How to get career started or streamlined?

[jaspax]

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

 

[ICman]

If you want to get into PLC programming, you can approach it a number of ways:

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!

 

[plcsavvy]

I would contact a head hunter who routinely places engineers and technicians who work in the industrial automation field. inform this person that you are interested in working as a controls engineer. Prepare a resume to be submitted to the head hunter. IN your resume include your experience with controls. It soundS like your back ground in the pharmaceutical industry will help to get your foot in the door.
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