What are the responsibilities and job description for the PLC Programmer position at BARCO LLC?
### Job Title: **Siemens PLC Programmer with WINCC Unified Knowledge, VFD & Soft Start Integration**
#### **Job Location:**
Barco LLC, 280 Pequanoc Drive Tallapoosa, Georgia 30176
#### **Reports To:**
Plant Manager
#### **Position Type:**
**Full-Time**
#### **Position Overview:**
We are seeking an experienced **Siemens PLC Programmer** with expertise in **WINCC Unified**, and in-depth knowledge of **Siemens PLCs (S7-1200, S7-1500, S7-200 Smart)**, as well as **VFDs (Variable Frequency Drives)**, **soft starters**, and motor control. The successful candidate will be responsible for designing, programming, testing, and maintaining **Siemens PLC systems** and **HMI/SCADA applications** using **WINCC Unified** to ensure the optimal control of automated manufacturing processes. This role involves integrating **Siemens PLCs** (S7-1200, S7-1500, S7-200 Smart) with **VFDs**, **soft starters**, and motor control systems, including motors up to **5.5kW**.
This full-time position reports directly to the **Plant Manager** and requires the candidate to have a deep understanding of industrial automation, PLC programming, electrical systems, and the integration of control systems within a manufacturing plant.
#### **Key Responsibilities:**
1. **PLC Programming & Control Logic Development:**
- Develop, configure, and troubleshoot **Siemens PLC programs** (using tools like **TIA Portal**, **STEP 7**, or **S7-1500**) for various automated manufacturing systems.
- Implement and modify control logic for complex systems such as conveyors, robotic arms, mixers, packaging lines, and motors controlled by **VFDs** and **soft starters**.
- Write programs using standard PLC programming languages, including **Ladder Logic (LD)**, **Structured Text (ST)**, **Function Block Diagram (FBD)**, and **Sequential Function Charts (SFC)**, ensuring proper integration with **VFDs**, **soft starters**, and motor control systems.
2. **Integration with WINCC Unified (HMI/SCADA):**
- Design and develop **HMI/SCADA interfaces** using **Siemens WINCC Unified** to provide real-time data visualization and control for operators and maintenance teams.
- Integrate **PLC systems** (S7-1200, S7-1500, S7-200 Smart) with **WINCC Unified** for seamless data exchange and visual monitoring of plant floor operations.
- Implement advanced SCADA features such as alarming, trend logging, motor performance monitoring, and recipe management, to improve operational visibility and decision-making.
3. **VFD, Soft Starter, and Motor Control Integration:**
- Program and configure **VFDs (Variable Frequency Drives)** and **soft starters**, including both **Siemens** and **Schneider Electric VFDs**, to control motor speed, torque, and direction.
- Integrate **VFDs** and **soft starters** with **Siemens PLC systems** (S7-1200, S7-1500, S7-200 Smart) to optimize motor control and improve energy efficiency for motors up to **5.5kW**.
- Troubleshoot and calibrate **VFD settings**, soft starter configurations (e.g., ramp-up/ramp-down, fault detection), and motor control parameters to ensure smooth operation.
4. **Electrical Drawings & Low Voltage Signals:**
- Interpret and work with **electrical drawings** (schematics, wiring diagrams) for low voltage signals, sensors, and motors.
- Ensure proper integration of PLC-controlled signals with motor controllers, including **low voltage signals** to **motors**, **VFDs**, and **soft starters**.
- Ensure that motor control systems (including those for **5.5kW motors**) meet electrical code standards and operational requirements.
5. **System Integration & Communication:**
- Configure **communication networks** (e.g., **PROFINET**, **PROFIBUS**, **Modbus**, **Ethernet/IP**) to ensure effective data transfer between **PLC systems**, **VFDs**, **soft starters**, **HMI**, and other field devices (e.g., sensors, actuators, drives).
- Integrate Siemens PLCs with **Chinese Siemens PLC models** and **Schneider Electric PLCs** to ensure compatibility and effective communication across different systems within the plant.
6. **Testing & Commissioning:**
- Conduct system **testing and commissioning** to ensure the correct operation of PLCs, HMI systems, VFDs, soft starters, and motor controllers.
- Verify the functionality of the PLC-controlled systems and troubleshoot any issues related to motor control, VFD settings, or soft starter configurations.
- Perform **pre-commissioning checks**, ensuring the correct configuration of PLCs, VFDs, soft starters, and WINCC Unified systems before full system startup.
