Company Summary
Our client is a growing industrial automation and systems integration company that designs, builds, and commissions automation solutions for manufacturers across a variety of industries. The organization works with PLCs, robotics, collaborative robots, conveyors, machine interfaces, sensors, controls, and other industrial automation technologies. The company is expanding its automation capabilities and is looking to add an experienced controls professional who can contribute to projects from programming and integration through installation and commissioning. This is an opportunity to join a growing team where the individual will have meaningful technical responsibility and the potential to grow into a broader leadership role as the business expands.
Job Summary
The PLC Programmer / Automation Integration Engineer will be responsible for programming, integrating, troubleshooting, and commissioning industrial automation systems. This position will have a strong emphasis on PLC programming and controls while also involving robot and collaborative robot integration, machine communication, HMI development, networking, sensors, motion control, and system troubleshooting. The ideal candidate is a hands-on automation professional who enjoys solving complex technical problems and working directly with equipment and customers. The ability to work across multiple automation platforms is more important than having deep expertise in one specific manufacturer or technology. The position is based in Syracuse, New York, with some flexibility for remote work when project requirements allow. The individual will spend time at the company's facility as well as customer sites during installations, commissioning, troubleshooting, and project implementation.
Responsibilities
- Program and modify PLC control systems using Ladder Logic, Structured Text, SFC, and other IEC 61131-3 programming environments.
- Develop and modify HMI/SCADA applications for machine operation, diagnostics, alarms, recipes, and system monitoring.
- Integrate industrial robots and collaborative robots into automated production systems.
- Configure and troubleshoot communication between PLCs, robots, cobots, CNC machines, conveyors, HMIs, sensors, drives, and other equipment.
- Integrate industrial networks and communication protocols including EtherNet/IP, EtherCAT, Modbus TCP, and similar technologies.
- Configure and troubleshoot servo drives, VFDs, motion systems, and high-speed I/O.
- Configure robot signals, sensors, pneumatic systems, safety devices, machine interfaces, fixtures, and other field I/O.
- Assist with control system design, I/O development, electrical schematic review, device selection, and panel checkout.
- Commission automation systems both internally and at customer facilities.
- Troubleshoot mechanical, electrical, controls, networking, and software issues and determine root causes.
- Perform PLC upgrades, machine communication improvements, controls modifications, and automation retrofits.
- Provide technical support during customer installations and production startups.
- Configure remote-access systems and provide remote troubleshooting support when appropriate.
- Document PLC programs, network configurations, startup procedures, and system modifications.
- Train customer maintenance and technical personnel on equipment operation and troubleshooting.
- Work directly with customers to understand technical requirements and develop practical automation solutions.
- Support technical sales activities, project planning, site assessments, and customer meetings when needed.
- Develop reusable programming standards, function blocks, templates, and other tools to improve future projects.
- Travel to customer locations for project assessments, installations, commissioning, and troubleshooting.
Requirements
- 3+ years of hands-on PLC programming experience in an industrial automation, controls, manufacturing, or systems integration environment.
- Strong practical understanding of industrial automation and controls.
- Experience programming PLCs and troubleshooting control systems in a production environment.
- Working knowledge of IEC 61131-3 programming environments, including Ladder Logic and/or Structured Text.
- Experience integrating PLCs with robots, machines, conveyors, HMIs, sensors, drives, and other industrial equipment.
- Working knowledge of industrial communication and networking, particularly EtherNet/IP and/or EtherCAT.
- Ability to read electrical schematics and troubleshoot control panels using appropriate diagnostic equipment.
- Experience with servo drives, VFDs, motion control, or related automation technologies.
- Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills with the ability to independently research issues and identify root causes.
- Ability to work comfortably on the plant floor and directly with machinery and automation equipment.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to interact professionally with customers, operators, maintenance personnel, and engineering teams.
- Ability to manage projects and technical assignments with a high degree of independence.
- Willingness and ability to travel approximately 25–40% for customer projects.
- Valid driver's license and ability to travel throughout the United States.
- Ability to work in a hands-on environment involving equipment installation, startup, testing, and commissioning.
Preferred Requirements
- Experience programming or integrating collaborative robots or industrial robots.
- Experience with FANUC, Universal Robots, Doosan, or similar robotic platforms.
- Experience with palletizing, packaging, material handling, machine tending, or conveyor automation.
- Experience with CODESYS-based platforms, Rockwell Studio 5000, Siemens TIA Portal, Beckhoff TwinCAT, Panasonic, or similar PLC platforms.
- Experience with vision systems such as Cognex, Keyence, or robot-integrated vision.
- Experience with end-of-arm tooling, pneumatic systems, vacuum systems, and robotic grippers.
- Experience with safety PLCs, safety-rated devices, machine guarding, and industrial robot safety standards.
- Experience with remote-access systems, VPNs, industrial networking, or OT network architecture.
- Experience with edge devices, industrial PCs, or gateway technologies.
- Robot manufacturer certifications or formal robotics training.
- Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Electrical Technology, Mechatronics, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or a related technical discipline.
- Experience developing reusable PLC code, function blocks, programming standards, or automation libraries.
- FANUC training or certification is a plus; additional training may be provided.
Compensation & Benefits
- Salary: $90,000–$110,000, depending on experience and capabilities.
- Performance or project-based bonus opportunity.
- Possible monthly vehicle/car allowance.
- Company-paid business travel and travel-related expenses.
- Health, dental, and vision insurance.
- 401(k) with company match.
- Paid time off and company holidays.
- Company laptop, tools, and equipment necessary to perform the role.
- Training and certification opportunities on new automation, robotics, and controls platforms.
- Opportunity for increased responsibility and advancement as the automation business continues to grow.
Location
Syracuse, New York
This is a primarily on-site position. The successful candidate will need to be available to work with automation equipment at the company's Syracuse-area facility and travel to customer locations for project implementation, installation, commissioning, and troubleshooting.
Travel is expected throughout New York and the Northeast, with additional projects potentially requiring travel to the Southeast and other locations within the continental United States. Some remote work may be possible when project requirements permit.
Typical customer assignments may include an initial site visit to assess the application and develop an implementation plan, followed by an installation and commissioning period. Travel frequency will vary based on the project schedule, with some assignments requiring overnight stays.