Industrial Automation and PLC Communication Engineer

Role Overview

We are seeking a skilled Industrial Automation and PLC Communication Engineer focused on integrating industrial machinery with our Real-Time Production Monitoring Platform, Kontrolix. This position emphasizes establishing robust PLC communication links rather than traditional programming, enabling data acquisition for machine operations and status monitoring.

Key Duties

• Connect various industrial machines to the Kontrolix platform for seamless data transfer.
• Implement and maintain communication protocols such as Modbus RTU/TCP, Profinet, Ethernet/IP, OPC UA, Profibus, and CAN.
• Configure PLC memory mapping, register communication settings, and tag addressing to ensure precise data exchange.
• Investigate and troubleshoot communication breakdowns including port issues, OEM limitations, and network setup problems.
• Set up and maintain Industrial Ethernet, RS232, RS485, and serial communication lines.
• Bridge PLCs with IoT Gateways, Industrial PCs, Edge Controllers, and SCADA platforms for extended integration.
• Gather machine-related metrics like production counts, operational status, cycle times, downtimes, alarms, and energy usage.
• Work with a variety of PLC brands including Siemens, Mitsubishi, Omron, Delta, Allen-Bradley, Schneider, and Keyence.
• Lead machine commissioning, testing, validation, and onsite problem resolution activities.
• Collaborate with software developers to expose PLC data via APIs, MQTT, OPC UA, or database systems.
• Prepare detailed communication architecture documentation such as register maps, wiring diagrams, and technical manuals.
• Offer technical assistance during installation and deployments at customer locations.

Required Expertise

• In-depth knowledge of Industrial Automation and Control Systems.
• Practical experience with multiple industrial communication protocols including Modbus RTU and TCP, Profinet, Ethernet/IP, OPC UA, Profibus, and CAN/CANopen.
• Familiarity with Siemens, Mitsubishi, Omron, Delta, Allen-Bradley, Schneider PLCs, or equivalents.
• Strong understanding of Industrial Ethernet networks, serial communications RS232/RS485, and TCP/IP.
• Proficiency troubleshooting communications and networking failures in industrial environments.
• Experience integrating HMIs and SCADA systems.
• Knowledge of Industrial IoT Gateways and Edge computing devices.
• Understanding of electrical control panels and wiring layouts.
• Basic familiarity with technologies such as SQL, RESTful APIs, MQTT, and cloud connectivity is advantageous.
• Readiness to travel for machine commissioning and providing onsite customer support.