PLC Programmer

Job Description

Job Description

Valknut Inc is seeking an experienced PLC Programmer to join its Controls Engineering team in Wixom, MI. This role is responsible for designing, developing, testing, and commissioning PLC control programs for automated manufacturing and testing equipment. Candidates must hold GCCS (Global Common Controls Software) certification, as many of our automotive customer programs require controls software to be developed and validated to GM's GCCS-2 standard.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and program PLC control logic for custom automated machinery, test stands, and balancing equipment.
• Develop, validate, and deploy controls software in compliance with GCCS (Global Common Controls Software / GCCS-2) standards for GM and other automotive OEM programs.
• Read and interpret electrical schematics, P&IDs, and mechanical drawings to develop control strategies.
• Program, configure, and troubleshoot Allen-Bradley (Rockwell) and/or Siemens PLC platforms, HMIs, and related industrial networks.
• Perform on-site and in-house debugging, testing, and commissioning of PLC/HMI software on new and retrofit equipment.
• Collaborate with mechanical, electrical, and controls engineers throughout the design, build, and runoff phases of a project.
• Support Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT) and Site Acceptance Testing (SAT), including customer runoffs at our facilities and customer facilities.
• Develop and maintain documentation, including I/O lists, program backups, functional descriptions, and revision histories.
• Troubleshoot and resolve controls issues during startup, commissioning, and warranty support, including occasional travel to customer sites.
• Ensure all controls work complies with applicable safety standards (e.g., NFPA 79, RIA/ANSI robotic safety standards) and customer-specific engineering standards.

Required Qualifications

• GCCS (Global Common Controls Software / GCCS-2) certification is required.
• Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Controls Engineering, Engineering Technology, or equivalent hands-on experience.
• Minimum 3-5 years of hands-on PLC programming experience in an industrial automation, automotive tooling, or machine building environment.
• Proficiency programming Allen-Bradley (RSLogix 5000 / Studio 5000) and/or Siemens (TIA Portal) PLC platforms.
• Experience with HMI development (FactoryTalk View, WinCC, or similar).
• Working knowledge of industrial networks (EtherNet/IP, PROFINET, DeviceNet) and robot integration (Fanuc, KUKA, ABB, or similar) is a plus.
• Ability to read electrical schematics and troubleshoot control systems down to the component level.
• Strong communication skills and ability to work directly with customers during runoff and commissioning.
• Willingness to travel domestically (and occasionally internationally) for equipment commissioning and startup support, as needed.
• Must be authorized to work in the United States.

You should be proficient in:

• PLC Troubleshooting Skills
• Equipment Troubleshooting
• Troubleshooting Skills
• PLC Programming Experience
• PLC Wiring Experience
• control engineering

Machines & technologies you'll use:

• Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) (Allen Bradley, Siemens)