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Entry Level Plc Programmer Jobs in Denver, CO (NOW HIRING)

Controls Engineer

Centennial, CO · On-site

$82K - $106K/yr

RTU / PLC Programming - Ladder Logic, Sequential Function Blocks, Structured Text * DCS Development ... Ability to work with cross-functional and discipline teams effectively Above entry level, the ...

The Denver office is Wood's regional center for water resources engineering and is widely recognized as a national leader in water resources modeling and management innovation. Decisions and ...

Controls Specialist

Centennial, CO · On-site

$29.50 - $39/hr

RTU / PLC Programming - Ladder Logic, Sequential Function Blocks, Structured Text * DCS Development ... Ability to work with cross-functional and discipline teams effectively Above entry level, the ...

Controls Specialist

Centennial, CO · Hybrid

$29.50 - $39/hr

RTU / PLC Programming - Ladder Logic, Sequential Function Blocks, Structured Text * DCS Development ... Ability to work with cross-functional and discipline teams effectively Above entry level, the ...

Able to program PLC's and HMI's and can set up most PID loop designs with some assistance from a ... Assists with guiding entry level electrical designers and CAD drafters in the performance of their ...

Entry Level Plc Programmer information

See Denver, CO salary details

$41.7K

$83K

$115.3K

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

As of Aug 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level plc programmer in Denver, CO is $83,026.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $70,000.00 and $95,200.00 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 Denver, CO?

The most popular types of Plc Programmer jobs in Denver, CO are:

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

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The top searched job categories for Entry Level Plc Programmer jobs in Denver, CO are:

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Cities near Denver, CO with the most Entry Level Plc Programmer job openings:

Infographic showing various Entry Level Plc Programmer job openings in Denver, CO as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 80% Full Time, and 20% Contract. Highlights an 80% In-person, and 20% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $83,026 per year, or $39.9 per hour.

Associate Field Engineer

Westminster, CO

Wunderlich-Malec Engineering, Inc
Construction • 501 - 1,000 employees

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 7 days ago


Job description

Wunderlich-Malec Engineering (WM) is a 100% employee-owned ESOP and one of the largest and most well-established engineering companies in the United States. When you join WM you become part of a company that is:

  • 100% employee-owned with 40+ years of industry history
  • ENR (Engineering News Record) Top 500 firm
  • Rated as a top System Integrator Giant

Our Rocky Mountain Region Wunderlich-Malec Engineering team is seeking a travel-ready, entry-level Field Engineer or Technician who is eager to build hands-on technical experience and grow quickly. This person would be based out of our Westminster, CO office or our Albuquerque, NM office.

Field-based commissioning work provides direct exposure to systems, customers, schedules, and real-time decision-making, accelerating the development of technical expertise and project execution skills. Compared with a traditional office-based engineering role, this position provides direct ownership of installation verification, control system testing, commissioning support, and start-up activities. This role supports projects across industries including Data Centers, Food & Beverage, Life Sciences, and other industrial facilities. Responsibilities include electrical and controls engineering support, electrical and instrumentation verification, coordination with electrical subcontractors, PLC/SCADA/HMI support, commissioning execution, and start-up assistance.

Please Note: This position is not eligible for employer-sponsored work authorization, including H-1B sponsorship. The Company does not participate in the STEM OPT training program for this position.

Major Responsibilities

  • Installation & Wiring QA/QC Verification (Level 2 Commissioning). Verify that control panels, field devices, instruments, and related control system equipment have been installed and wired in accordance with manufacturer requirements, approved shop drawings, project documentation, and applicable quality standards.
  • Point-to-Point Testing (Level 3 Commissioning). Confirm that field devices associated with the control system are installed, wired, addressed, and configured in accordance with approved system drawings and documentation. This includes verification of data to and from field devices, including signals received through network integration.
  • Functional Performance Testing (FPT) (Level 4 Commissioning). Verify that the control system and field devices operate as defined by the project design documentation. This includes testing control sequences, alarm and alert configuration, alarm activation, trend displays, trend configuration, system graphics, and control system response during failure scenarios.
  • System-Level Testing Support (Level 5 Commissioning). Support system-level testing to confirm that the control system and field devices operate together as an integrated system. This includes verifying control sequences across related systems, using the facility’s Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system to view equipment status and navigate system screens, activating alarms, monitoring trends, and supporting failure-mode testing.

