PLC Programming Engineer

Buhler Prince is seeking a highly motivated Project Engineer - PLC Programming to join our Fulfillment Engineering team. In this role, you will design, program, test, and commission industrial automation and control systems for die casting machines and related manufacturing equipment. Working directly with customers, suppliers, project managers, and international engineering teams, you will play a critical role in delivering reliable automation solutions from concept through installation, commissioning, system handover, and operator training.

This position is ideal for an engineer who enjoys solving complex technical challenges, working independently, and traveling to customer sites to support cutting-edge automation projects. The role offers significant responsibility, customer interaction, and opportunities to contribute throughout the entire project lifecycle.

This is where you'll excel

• Design, develop, program, and test PLC and HMI software based on project specifications and standard requirements.
• Commission industrial machinery, die casting equipment, and plant control systems at customer facilities.
• Troubleshoot PLC software, electrical systems, industrial networks, and automation equipment to identify and resolve technical issues.
• Perform root-cause analysis and prepare detailed technical reports documenting findings and corrective actions.
• Configure, test, and support industrial Ethernet and PROFINET communication networks.
• Read and interpret electrical schematics to support installation, startup, troubleshooting, and maintenance activities.
• Develop software concepts, technical documentation, installation instructions, and work packages for engineering and field teams.
• Collaborate with engineering, manufacturing, customer service, sales, and quotation teams on automation-related projects and initiatives.
• Manage assigned project activities, monitor milestones, prioritize tasks, and resolve technical challenges to maintain project schedules.
• Conduct system testing, validation, and customer acceptance activities.
  
  Lead control system handover activities and provide training to customer operators, technicians, and maintenance personnel.
• Participate in customer meetings, project reviews, and post-project evaluations.
• Support claims, deviations, engineering changes, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Travel domestically and internationally to customer sites for installation, commissioning, troubleshooting, and training activities (up to 50% travel).

These are the skills you'll need

Required Qualifications

• Technical or vocational diploma, associate degree, or bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Automation Engineering, Controls Engineering, or a related technical discipline; or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
• Minimum of two (2) years of experience programming, commissioning, or supporting industrial machinery, automated production equipment, or plant control systems.
• Strong experience with Siemens SIMATIC S7 PLCs and Siemens TIA Portal
• Experience with Rockwell Automation Studio 5000 and Allen-Bradley PLC platforms
• Ability to develop, troubleshoot, and modify PLC programs using:
• Structured Control Language (SCL)
• Function Block Diagrams (FBD)
• Ladder Logic
• Experience with PLC and HMI software testing, validation, troubleshooting, and technical documentation.
• Knowledge of industrial Ethernet networking and PROFINET configuration and troubleshooting.
• Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics and wiring diagrams.
• Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and problem-solving abilities.
• Proven organizational, planning, and prioritization skills.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work directly with customers and collaborate across cross-functional teams.
• Ability to work independently while also contributing to international project teams.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications.
• Ability and willingness to travel domestically and internationally up to 50% of the time.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with die casting machinery, automation systems, and die casting manufacturing processes.
• Experience integrating industrial robots from FANUC,KUKA, or ABB.
• Knowledge of VLAN design, advanced subnetting, and industrial network optimization.
• Experience with Git repositories and version-control practices.
• Familiarity with VMware and/or Microsoft Hyper-V virtual environments.
• Basic programming experience with Microsoft Visual Studio, .NET/C#, or Microsoft SQL Server.
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