PLC Programmer

Gear 5 Automation is an engineering services company based in Brighton, Michigan. We provide engineering support to manufacturers through robotics, controls, vision systems, PLC programming, electrical design, AutoCAD, and E-plan work. Engineers can solve different technical challenges, support a variety of customer environments, and build experience across a broad range of automation applications.

Gear 5 Automation is looking for an experienced PLC Programmer / Controls Engineer to support a manufacturing automation project in Camden, Arkansas.

This is a hands‑on field role focused on PLC programming, controls integration, commissioning, debugging, and troubleshooting as new equipment is installed and brought into production. You’ll work alongside customer and engineering teams to solve real‑time controls issues and help move the project successfully through startup.

The role is home‑based with significant travel to customer sites.

• Design and develop control systems for automated manufacturing equipment, including robotics, PLCs, HMIs, and vision systems.
• Program and troubleshoot Rockwell / Allen-Bradley PLCs
  , including work in Studio 5000 / RSLogix 5000
  .
• Develop, modify, and troubleshoot HMI applications using Factory Talk View
  .
• Support controls integration, startup, validation, and production readiness at the customer site.
• Diagnose electrical, software, networking, I/O, and controls issues as they arise during installation and commissioning.
• Read electrical and mechanical schematics to understand equipment behavior and isolate problems. Electrical design itself is handled by a separate team.
• Work alongside the customer, Gear 5 personnel, other vendors, and engineering teams to resolve problems and keep the project moving.
• Support industrial control networks including Ethernet/IP, Device Net, and Safety I/O.
• Maintain appropriate controls documentation, I/O information, and program backups.
• Work within a field‑service environment where schedules and workload can change depending on the stage and condition of the project.

• At least 3 years of relevant controls engineering or PLC programming experience
  .
• Strong hands‑on experience programming and troubleshooting Rockwell / Allen-Bradley PLCs
  .
• Working experience with Studio 5000 / RSLogix 5000
  .
• Experience developing or troubleshooting Factory Talk View HMIs
  .
• Hands‑on commissioning, integration, or equipment‑startup experience.
• Ability to read and interpret electrical and mechanical schematics.
• Ability to work effectively with customers, vendors, technicians, and other engineers in an active manufacturing environment.
• Willingness and ability to travel approximately 75% and work extended hours during demanding commissioning periods.

These skills are helpful but are not required
:

• FANUC robot programming or integration experience.
• Siemens PLC or HMI experience, including TIA Portal / Step 7.
• Experience with Cognex, Keyence, or other machine vision systems.
• Industrial network design and troubleshooting experience.
• Previous experience with GM controls standards or GCCS / GCCH training or certification.

• $60 per hour
• Overtime
• Health Insurance
• PTO
• 401(k) plan

Gear 5 Automation is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

This job is part of Linked In’s Full‑Service Hiring beta program. Eligibility is limited to candidates located in and performing services in the United States, excluding those based in Alaska, Hawaii, Nevada, South Carolina, or West Virginia.

We’re committed to making our hiring process as smooth and timely as possible, and we understand that waiting to hear back can add to the anticipation. If you’re a potential fit, our team will reach out within two weeks to progress you to the next stage. If you don’t hear from us in that time, we encourage you to explore other opportunities with our team in the future, and we wish you the very best in your job search.