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Entry Level Plc Programmer Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Collaborate with remote support and engineering teams to resolve complex technical issues and ... Basic understanding of electrical and PLC-related troubleshooting in an industrial or automated ...

Electrician

Chicago, IL · On-site

$250/hr

Mechatronics / Electrical / Industrial Engineer Preferred**Job specific requirements:**480 volts ... PLC & VFD experience required**Work schedule:**Flexibility is required - 2nd or 3rd shift#

Showing results 21-33

Entry Level Plc Programmer information

See Illinois salary details

$39.2K

$78.2K

$108.5K

How much do entry level plc programmer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level plc programmer in Illinois is $78,165.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $65,900.00 and $89,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an entry level PLC programmer?

An Entry Level PLC Programmer is a professional who is responsible for programming, testing, and maintaining programmable logic controllers (PLCs) in industrial or manufacturing environments. They typically work under the supervision of more experienced engineers to help automate machinery, troubleshoot control systems, and ensure production processes run smoothly. This role requires a basic understanding of electrical systems, logic programming, and industrial automation, as well as familiarity with common PLC software platforms. Entry level PLC programmers often assist with system installations, upgrades, and technical support while gaining hands-on experience in the field.

What does an entry level PLC programmer do?

As an entry-level PLC programmer, your duties are to help engineers and designers create new programs or improve existing programs in a programmable logic controller, which is a stripped-down computer that operates automated machinery. The PLC monitors things like production efficiency and machine temperature. Your responsibilities are to assess the current automation process to determine the specific needs of the PLC device and work with other specialists to improve the design of new programs for manufacturing equipment that has not yet been put into large-scale production.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level PLC programmer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level PLC Programmer, you need a basic understanding of electrical engineering principles, ladder logic, and a relevant associate degree or technical certification. Familiarity with PLC programming software (such as Allen-Bradley or Siemens), HMI systems, and troubleshooting tools is typically required. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective communication help you collaborate with engineering teams and resolve automation issues efficiently. These skills ensure correct system programming, minimize downtime, and support reliable, safe industrial operations.

What are some common challenges faced by entry level PLC programmers when transitioning from academic learning to real-world industrial environments?

Entry level PLC programmers often find that adapting theoretical knowledge to complex, real-world industrial systems can be challenging. Unlike controlled classroom settings, industrial environments may involve troubleshooting legacy equipment, integrating with various hardware brands, and adhering to strict safety standards. New programmers also need to quickly learn to communicate effectively with cross-functional teams like electricians, maintenance staff, and engineers to ensure smooth project execution. Gaining hands-on experience and asking questions are key to overcoming these early hurdles.

What is the difference between Entry Level Plc Programmer vs Automation Technician?

AspectEntry Level Plc ProgrammerAutomation Technician
Required CredentialsAssociate degree or technical certification in automation or programmingTechnical diploma or certification in automation, electrical, or mechanical systems
Work EnvironmentOffice or plant floor, programming PLCs, testing, troubleshootingPlant floor, maintaining and repairing automation equipment
Industry UsageManufacturing, industrial automation, process controlManufacturing, industrial facilities, equipment maintenance

Entry Level Plc Programmers focus on writing and testing PLC code, often working closely with engineers. Automation Technicians handle installation, maintenance, and repair of automation systems. While both roles require technical certifications and work in manufacturing environments, their primary responsibilities differ, with programmers emphasizing software development and technicians focusing on hardware and system upkeep.

What are the most commonly searched types of Plc Programmer jobs in Illinois?

The most popular types of Plc Programmer jobs in Illinois are:

What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Plc Programmer jobs in Illinois?

For Entry Level Plc Programmer jobs in Illinois, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Entry Level Plc Programmer jobs in Illinois look for?

The top searched job categories for Entry Level Plc Programmer jobs in Illinois are:

What cities in Illinois are hiring for Entry Level Plc Programmer jobs?

Cities in Illinois with the most Entry Level Plc Programmer job openings:

Infographic showing various Entry Level Plc Programmer job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, and 6% Nights. Highlights an 94% In-person, and 6% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $78,165 per year, or $37.6 per hour.

Template/External Requisition Title Electrical Specialist (Night Shift)

NOVELIS

Lincolnshire, IL • On-site

$80 - $100/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 20 days ago


Novelis rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 57 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

259th of 546 rated manufacturers


Job description

Position Overview

Novelis is one of the world leaders in aluminum recycling and rolling and a leading sustainable aluminum solutions provider. Driven by our purpose of “shaping a sustainable world together,” we work alongside our customers to provide innovative solutions to the aerospace, automotive, beverage packaging and specialty markets. Headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, Novelis has approximately 13,000 employees in 32 operating facilities on 4 continents.

