I need advice for starting a career as a PLC Programmer

(First) - You say you have been a computer tech for 19 years, during this time you probably got your hands into some of the computer programming languages such as C, C#, C++, VB, VBA, Python, which has allow you to create "Windows based applications" and now you are studying Plc programming.

It sounds to me like you would have a lot to offer in the IIOT world - just where a lot of manufacturing is headed. Manufacturing is wanting to gather all this "DATA" from the plant floor(machines ran by Plc's) and then compile, manipulate, adjust, display, broadcast, print. This usually takes some type of communication protocol between the two and a person like you could help provide just that.

Think more about "What you have to offer" NOT what you are lacking!!!

Companies want people who are willing to learn(even if that person has to invest some of their own time), not someone who thinks they deserve a job just because they have a degree.

I think you just need some "Attitude Adjustment" and I only mean this is a positive manner.

Good Luck with whatever you decide to do.
 
You are searching for plc programmer.
Bit there are other terms also used:
Automation technician. Or specialist
Controls technician. Or specialist. Or integrator
Control system technician. Or specialist

An integrator "integrates" all the parts of a control system together via programming plcs. Communications. Designing hmi and scada systems.

Also just because they want 4 year degrees and experience doesn't mean you can't apply. Because if they don't have many applicants you will have a shot at an interview and you can present your strengths in person
 
(First) - You say you have been a computer tech for 19 years, during this time you probably got your hands into some of the computer programming languages such as C, C#, C++, VB, VBA, Python, which has allow you to create "Windows based applications" and now you are studying Plc programming.

My computer history has been hardware and fixing issues with Windows, virus cleanups, etc. I have never done any programming outside of the PLC class mentioned. So unfortunately, all of those programming languages you listed off do not in fact apply to me. It was always small businesses and things like dead parts, goofy issues with Windows, and over the past few years, infections. You know, the low end computer shop repair guy, like a local mechanic for your car.

It sounds to me like you would have a lot to offer in the IIOT world - just where a lot of manufacturing is headed. Manufacturing is wanting to gather all this "DATA" from the plant floor(machines ran by Plc's) and then compile, manipulate, adjust, display, broadcast, print. This usually takes some type of communication protocol between the two and a person like you could help provide just that.

Think more about "What you have to offer" NOT what you are lacking!!!

Companies want people who are willing to learn(even if that person has to invest some of their own time), not someone who thinks they deserve a job just because they have a degree.

I think you just need some "Attitude Adjustment" and I only mean this is a positive manner.

Good Luck with whatever you decide to do.

Understood. It's honestly not a woe is me I can never get where I want to go outlook. I am a very logical, practical, literal minded type of person. Me looking in to the things I am lacking is simply me trying to be aware of what I need to learn and grow to and the obstacles before me. But I do appreciate the thought and intent behind your message. And as for the wanting to learn, that is why I am here on the forum now.
 
You are searching for plc programmer.
Bit there are other terms also used:
Automation technician. Or specialist
Controls technician. Or specialist. Or integrator
Control system technician. Or specialist

I am going to consult the almighty Google on these, but I need to ask, do these terms all pretty much mean the same job, or are there subtle differences between them?

An integrator "integrates" all the parts of a control system together via programming plcs. Communications. Designing hmi and scada systems.

The issue I am having on this part being totally outside the field is trying to determine what companies are integrators and if any are close by. I now need to do some research also into scads and him, I don't know these terms, but once again, that is what Google is for. Lol.

Also just because they want 4 year degrees and experience doesn't mean you can't apply. Because if they don't have many applicants you will have a shot at an interview and you can present your strengths in person

Very true, and my wife has mentioned as much. Right now it is more a matter of seeing what I need to know, need to learn, and especially finding some job options semi-locally to get started. Once I have my foot in the door, hopefully I will excell on my own.

Also, as a side note, I love your signature.
 
New here, but I saw your post and wanted to help.

