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Engineering · Mid level

PLC Programmer job description

A PLC Programmer writes and tests the control logic that runs machines and lines. They translate the sequence of operation into PLC code, build HMI screens, and debug the program during trials until the machine runs correctly. The role sits in the controls team. A good PLC Programmer writes clean, well structured, well documented code, makes machines run reliably, and can find and fix a logic fault fast on the floor.

DetailFor this role
DepartmentEngineering
LevelMid level
Reports toAutomation Lead
Direct reportsNone
Experience2 to 5 years in PLC and HMI programming

PLC Programmer job description template

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Job title: PLC Programmer

Department: Engineering

Reports to: Automation Lead

Location: [City], [office, branch or site]

About the role

A PLC Programmer writes and tests the control logic that runs machines and lines. They translate the sequence of operation into PLC code, build HMI screens, and debug the program during trials until the machine runs correctly. The role sits in the controls team. A good PLC Programmer writes clean, well structured, well documented code, makes machines run reliably, and can find and fix a logic fault fast on the floor.

Key responsibilities

  • Translate the sequence of operation into structured PLC logic.
  • Develop and test programs on Siemens, Allen-Bradley or Mitsubishi platforms.
  • Build HMI and SCADA screens so operators can run and monitor the machine.
  • Simulate and dry test the logic offline before the machine is powered on.
  • Debug programs during machine trials and fix faults until the sequence runs.
  • Implement alarms, interlocks and safety logic to protect the machine and operators.
  • Set up communication between PLCs, drives, instruments and the plant network.
  • Document the code, tags and version changes so maintenance can support the machine.
  • Support production and maintenance with logic changes after handover.

Requirements

  • Diploma or degree in electrical, electronics or instrumentation
  • Training on major PLC platforms
  • Knowledge of industrial communication protocols
  • 2 to 5 years in PLC and HMI programming

KRAs and KPIs for a PLC Programmer

Key result areas for the appraisal form, each with a KPI you can measure every month or quarter.

Key result areaHow to measure it
Code qualityLogic follows the standard structure with full tag documentation
First run successMachine runs the full sequence within planned trial time
Fault fixingLogic faults on the floor resolved within one shift
Safety logicAll interlocks and alarms tested before production release
Version controlEvery program change versioned and backed up
HandoverDocumented code and screens delivered at handover

Skills and tools

PLC programmingHMI and SCADA developmentLadder and structured textDrives communicationAlarms and interlocksDebuggingVersion controlDocumentation

Tools used day to day: Siemens TIA Portal, Allen-Bradley Studio 5000, Mitsubishi GX Works, SCADA software, Network diagnostic tools.

Reporting line and career path

Automation LeadPLC Programmer
Moves up from: Junior Engineer, Automation Trainee, Instrumentation Technician
Next roles: Automation Engineer, Automation Lead, SCADA Engineer

Interview questions for a PLC Programmer

  1. How do you structure PLC code so others can maintain it?
  2. Walk me through debugging a machine that stops mid sequence.
  3. How do you dry test logic before powering a machine?
  4. How do you implement a safety interlock in code?
  5. Which communication protocols have you used between PLCs and drives?
  6. How do you manage versions and backups of your programs?

Managing a PLC Programmer in ZeniaHR

AttendanceGeneral shift in the office and on the shop floor, with commissioning travel. Biometric punch at the plant gate, or mobile app punch with a check-in spot at customer sites. Night trials cross midnight and are filed to the shift day, earning overtime or comp-off.LeavePlan leave around machine trials and commissioning so start ups are not delayed. Name a backup during site jobs. Overtime and comp-off from night trials follow the overtime policy and the leave ledger.Performance and KRAsSet the KRAs above as goals in a quarterly review cycle. Track first run success and fault fixing time. Record probation reviews for new programmers through the review cycle.

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Frequently asked questions

What does a PLC Programmer do?

A PLC Programmer writes and tests the control logic that runs machines. They turn the sequence of operation into structured code, build HMI screens, simulate and debug the program, add alarms and interlocks, and document everything for handover. Their job is clean, reliable logic and fast fault fixing on the floor.

Which PLC platforms should a programmer know in India?

The most common platforms are Siemens (TIA Portal), Allen-Bradley (Studio 5000) and Mitsubishi (GX Works), with Delta and Schneider also used. Knowing at least one deeply, plus HMI and SCADA tools and communication protocols like Profinet, Modbus and Ethernet IP, opens most roles.

What qualifications does a PLC Programmer need?

A diploma or degree in electrical, electronics or instrumentation engineering, plus hands on training on a major PLC platform. Employers value real programming and commissioning experience, knowledge of drives and protocols, and the ability to debug faults quickly more than any single certificate.

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