwest-based projects to occasional international work, including locations such as Mexico and, at times, Europe. Travel is fully supported, with meals covered and financial incentives tied to time on the road, including enhanced pay when working seven consecutive days on a project. You will gain exposure to large-scale, complex automation projects and long-term installations that provide deep, hands-on experience. The culture emphasizes innovation and stability, with a strong balance between cutting-edge industrial technology and established processes that support long-term growth and job security. Controls professionals play a key role in building, troubleshooting, and improving complex equipment, and you will work alongside a team of approximately 13 other programmers and technicians in a collaborative environment that values your technical contributions and practical problem-solving. Job Type & Location This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Bettendorf, IA. Pay and Benefits The pay range for this position is $22.00 - $33.00/hr. 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) Workplace Type This is a fully onsite position in Bettendorf,IA.

Application Deadline This position is anticipated to close on May 25, 2026. 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 30,000 consultants and more than 4,500 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. 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 actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com 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.