Automation Direct Plc Programmer Jobs in Kansas (NOW HIRING)

Position Summary

The PLC Programmer authors, modifies, and commissions PLC programs and Ignition SCADA projects across the Creekstone facility. The role serves as the technical anchor for the controls department — escalation point for complex faults plant-wide, lead author for new equipment functional specifications, and primary auditor of contractor deliverables. PLC Programmers also rotate as instructors for the Creekstone Controls Academy (CCA), training the next generation of Creekstone controls technicians.

Key Responsibilities

• Author and modify Allen-Bradley ControlLogix and CompactLogix PLC programs independently — ladder logic, structured text, function block diagrams, and sequential function charts.
• Commission and validate PLC programs on new equipment installations and major modifications.
• Develop and modify Ignition SCADA projects — Perspective screens, tag configurations, alarm pipelines, Python scripting, and database integration.
• Lead downtime response for complex controls failures plant-wide.
• Diagnose and resolve OT network communication issues — EtherNet/IP, Modbus TCP, MQTT/Sparkplug at the device level.
• Maintain and update PLC and SCADA program documentation per STD-AUTO.
• Manage change control: document all program changes in Linear with before/after state, peer review, and verification.
• Audit contractor deliverables against STD-AUTO, STD-IT, STD-SW
• Participate in capital project review — provide controls scope input on new equipment purchases and installations.
• Develop and maintain PM procedures for controls equipment in MaintainX.
• Mentor and formally sign off Level 1, 2, and 3 technicians on OJT milestones.
• Rotate as instructor for Creekstone Controls Academy (CCA-1 through CCA-4) sessions.
• Maintain on-call availability for critical downtime escalations.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of industrial controls experience including PLC program authoring (not just troubleshooting).
• Demonstrated authorship of production Allen-Bradley ControlLogix or CompactLogix programs — including AOIs, UDTs, structured text, and FBD.
• Inductive Automation Ignition SCADA development experience — Perspective screens, Python scripting, OPC-UA configuration.
• EtherNet/IP, Modbus TCP, and OT network troubleshooting at the device and switch level.
• Experience with PanelView / FactoryTalk View HMI development and FactoryTalk Security.
• Strong technical documentation and change-management discipline.
• LOTO certified, OSHA 10 (OSHA 30 preferred).
• Comfortable working in a USDA-inspected production environment.

Required:

• Inductive Automation Ignition Core Certification (must be current; will be required prior to or shortly after hire).
• Rockwell Automation Certified Technician (RACT) for Logix — or equivalent demonstrated capability.
• CCP299 Advanced Logix5000 Programming completion (or willingness to complete within first 6 months).

Preferred:

• Beef, pork, or poultry plant experience — operational fluency with chain speed, CCPs, carcass chilling, fab line cuts.
• Rockwell Automation Certified Professional (RACP) — Studio 5000 Logix Designer.
• OT cybersecurity training (ISA IC32 or equivalent).
• Experience with managed industrial switches (Stratix,Cisco) and VLAN configuration.
• Database experience — PostgreSQL preferred, including named queries and basic schema work.
• Experience auditing contractor work against industrial standards.
• Experience mentoring or training junior technicians.

Physical Demands:

• This position includes physical work throughout the facility. When inside the facility appropriate PPE is required such as hard hat, steel toed boots, safety glasses, ear plugs, hair net and beard net if applicable. Varying temperature exposure is normal and moderate noise.
• Regularly required to stand, walk, sit, climb stairs, use both hands and arms to handle, feel, reach, push and pull.
• Must be able to lift and/or move up to 25-50 pounds frequently, and occasionally up to 100 pounds.
• Must be able to bend, stoop, climb ladders, access any device that needs serviced.
• Must be able to stand for extended periods of time

Creekstone Farms Premium Beef LLC is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Employer.