How to get career started or streamlined?
How to get career started or streamlined?
(OP)
Hello All,
I am brand new to this site. I was wondering how all you PLC guys got started? I have been working as an Electronics Technician in the electronics field for 10yrs, I spent 4 years working with HMI controls, everything from Allen Bradley PLCs to local process controllers. I enjoyed interfacing with the machine controls alot, more than the component level troubleshooting, failure analysis, and engineering work I have done in the past. My job right now, I get to program Automated testers using labview and that is about the closest to controls I get now.
I have been searching for different positions and it seems the maintenance positions are the ones playing with the PLCs. I have background in the Pharmecutical and Weapons Productions industries (thankfully not together :)...). My education is 3yrs and an ASEET + various OJT stuff. Cna any of you advice me as to what type of positions/companies to look for?
Thanks,
Jason
I am brand new to this site. I was wondering how all you PLC guys got started? I have been working as an Electronics Technician in the electronics field for 10yrs, I spent 4 years working with HMI controls, everything from Allen Bradley PLCs to local process controllers. I enjoyed interfacing with the machine controls alot, more than the component level troubleshooting, failure analysis, and engineering work I have done in the past. My job right now, I get to program Automated testers using labview and that is about the closest to controls I get now.
I have been searching for different positions and it seems the maintenance positions are the ones playing with the PLCs. I have background in the Pharmecutical and Weapons Productions industries (thankfully not together :)...). My education is 3yrs and an ASEET + various OJT stuff. Cna any of you advice me as to what type of positions/companies to look for?
Thanks,
Jason





RE: How to get career started or streamlined?
PLC vendors and local reps are doing more and more programming with "turnkey" systems. Contact your local Allen-Bradley / Rockwell Automation rep, or the manufacturer's headquarters (Milwaukee for A-B).
Engineering, Procurement & Construction (EPC) firms often program PLCs and HMIs and other similar systems. Also, there are a number of "system integrators" who do the same thing. You might ask one of the local PLC reps (salesperson) who works with their systems a lot.
Then, as you mentioned, maintenance or engineering positions within user companies offer several challenges in programming.
Lots of ways to go. Good luck!
RE: How to get career started or streamlined?
I would tell the head hunter that you are intersted in working for a custom machine builder or OEM. These types of companies will provide you with the most diverse technical experience you could ever hope for. Before considering an interview with a prospective company, do your research to learn about the company. You can bet that during the course of the interview you will be asked the proverbial question "tell me what you know about our company".
best regards, PLCSAVVY