Job Description & Details
The demand for skilled PLC programmers is soaring as manufacturers modernize their control systems. This contract role offers hands‑on experience with Allen‑Bradley platforms across two major industrial hubs. It’s a great chance to sharpen your automation expertise while enjoying relocation flexibility.
Job Summary
We are seeking a contract PLC Programmer to develop, test, and troubleshoot Allen‑Bradley PLC programs for industrial automation projects. The role starts in Detroit, MI and transitions to Louisville, KY, supporting long‑term client initiatives.
Top 3 Critical Skills Table
| Skill | Why it's critical | Mastery Level |
|---|---|---|
| Allen‑Bradley PLC Programming | Core platform for most projects | Senior |
| Ladder Logic Development | Fundamental for PLC code creation | Mid |
| Industrial Automation Troubleshooting | Ensures minimal downtime | Senior |
Interview Preparation
- Explain how you structure a ladder logic program for a safety‑critical process.
What the interviewer is looking for: Ability to design deterministic, fault‑tolerant logic and knowledge of safety standards. - Describe the steps you take to troubleshoot a non‑responsive Allen‑Bradley PLC.
What the interviewer is looking for: Systematic diagnostic approach, use of tools like RSLogix, and hardware verification. - How do you manage version control for PLC code across multiple sites?
What the interviewer is looking for: Experience with source control (e.g., Git, PLC‑specific versioning) and change‑management processes. - What considerations are important when migrating a legacy PLC program to a newer Allen‑Bradley controller?
What the interviewer is looking for: Understanding of compatibility, code refactoring, and testing strategies. - Can you discuss a project where you integrated PLCs with HMI/SCADA systems?
What the interviewer is looking for: Hands‑on integration experience, communication protocols, and UI/UX awareness.
Resume Optimization
- PLC Programmer
- Allen‑Bradley
- PLC programming
- Ladder Logic
- Industrial Automation
- Control Systems
- Troubleshooting
- HMI
- SCADA
- Contract Automation
Application Strategy
When emailing the recruiter, start with a brief greeting, attach your updated resume, and clearly highlight your top skills. Make sure to mention related skills you possess, such as Allen‑Bradley PLC programming, ladder logic development, and industrial automation troubleshooting. Reference any relevant projects where you delivered PLC solutions, and indicate your willingness to relocate between Detroit and Louisville.
Career Roadmap
| Current Role | Typical Experience | Core Focus | Next Position |
|---|---|---|---|
| PLC Programmer | 0‑2 years | PLC coding & testing | Senior PLC Programmer |
| Senior PLC Programmer | 3‑5 years | System design & mentorship | Automation Engineer |
| Automation Engineer | 5‑8 years | End‑to‑end automation solutions | Automation Manager |
| Automation Manager | 8+ years | Strategy & team leadership | Director of Automation |