Robot Programmer

Job Title: PLC Programmer

Job Description

This hands-on PLC Programmer role focuses on preparing, programming, and refining robotic and automation systems to meet customer-specific requirements. You will develop and debug PLC and robot programs, work closely with controls and application engineers, and spend significant time on the plant floor testing equipment, troubleshooting issues, and improving cycle time and throughput. The position is project-driven and includes occasional travel to support system startups, commissioning, and customer support in the field. You will work on custom-engineered automation, robotic welding, and cutting systems that are designed from the ground up, offering continuous exposure to new concepts, designs, and technical challenges.

Responsibilities

• Develop, write, and debug PLC programs, with a strong focus on Allen-Bradley platforms.
• Prepare, program, and refine robotic and automation systems to meet customer-specific requirements.
• Collaborate closely with controls and application engineers to define, implement, and optimize control strategies.
• Read, interpret, and troubleshoot PLC ladder logic to support equipment commissioning and ongoing operation.
• Read and interpret electrical schematics and wiring diagrams to support installation, debugging, and troubleshooting activities.
• Configure, modify, and maintain HMI screens to ensure effective operator interfaces and system usability.
• Support the integration, start-up, and debugging of plant floor equipment, including robotic and automated systems.
• Adjust robot paths and functions to improve cycle time, throughput, and overall system performance.
• Work with Fanuc robots, including programming, troubleshooting, and optimization activities.
• Assist in field start-ups, including system installation, commissioning, and customer training on equipment operation and basic maintenance.
• Support robotic welding and related automated processes as needed on customer projects.
• Troubleshoot equipment issues on the plant floor and in the field, providing practical solutions to restore and improve performance.
• Contribute to continuous improvement efforts by identifying opportunities to enhance system reliability, efficiency, and safety.
• Collaborate with project teams, engineers, technicians, and customer stakeholders to ensure successful project execution from build through final delivery.
• Provide ongoing support and service for installed systems, including maintenance, adjustments, and performance optimization.
• Document program changes, configuration updates, and technical findings to ensure clear communication and knowledge sharing within the team.

Essential Skills

• Proficiency in PLC programming with a focus on Allen-Bradley platforms.
• Ability to read, write, and troubleshoot PLC ladder logic.
• Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics and wiring diagrams.
• Experience configuring and modifying HMIs for industrial automation systems.
• Basic understanding of robotics interfaces and how robots integrate with PLC-controlled systems.
• Hands-on experience assisting with integration, start-up, and debugging of plant floor equipment.
• Ability to improve cycle time and throughput by adjusting robot paths and functions.
• Experience working with Fanuc robots.
• Experience assisting in field start-up and 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 experience in an industrial setting.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience with robotic welding applications or similar automated welding processes.
• Comfort working in a project-driven environment with frequently changing technical challenges.
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to diagnose and resolve issues in complex automation systems.
• Effective communication skills for collaborating with engineers, technicians, and customer personnel.
• Interest in working on custom-engineered systems that require creativity and innovative thinking.
• Motivation to work on advanced automation, robotic welding, and cutting systems that are engineered from the ground up.
• Appreciation for a role where technical input is valued and where you can see a clear connection between your work and the final systems delivered to customers.

Work Environment

The work environment combines plant-floor, hands-on activities with structured field travel and close collaboration with a multidisciplinary team. Approximately 50% travel is expected, typically less in practice, but planned around a 50% target. Travel supports system installation, commissioning, servicing, and ongoing maintenance for customer projects. Assignments are structured and intentional, generally capped at about two weeks at a time, allowing you to return home on weekends or between project phases. Most projects are based in the Midwest, with occasional international travel to locations such as Mexico and, at times, Europe. Travel is fully supported, with all meals covered and financial incentives tied to time on the road, including travel pay incentives and double time when working seven consecutive days on a project. You will gain exposure to large-scale, complex automation projects, including long-term installations that provide deep, hands-on experience rather than short service calls. Day-to-day work blends field-based problem solving with collaboration alongside engineers, project teams, and customer stakeholders. You will join a controls-focused team of programmers and technicians in a collaborative environment that values technical input, practical solutions, and creative problem-solving. The culture emphasizes innovation and stability, with a strong balance between cutting-edge industrial technology and established processes that support long-term investment and job security. The work is highly varied, with nearly all projects custom-engineered, providing constant exposure to new concepts, designs, and challenges that keep the role engaging and technically rewarding.

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 Jun 21, 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.