Day-to-Day Responsibilities
A typical day could include:
- Troubleshooting electrical and PLC-related machine issues
- Programming and modifying Allen-Bradley PLCs
- Diagnosing electrical failures on production equipment
- Supporting HMI and control system troubleshooting
- Installing new electrical controls and automation equipment
- Designing and implementing control system improvements
- Performing preventative maintenance on electrical equipment
- Supporting equipment startups and commissioning
- Coordinating with maintenance and production during equipment failures
- Maintaining electrical drawings and documentation
- Managing electrical spare parts inventory
- Working with outside contractors on equipment installations
- Supporting capital improvement and automation projects
Must-Have Qualifications
PLC Experience
- Allen-Bradley PLC Programming
- PLC Troubleshooting
- PLC Modifications
- Ladder Logic
This is probably the biggest requirement.
Industrial Electrical Experience
Must have experience with:
- Motor controls
- Relays
- Contactors
- Overloads
- Fuses
- Sensors
- Photoeyes
- Encoders
- Proximity switches
- VFDs
- Industrial electrical troubleshooting
Automation
Experience with:
- Automated production equipment
- Industrial control systems
- Machine controls
- HMI troubleshooting
- Electrical panel troubleshooting
Engineering / Controls
Should understand:
- Electrical schematics
- Control drawings
- Basic electrical calculations
- Equipment startup
- Controls design
- Equipment modifications
Machines & technologies you'll use:
- Variable Frequency Drives (VFD)
- Programmable Logic Controller (PLC)
- Conveyor Systems
- Servo Motors