What are the responsibilities and job description for the PLC Programmer position at Big River Forest Products?
Job Title: PLC Programmer
Location: Vicksburg Forest Products
Job Type: Full-Time
Department: Maintenance
Reports To: Maintenance Superintendent
FLSA: Exempt
Position Summary:
We are seeking a highly skilled PLC Programmer with experience in industrial automation to join our team at Vicksburg Forest Products. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in programming, troubleshooting, and maintaining programmable logic controllers (PLCs) and associated control systems used in sawmill operations. This role plays a critical part in optimizing equipment performance, ensuring safety standards, and maximizing productivity.
Key Responsibilities:
- Design, program, and troubleshoot PLC-based control systems for sawmill equipment and processes.
- Implement automation solutions for material handling systems, log breakdown lines, saw lines, sorters, stackers, and other mill processes.
- Collaborate with electrical and mechanical teams to integrate PLC systems with machinery and optimize performance.
- Modify and upgrade existing control systems to improve efficiency and reduce downtime.
- Develop and maintain detailed documentation including wiring diagrams, PLC code, and HMI screens.
- Monitor system performance and provide preventative maintenance and real-time troubleshooting.
- Ensure compliance with safety and regulatory standards.
- Participate in commissioning of new equipment and upgrades during plant shutdowns or off-hours as needed.
- Train maintenance and operations staff on system usage and troubleshooting.
Qualifications:
- Associate’s or bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, Automation, Industrial Technology, or related field.
- 3 years of experience in PLC programming and troubleshooting, preferably in a sawmill or heavy industrial environment.
- Strong knowledge of industrial automation hardware and software, including Allen-Bradley (ControlLogix, CompactLogix), Siemens S7, and HMI interfaces (FactoryTalk, WinCC, etc.).
- Solid understanding of electrical schematics, industrial networks (Ethernet/IP, Profibus), and motor control systems (VFDs, servo systems).
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced production environment.
- Strong problem-solving and analytical skills.
- Excellent written and verbal communication.
Preferred Skills:
- Experience with SCADA systems, industrial robotics, or vision systems.
- Knowledge of sawmill equipment and processes such as debarkers, primary breakdowns, edgers, and trimmers.
- Familiarity with safety systems including lockout/tagout, machine guarding, and safety PLCs.
Work Environment:
- Industrial mill environment – exposure to noise, dust, and machinery.
- Availability to support off-shift or weekend maintenance activities when necessary.
Salary: Competitive, based on experience
Benefits: Medical, Dental, 401(k), PTO