Minimum Requirements

Education BS Electrical, Computer, Chemical, or Mechanical Engineering preferred. An AA in Engineering Technology or equivalent field technician experience may be substituted.

Experience New Graduate (Seeking May 2027) or 0-2 years of field experience

  • Understanding of or exposure to field instrumentation, hardware panels and low voltage controls design
  • Understanding of control systems, components, PLC programming, SCADA programming and their applications

Physical Demands of Position

Requirements Strong attention to detail and a consistent focus on quality control are required, especially during repetitive commissioning activities. The role may include writing, computer work, field work in construction trailers or industrial environments, color perception, hearing, verbal and written communication, teamwork, manual dexterity, driving, lifting, climbing, mounting and dismounting equipment, pushing, and pulling. Regular interaction and coordination with customers, subcontractors, vendors, and internal project teams is expected. Daily use of a computer, standard office applications, and a mobile phone is required.

Working / Residence Plan Up to 100% travel to project sites may be required, excluding approved vacation or paid time off. Work is typically performed Monday through Friday, with occasional weekend work required based on project needs.

Assignments may last multiple months at various U.S.-based project sites. Weekend travel may be available up to two times per month, subject to project schedule requirements and approval. Project housing, airfare, meals, and incidentals are covered by the company in accordance with company policy.

This position includes full company benefits, structured training, mentorship, and three weeks of paid time off.

Career Growth & Advancement This role is designed for ambitious, goal-oriented self-starters who want to accelerate their technical and leadership development through hands-on field experience. Field Engineers and Technicians who demonstrate strong technical capability, sound judgment, ownership, and leadership on-site can advance faster than peers following a traditional office-based engineering path. High performers may move into lead field roles ahead of the typical timeline.

Training & Mentorship You'll build capability through hands-on training across progressively challenging commissioning assignments, Level 2 through Level 5, with mentorship from senior field engineers on every project.

Merit-Based Advancement Advancement is based on demonstrated proficiency, ownership, technical judgment, and field performance - not time in role alone. Commissioning Levels 2 through 5 represent scopes of commissioning activity, not job titles. As capability grows across these scopes, high performers can earn responsibility for larger and more complex commissioning activities.

Own It in the Field As you demonstrate competency, you're given real ownership on-site. This includes:

  • Leading point-to-point testing campaigns for entire system areas independently.
  • Owning functional performance testing for major systems end-to-end.
  • Serving as the primary technical point of contact with subcontractors and customers during system-level testing.
  • Directing and overseeing commissioning activities for a major project area — taking full accountability for quality, schedule, and sign-off.

Where Can This Take You Field engineers and technicians who build a strong track record are positioned for rapid advancement, including paths such as:

  • Associate Field Engineer → Staff Field Engineer → Senior Field Engineer
  • QA/QC Manager
  • Controls Project Engineer
  • Commissioning Lead
  • Project Manager
  • Mentor or Technical Evaluator for future field hires

*Job Descriptions are not exhaustive lists of all skills, responsibilities, or efforts associated with a position. They reflect principal job elements essential for performing the job and evaluating performance.

Wunderlich-Malec is proud to offer a comprehensive employee-owner benefit package. Full-time employees may be eligible for the following benefits: Medical • Dental • Vision • Basic and Supplemental Life and AD&D • Long Term Disability • Voluntary Short Term Disability • Healthcare & Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts • Health Savings Account • Paid Time Off (PTO) • Paid Holidays • Tuition Reimbursement • Referral Bonus Program • 401(k)/Profit Sharing • 100% ESOP (Employee Stock Ownership Plan) • Employee Assistance Program • Will Preparation Resources • Worldwide Travel Assistance

The salary range is $74,000 to $80,000 annually depending on qualifications plus a discretionary bonus and employee stock program.