Dont get discouraged. You are competing with college grads for entry level positions. They have a degree, but you have life experience. Use it to your advantage.

OEM-Original Equipment Manufacturer: these companies make a product that is sold to end users. Think like GM, John Deere, etc.

Some OEMs make industrial equipment, which is sold to end users, who then use that equipment to make a product or provide a service. These "end users" need their machinery running so they can make money. They need folks to troubleshoot code,diagnose problems, and get the equipment up and running. They may also need someone who can modify existing code to make it better for whatever they are doing.

Integrators : these are companies that provide automation services for other companies. That can mean literally anything. Integrators have it tough in my opinion and their business is cut throat. Integrators usually are asked to bid on jobs at other companies. If they get the bid, a contract is signed and the integrator has to complete the work. If the integrator has some loyal customers that pay decent, life is good. But if not, it can get dicey. You have to deal with travel, extremely tight deadlines, significant amount of stress, etc. Im sure its not always bad working for integrators, but I have heard some horror stories.

You could work for any three of these. Its really all about what you want to do and where you want to start. Also, dont beat yourself up about job posting requirements. Even if it says 4 year degree, apply anyway. You'd be surprised how much demand there is for people with ANY automation skills/experience.
 
Boilers has that stuff correct. Part of the difference in job titles is just different companies having different titles. Sometimes an "automation engineer" is a PLC or controls engineer. Sometimes "automation engineer" is somebody at Intel who writes scripts to automate code compiling.

I think that I've been an electrical engineer, controls engineer, system integrator so far in my career.

You might take a look at Bridgestone (tires). I heard they're looking hard for workers in that area.
 
Keshik is correct as well. When I was most recently looking for a new job, I used Glassdoor. I had several different titles I would search. Controls Engineer, Automation Engineer, Electrical Engineer, Etc. Even at my last job, I was a "Manufacturing Engineer" specializing in automation. Every company has their own organizational structure. Lots of times, even at big companies, the group doing automation is often rather small. So companies put that small group of people into whatever organization makes sense to them. Look up jobs and read the descriptions. That's the only way to tell if you're a fit.
 
I'll give you a different and possibly a more accurate outlook.
You are years off becoming a plc programme/systems integrator.

If you take a job with an integrator - machine builder - systems design company you will be a labourer at best.
You will run the cables, fix the cable tray and conduits for the wires to run along.
You will drill and tap holes for the brackets for sensors. Carry things for the experienced installers
You might be allowed to connect motors eventually - even sensors.
If you get a couple of spare minutes you might be able to look over the shoulder of the programmer and ask questions......You will not be allowed to program.

The programming part will have to be done in your spare time with your own software, laptop and programming leads. (how you get those is your affair)

You might move up to assembling and wiring the control panels from CAD drawings
It will depend on what they think of your skills.

All this takes a long time to understand and be competent at each stage.
Meanwhile - you have to learn plc programming somehow.

It's all doable. I set a lad on years ago with the same ambitions.
He was bright, eager and keen to learn. It would have been 4/5 years before he was let loose on his own.
He now works for British Aerospace or BEA Systems as it's known

Good luck
 

Similar Topics

I'm currently working on a PLC setup and could use some advice on the best way to manage my power supply units (PSUs). Here's the configuration...
Replies
3
Views
369
So, I'm about to start my first ever project that include a servo motor Here some of the component i bought for the project so far: - PLC: Omron...
Replies
0
Views
372
Dear connoisseurs of antiquity and non-standard solutions, welcome) I don’t really hope, but suddenly someone had a deal and, most importantly...
Replies
0
Views
544
Hey guys, We have a metal container at work, we fill with saw dust (20fts x 15fts x 10fts) with the top open but we normally put a container...
Replies
4
Views
1,531
heya guys, For my project, i'm currently looking to add this type of linear encoder. The control company i'm working with told me they had bad...
Replies
6
Views
1,184
Back
Top Bottom