PLC Engineering Lead

PLC Engineering Lead (Contract)

Siemens TIA Portal (V19+)

Contract Details:

Pay: $85 – $120 per hour (experience dependent)

Guaranteed 10 hrs OT pay each week (overtime paid at 1.5x hourly rate)

Duration: 6+ month assignment

This role is a hybrid /travel to one location.

FlexTrades has paid travel time, lodging, and per diem.

Job description:

We are seeking a skilled PLC Engineering Lead [Siemens TIA Portal (V19+)] to work during architecture & commissioning phase to support the development and commissioning of advanced automated manufacturing equipment. You will own the PLC and safety control layer of multi-station automation systems and works closely with teams that support the robotics, vision, mechanical systems. Robotics programming and machine vision development will be handled by other contractors in another stage.

These high-automation systems will be used in production environments such as electronics, semiconductor, medical, and precision manufacturing. Systems integrate PLC-controlled stations, servo motion, robotics, safety systems, and production traceability.

About Us

FlexTrades is a premier traveling workforce solutions provider helping manufacturers nationwide overcome production shortfalls, skills gaps, and tight deadlines. Since 2004, we’ve deployed skilled tradespeople and engineers to top companies in industries like aerospace, automotive, defense, electronics, and more.

At FlexTrades, technicians earn competitive pay, build new skills, and gain hands-on experience while working in world-class facilities across the country. We handle travel and logistics so you can focus on your craft, your growth, and work that truly matters.

Key Responsibilities

• Ensure automation systems are safe, scalable, and production-ready while serving as the PLC backbone integrating motion, robotics, vision, and data systems.
• Offline PLC work will be the first phase the engineer/PLC Programmer will first write and structure the PLC and safety logic away from the machine, using drawings and process descriptions rather than live equipment.
• The goal is to complete most of the control logic, sequencing, safety, and system interfaces before hardware is powered up. Once the machine is built, the role transitions to on‑site commissioning where the prewritten code is connected to real devices and finalized.
• Design, program, and commission PLC systems using Siemens TIA Portal (V19+)
• Develop structured, reusable PLC code (LAD, SCL, FBD, GRAPH)
• Own machine sequencing, interlocks, I/O handling, and fault logic
• Implement Siemens Fail-Safe PLC safety architectures (ISO 13849)
• Integrate servo drives and motion via PROFIdrive and Technology Objects
• Design PROFINET networks and PLC handshaking
• Support HMI and MES integration via OPC-UA
• Support FAT, SAT, commissioning, and ramp-up
• Document system behavior, alarms, and sequences

Required Qualifications

• 7+ years of industrial PLC programming experience with Siemens TIA Portal expertise
• Functional safety and Fail-Safe PLC experience
• Servo motion and drive integration experience
• Industrial networking and commissioning experience

Preferred / Transferable Experience

• System integration or custom machine background

• Electronics or medical manufacturing experience

• Rockwell PLC background with Siemens exposure

• Experience collaborating with robotics and vision teams

Pay and Benefits:

• Pay: $85 – $120 per hour (experience dependent)
• Guaranteed 50 hrs each week. Overtime Each Week paid at time and a half
• Access to a full suite of benefits
• Travel Pay to and from the project
• Paid lodging (Single-Occupancy Hotel Room)
• Per diem ($45/day)
• Must meet drug test requirements
• Job Type: Contract

FlexTrades is an equal opportunity / affirmative action employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees, including individuals with disabilities and veterans.

Let FlexTrades help to place you where your expertise is needed the most. Apply today!

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Health insurance
• Referral program
• Vision insurance