Automation Direct Plc Programmer Jobs in Alabama

Salary: $70,000 - $120, 000 Depending on Experience

About SmartLam North America

SmartLam North America is a leader in the mass timber industry, specializing in the manufacturing of glulam and cross-laminated timber (CLT) products for commercial, industrial, and residential construction. With a strong commitment to innovation, sustainability, and precision manufacturing in Dothan, Alabama, with a state-of-the-art automated glulam manufacturing facility.

At SmartLam, we believe in fostering a strong team environment, supporting career growth, and producing high-quality, sustainable wood products. Join us as we revolutionize the mass timber industry

Position Overview

We are seeking a PLC Programmer that is responsible for leading and managing all programming and digital production workflows for mass timber products, including CLT panels and glulam beams. This role bridges engineering, production, and project management to ensure accurate, efficient, and optimized machining programs that meet quality, safety, and delivery requirements.

Key Responsibilities

Key Responsibilities – PLC Programming & Technical Leadership

• Lead programming activities for mass timber components using Seimens and Rockwell PLC software.
• Develop, validate, and optimize machine programs for finger joint line, planers, presses, CNC routers, beam processors, and panel processing lines.
• Ensure programs meet engineering drawings and customer specifications.
• Maintain programming standards, documentation, and version control.

Key Responsibilities – Cross-Functional Coordination

• Collaborate with Engineering, Design, and Project Management teams.
• Support production planning and scheduling.
• Act as technical liaison with equipment and software vendors.

Key Responsibilities – Quality, Safety & Efficiency

• Ensure safe, efficient machining practices.
• Troubleshoot machining and fit-up issues.
• Improve cycle times, tooling paths, and material yield.

Key Responsibilities – Team Management & Development

• Assign workloads and manage priorities.
• Provide technical training and development.

Key Responsibilities – Process Improvement

• Drive automation and digital workflow improvements.
• Support new equipment and software implementation.
• Develop scalable programming systems.

Qualifications & Skills:

Qualifications – Required

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Manufacturing Technology, or equivalent experience.
• 5+ years programming experience.
• Strong PLC and CNC machining knowledge.
• Leadership or supervisory experience.
• Knowledge of TIA Portal and RSLogix 5000.

Qualifications – Preferred

• Mass timber experience (CLT, glulam, DLT).
• Familiarity with Ledienk and Hundegger equipment.
• BIM-to-manufacturing integration experience.

Work Environment

Office, programming workstation, and manufacturing floor with occasional travel.

Equal Employment Opportunity Employer

SmartLam North America is an equal opportunity employer and makes all employment decisions without regard to race, religion, color, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity), national origin, disability, age, genetic information, or any other status protected under applicable federal, state, or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including but not limited to, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, benefits, compensation, and training. We seek to comply with all applicable federal, state, and local laws related to discrimination and will not tolerate interference with the ability of any of the Company’s employees to perform their job duties.

Americans with Disabilities

SmartLam North America endeavors to make reasonable accommodation to the known physical or mental limitations of qualified employees with disabilities unless the accommodation would impose an undue hardship on the operation of our business.

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance