Valknut Automation

Job Description Step into a high-impact contract role where your PLC expertise will directly improve reliability, throughput, and safety across complex industrial systems. You'll work with leading manufacturing and process facilities in California, tackling challenging automation projects that demand precise control, robust networking, and disciplined documentation. This is a hands-on opportunity to own critical control logic and keep production running at its best.

About the Role: You will be responsible for developing, modifying, and troubleshooting PLC-based control systems, ensuring that electrical schematics, field instrumentation, and industrial networks are correctly integrated and performing as designed. Working closely with engineering and maintenance teams, you will provide on-site and remote support for commissioning, upgrades, and fault resolution. Your work will underpin stable operations, controlled change management, and clear technical documentation for ongoing system support.

Key Responsibilities: Program, configure, and modify PLC logic (Allen-Bradley, Siemens, and similar platforms) for new installations, upgrades, and process improvements. Interpret and work from electrical schematics to verify wiring, diagnose issues, and ensure correct integration of control panels and field devices. Troubleshoot PLC, HMI, and control system faults on-site, identifying root causes and implementing robust corrective actions.

Configure and support industrial networks (EtherNet/IP, Modbus, Profinet, etc.), including addressing, diagnostics, and communication between PLCs, drives, and instrumentation. Set up, calibrate, and integrate instrumentation and I/O, including analog and digital signals, field devices, and I/O modules. Produce clear project documentation, including logic descriptions, I/O lists, network diagrams, and change logs, aligned with client standards

Implement and adhere to change management processes, ensuring all modifications are tracked, reviewed, and properly version-controlled. Collaborate with site personnel during commissioning and testing to validate system performance and support handover to operations and maintenance teams. Key Requirements: Proven experience as a PLC Programmer or Controls Engineer in industrial or manufacturing environments.

Hands-on proficiency with Allen-Bradley (Rockwell) PLC platforms; exposure to Siemens PLCs or similar systems. Strong ability to read and interpret electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, and control panel layouts. Demonstrated experience troubleshooting PLC-based control systems, instrumentation, and field I/O.

Practical experience with industrial networking protocols such as EtherNet/IP, Modbus, and Profinet in automation applications. Competence in configuring and integrating instrumentation and I/O (analog/digital signals, sensors, actuators, drives). Solid understanding of change management practices for control systems, including version control and documentation standards.

Ability to work independently in the field, manage multiple tasks, and communicate clearly with technical and non-technical stakeholders. Desirable Skills: Experience with HMIs/SCADA systems (e.g., FactoryTalk View, WinCC, Ignition) for visualization and control. Familiarity with safety PLCs, machine safety standards, and functional safety concepts

Background in commissioning new production lines or process systems from design through start-up. Exposure to industrial cybersecurity best practices for control networks. Experience working with OEMs, system integrators, or consulting engineering firms on multi-stakeholder projects.

Qualifications: Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Control Systems, Mechatronics, or a related technical discipline (or equivalent practical experience). Formal training or certification in PLC programming (Allen-Bradley/Rockwell, Siemens, or equivalent) preferred. Coursework or certification related to industrial networking or automation systems is an advantage.

Valid driver's license and ability to travel to client sites within California as required. If you are a hands-on PLC specialist who thrives on solving complex control problems and delivering reliable automation solutions, this contract role offers immediate impact and varied technical challenges-apply now to be considered.