7. **Maintenance & Troubleshooting:**
- Provide **ongoing support and maintenance** for PLC programs, HMI interfaces, VFD systems, soft starters, and motor control systems to minimize downtime and ensure maximum system uptime.
- Troubleshoot complex **PLC, VFD, soft starter, and motor control faults** by diagnosing and repairing issues with hardware (e.g., I/O modules, controllers, sensors, VFDs) and software (e.g., program bugs, communication failures).
- Monitor and optimize **VFD performance**, soft starter configurations, and motor control systems to improve energy efficiency, reduce wear and tear, and extend the lifespan of motors.
8. **Documentation & Reporting:**
- Develop comprehensive **documentation** for PLC programs, HMI/SCADA interfaces, VFD configurations, soft starter settings, and system wiring diagrams.
- Maintain detailed **backups of PLC programs**, HMI projects, VFD configurations, soft starter settings, and electrical drawings to prevent data loss and ensure ease of restoration in case of system failure.
- Provide **technical reports** on system diagnostics, performance, and any modifications made to PLC or VFD systems, reporting to the Plant Manager and other relevant stakeholders.
9. **Collaboration & Support:**
- Collaborate with **engineering, operations, and maintenance teams** to implement control solutions that meet production goals.
- Provide **training and technical support** to plant operators and maintenance staff on the operation and troubleshooting of PLC, HMI, VFD, soft starter, and motor control systems.
- Work closely with the IT and electrical teams to ensure system configurations align with plant safety protocols, security standards, and operational needs.
10. **Safety & Compliance:**
- Ensure all PLC programs, HMI interfaces, and motor control systems comply with plant safety standards and industry regulations, including **IEC 61508**, **ISO 13849**, and other relevant guidelines.
- Implement safety features within the PLC and SCADA systems, such as emergency stop functions, fault detection, and safety interlocks for **VFDs**, **soft starters**, and **motors**.
- Regularly audit and test safety-critical PLC programs to verify compliance with safety regulations and industry best practices.
---
### Required Qualifications:
- **Education**: Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, Automation, or related field. Relevant certifications (e.g., Siemens Certified PLC Programmer) are a plus.
- **Experience**:
- Minimum 3-5 years of hands-on experience with **Siemens PLC programming**, particularly **S7-1200**, **S7-1500**, and **S7-200 Smart** PLCs.
- Proven experience with **Siemens WINCC Unified** for HMI/SCADA application design and integration.
- Experience programming and configuring **VFDs** (both **Siemens** and **Schneider Electric**) and **soft starters**, and integrating them with **Siemens PLC systems** for motor control.
- Strong understanding of **electrical drawings** for **low voltage signals**, sensors, actuators, and **motors up to 5.5kW**.
- Familiarity with **Chinese Siemens PLCs** and **Schneider Electric PLC systems**.
- Experience in **industrial communication protocols** (PROFINET, PROFIBUS, Modbus, etc.).
- **Skills**:
- Expertise in **TIA Portal** (Totally Integrated Automation), **STEP 7**, **Siemens WINCC Unified**, and **Simatic Manager** (for legacy Siemens PLCs).
- Strong understanding of **motor control**, **VFD**, and **soft starter integration** for efficiency and system performance.
- Experience with **advanced SCADA functionality** such as alarming, historical data logging, trend analysis, and recipe management.
- Familiarity with **safety systems** and compliance with standards such as **ISO 13849**, **IEC 61508**, and **NFPA**.
---
### Desired Skills:
- Knowledge of **Siemens PCS 7** or **Siemens S7-400** for larger systems.
- Familiarity with **Siemens OPC server** configuration for enhanced system communication.
- Experience with **cloud-based monitoring solutions** or **IoT integration** within manufacturing environments.
- Strong project management skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks and meet tight deadlines.
---
### Benefits:
- **Health Insurance**: Comprehensive coverage for employees and dependents.
- **401K**: Employer-sponsored retirement plan with a **4% company match**.
- **Retirement Plan**: Additional retirement options available.
- **Paid Time Off (PTO)**: Generous PTO for personal, sick, and vacation days.
- **Life Insurance**: Company-paid life insurance coverage for employees.
---
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $81,147.00 - $87,744.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Schedule:
- Monday to Friday
People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply
Education:
- High school or equivalent (Preferred)
Experience:
- Programming Siemens PLCs: 3 years (Required)
Language:
- English (Preferred)
Ability to Commute:
- Tallapoosa, GA 30176 (Required)
Work Location: In person
Salary : $81,147 - $87,744