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PLC programming is a high-paying job in the PLC engineering industry. It is also one of the easiest jobs to get into as it is greatly in demand due to the high number of manufacturing companies available. Apart from being an in-house PLC programmer, you can also be remotely employed as a work-at-home PLC programmer at a reputable job search website.
PLC means Programmable Logic Controllers and is used to automate systems on a large scale. PLCs are usually adapted to take control of manufacturing processes. A PLC programmer helps a manufacturing company to modify its processes to suit its needs. Also, they use programming to copy and duplicate commands, making it possible for them to work automatically.
You do not need a lot of education and training to get started. Therefore, many people want to get into PLC programming due to the availability, high-income prospect, and low need for training.
To make life easier, we have teamed up with experts from job aggregator Jooble to enlighten you on who a PLC programmer is and what you need to become one.
What Should You Do To Become A PLC programmer?
It is pretty straightforward to become a PLC programmer. However, you need to have a degree, programming skills, a reliable computer with high-speed internet, and the ability to work remotely without direct oversight to get a remote PLC programming job.
Below are some steps to take to become a PLC programmer.
- Get The Educational Requirement
You are required to have a bachelor’s degree if you want to establish a career in PLC Programming. You should consider a degree in a field like electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, or computer science. You can also consider a Master’s degree to increase your chances of employment.
- Apply For Jobs
If you have an educational qualification that can get you the job, you can start applying for entry-level PLC programming jobs. However, you have to prepare your resume and apply to companies that can employ you. You can also check online job sites for remote PLC programming employment.
- Get a Vocational Training
Although there is no formal training for PLC programmers, they still get trained on the job. So be prepared to learn as much as possible immediately after you are employed. Open yourself up for learning opportunities, and look forward to a long career in the field.
Skills Required of A PLC programmer
Before looking for a PLC Programming job, there are some skills you must possess to help you get employed easily. Some of these skills are related to the job directly, while some are essential skills that help careers grow.
Below are some of the technical and soft skills required of a PLC programmer.
- Analytical Thinking
Analytical thinking is identifying problems and deducing solutions from available information. Therefore, a PLC programmer needs to be skilled in analytical thinking to set a trajectory of the work from a present dataset.
- Precision
Industrial workflow can be daunting, hence the need to pay comprehensive attention. The job of PLC programmers can make or mar a whole production batch, so they need to be careful. Therefore, PLC programmers must be detail oriented and observant.
- Knowledge of Control Programs
A PLC programmer must also have a deep knowledge of the other programs used on the system. This will enable them to detect any errors and fix them quickly.
- Problem-Solving Skills
Another thing a PLC programmer might need to do is to work on solving a particular problem for a statement. They must be able to reason critically and consider all angles of the problem. Such specialists must, in the end, be able to provide the best solution to the problem.
- Autonomous Thinking
A PLC programmer must be able to think independently without outside influence. It will enable him to make tangible decisions and provide good results.
- Schematics
Good knowledge of schematics is one of the essential skills for a PLC programmer. Schematics are diagrams that help convey the relationship between the main part of a complex system. A schematic shows the system component and their functionality.
- PLC Programming Language
Every type of programming has its language, and PLC is not left behind. A good PLC programmer must know languages and deeply understand them to deliver a satisfactory job. Some PLC programming languages include structured texts, function blocks, sequential flow charts, instruction lists, and ladder logic.
- Mechanical Knowledge
A PLC programmer needs to be actively involved in the assembly and disassembly of machines and systems. Therefore, the job requires that you have some mechanical skills to do the job perfectly.
- Electrical Knowledge
Another skill that is required of a PLC programmer is electrical knowledge. Most systems have electrical components that a PLC programmer may need to work on in the future. Therefore, a PLC programmer must have a good understanding of electrical components.
- Robotics
One of the major products of PLC is robots, as this industry is the brain behind the technology of robots. Hence, it is advisable to familiarize yourself with the knowledge of AI and robotics to thrive in this field.
Conclusion
Working as a PLC programmer is one of the most attractive and pocket-fulfilling jobs in the PLC engineering industry. This job allows you to design monitoring systems and sophisticated controls in some of the top sectors, such as oil, gas, and steel. So, if you want to join the train, follow this article promptly to get started.