Responsibilities & Qualifications

Our Lincolnshire, IL Finishing Plant is seeking to add a talented Electrical Specialist to our team.

As a member of the team, you can expect:

Excellent pay - Our Electricians receive a base pay of $40.20/hour. Employees receive premium pay (time and one-half) for hours worked on Saturday and Sunday and receive shift differential pay for evening shifts.

Incentive plan – Employees are eligible for a Productivity Incentive Plan once completing 90 days of service. The plan is paid on a monthly basis with a maximum payout of 5%.

Benefits – We offer a competitive benefit program including paid vacation and holidays. Employees are eligible for medical, dental and vision insurance which begins on date of hire. New employees are immediately eligible to participate for the 401(k) plan, including Company match up to 2.5%; additional Employer contributions of 4% after one year of employment.

Responsibilities:

  • Performs breakdown, corrective, renovative and preventative electrical maintenance
  • Locates and determines electrical malfunctions using test instruments.
  • Repairs malfunctions by replacing fuses, defective wiring, and cleaning or repairing motors and controls.
  • Applies knowledge of gauges, wiring diagrams, schematics and properties of electricity to trouble‑shoot disabled or malfunctioning equipment.
  • Plans procedures, develops sketches, selects tools, equipment and materials best suited for job.
  • Maintains communication equipment and wiring.
  • Diagnoses and remedies furnace burner problems.
  • Climbs on buildings towers, and equipment to make inspections, repairs, and installations.
  • Considers all safety precautions and proper isolation of circuits to provide maximum safety precautions and a minimum of interference to operations. Follows all safety procedures and energy control (lockout/tagout). Utilizes JSA’s.
  • Operates forklift and uses articulating and rotating boom hoist, telescoping hoist, scissors lift, and pick‑up truck.
  • Adheres to and support company quality, environmental, health & safety, and certification standards, including ISO 9001:2015, ISO 14001:2015, ISO 45001:2018, IATF 16949:2016, and ASI Certifications, where applicable.

Qualifications:

  • Must be a leader in safety. Is a safe worker who demonstrates concern for personal safety and safety of others.
  • Team player and self‑starter.
  • Basic computer knowledge.
  • Electrical aptitude.
  • Understanding of National Electrical Code.
  • PLC/Ladder Logic experience and knowledge.
  • Motor drive knowledge and experience.
  • Ability to work from blueprints and written instructions.
  • Electrical troubleshooting skills.
  • Capable of running conduit and running wiring.
  • Understanding of electrical distribution principles.
  • Willingness to train and improve knowledge and skills.
  • Three to five years industrial electrical experience or combination of training and work experience.

Military MOS Crosswalk can include but is not limited to:

Air Force

  • 32E1E — Civil Engineer Officer (Electrical)
  • 32E3E — Civil Engineer Officer (Electrical)
  • 62E — Developmental Engineer (Electrical/Electronics)

Army

  • 12A — Engineer Officer
  • 24A — Telecommunications Systems Engineer
  • 24B — Data Systems Engineer
  • 25D — Communications‑Electronics Engineering Officer

Navy

  • 1220 / 1223 / 1225 / 1227 — Naval Reactors Engineer Officers
  • 1400 / 1403 / 1405 / 1407 — Engineering Duty Officers
  • 1440 / 1443 — Ship Engineering Duty Officers
  • 9374 — Ship’s Engineer Officer, Nuclear (Electrical)
  • 9371 — Nuclear Engineer Officer (General)
  • 9372 — Nuclear Engineer Officer (Main Propulsion)
  • 9373 — Nuclear Engineer Officer (Damage Control)
  • 9392 — Ship’s Reactor Officer
  • 9393 — Reactor Mechanical Assistant
  • 9394 — Reactor Control Assistant

Marine Corps

  • 8824 — Electronics Engineer Officer
Location Profile

The finishing mill in Lincolnshire Illinois is located 26 miles from Chicago and was established in 1966. The facility cold rolls aluminum to a desired gauges anneals to tempers levels and slits the rolled sheet to size. The facility which employees around 100 people produces mill finish coils for the building construction and transportation industries where its’ products are used for gutters siding soffits and facia. Lincolnshire is committed to the local community through its ongoing volunteer initiatives with a number of local organizations.

Novelis recognizes its talented and diverse workforce as a key competitive advantage. Novelis provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants. All terms and conditions of employment at Novelis including recruiting hiring placement promotion termination layoffs recalls transfers leaves of absence compensation and training are without regard to race color religion age sex national origin disability status genetics protected veteran status sexual orientation gender identity or expression or any other characteristic protected by federal provincial or local laws.

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