Why this resume works
- Quantifies accomplishments: By showcasing measurable accomplishments, such as a 25% efficiency boost and $50,000 in annual savings, the applicant clearly illustrates their impact and value.
- Highlights industry-specific skills: Industry-specific skills, such as PLC programming and process integration, indicate the applicant’s readiness for roles in automation and control systems.
- Uses action-oriented language: Strong action verbs like “optimized,” “led,” and “developed” effectively convey initiative and success, demonstrating the applicant’s dynamic approach to tasks.
More PLC Programmer Resume Examples
Our PLC programmer resume examples show how to spotlight your technical skills, automation expertise, and project experience. Use these electrical engineering resume samples to create a resume that showcases your strengths and positions you in control systems roles.
Entry-Level PLC Programmer
Why this resume works
- Centers on academic background: The education section showcases prestigious degrees in electrical and mechatronics engineering, emphasizing advanced automation expertise, which is important for someone starting out in a technical field.
- Effective use of keywords: Strategic placement of key terms like “PLC programming” and “HMI development” ensures the resume aligns with keywords essential for passing through applicant tracking systems (ATS).
- Shows digital literacy: Technical skills such as SCADA Systems and control systems design highlight digital literacy, aligning with computer skills necessary for modern work environments.
Mid-Level PLC Programmer
Why this resume works
- Points to measurable outcomes: By detailing achievements like reducing system downtime by 25% and saving $50K annually, the applicant paints a vivid picture of their impact on company efficiency.
- Displays technical expertise: Mastery in PLC programming and certifications from top industry bodies speak volumes about the applicant’s technical prowess and dedication to automation excellence.
- Demonstrates language abilities: The applicant’s language skills in Spanish, French, and German indicate their ability for cross-cultural collaborations.
Experienced PLC Programmer
Why this resume works
- Lists relevant certifications: Listing certifications like the Certified Automation Professional and Siemens PLC Specialist shows the applicant’s dedication to maintaining cutting-edge expertise in automation.
- Showcases impressive accomplishments: Highlighting accomplishments such as a 20% increase in production, this resume effectively captures senior-level impact and technical excellence.
- Focuses on work history: The applicant uses a chronological resume format to present an extensive work history, showcasing career progression and consistent achievements in industrial automation.
PLC Programmer Resume Template (Text Version)
Donna Bryant
Parkview, MO 65702
(555)555-5555
Donna.Bryant@example.com
Professional Summary
Experienced PLC Programmer with a strong background in automation, process optimization, and project management. Proven track record of enhancing system efficiency and cost savings.
Work History
PLC Programmer
Automation Solutions Inc. – Parkview, MO
July 2022 – June 2025
- Optimized PLC systems, improving efficiency by 25%
- Led a team to integrate new processes, cutting downtime by 15%
- Developed custom software solutions, saving K annually
Automation Engineer
TechWave Industrial – St. Charles, MO
July 2018 – June 2022
- Implemented automated tests, reducing errors by 30%
- Designed user interfaces, enhancing usability by 20%
- Managed projects boosting team output by 10%
Control Systems Analyst
Precision Controls Corp. – Chesterfield, MO
July 2015 – June 2018
- Analyzed system data, increasing performance by 20%
- Consulted on projects, saving clients an average of K
- Streamlined database systems, cutting costs by 15%
Skills
- PLC Programming
- System Optimization
- Process Integration
- User Interface Design
- Project Management
- Data Analysis
- Custom Software Development
- Automated Testing
Education
Master of Science Electrical Engineering
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, IL
May 2015
Bachelor of Science Computer Engineering
University of Texas Austin, TX
May 2013
Certifications
- Certified Automation Professional – International Society of Automation
- Control Systems Technician – ISA
Languages
- Spanish – Beginner (A1)
- German – Intermediate (B1)
- French – Beginner (A1)
Related Resume Guides
Advice for Writing Your PLC Programmer Resume
Explore our tips on how to write a resume for a PLC programmer position and discover how to highlight your programming skills, automation experience, and knack for troubleshooting.
Highlight relevant technical skills
For a PLC programmer, strong technical skills are essential. To make your resume stand out, include a dedicated skills section and integrate these abilities into your work experience descriptions. This allows employers to quickly assess your expertise and see how well you align with their technical requirements.
Effective PLC programmers typically have a solid grasp of programming languages such as ladder logic and structured text, along with hands-on experience with major PLC platforms like Siemens, Allen-Bradley, and Schneider Electric. Familiarity with Human-Machine Interface (HMI) development, control system troubleshooting, and process automation tools is also highly valued.
When listing your skills, be specific about the tools, platforms, and systems you’ve used. Whether you’re designing logic sequences or debugging field equipment, your ability to apply technology to solve complex problems is key. By clearly presenting your technical strengths, you demonstrate your readiness to contribute to system optimization and automation projects from day one.
Example of a technical skills section
- PLC programming (Siemens, Allen-Bradley, Schneider Electric)
- Ladder logic and function block diagram
- Human-machine interface (HMI) design
- Supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) systems
- Industrial networking protocols (Ethernet/IP, Modbus, Profibus)
- Control system integration and troubleshooting
- Variable frequency drives (VFDs) configuration
- Programmable automation controllers (PACs)
- Robotic system interfacing
- Process instrumentation and control
You can use our Resume Builder to craft a resume that highlights technical skills in addition to key soft skills like teamwork, communication, and adaptability.
Quantify your accomplishments
Quantifying your accomplishments as a PLC programmer makes your resume far more impactful than simply listing job duties. When you include measurable outcomes, such as efficiency gains, cost savings, or production improvements, you demonstrate the value of your work. This allows hiring managers to quickly understand how your contributions made a difference in previous roles.
In the work experience section, be sure to include your job title, company name, location, and dates of employment. Then, turn routine responsibilities into meaningful achievements by adding metrics.
For instance, rather than saying “programmed PLCs for manufacturing processes,” you might write, “optimized PLC code to boost production efficiency by 20% and reduce downtime by 15%.” Action verbs combined with concrete data create a resume that’s results-driven and persuasive.
By showcasing specific, quantifiable accomplishments, you give employers a clear picture of your skills, problem-solving abilities, and real-world impact. This approach not only strengthens your resume but also positions you as a high-value candidate ready to contribute from day one.
5 PLC programmer work history bullet points
- Developed and implemented PLC programs for automated manufacturing systems, increasing production efficiency by 25%.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to troubleshoot and resolve system issues, reducing downtime by 15%.
- Designed and tested control logics for new machinery installations, contributing to a 20% improvement in operational reliability.
- Conducted training sessions for maintenance staff on PLC operations, improving team capabilities, and reducing error rates by 10%.
- Upgraded existing control systems to improve energy efficiency, resulting in a 12% reduction in electricity consumption.
Need some ideas for your resume? Check out our professional resume examples to see what makes a great first impression.
Write a powerful professional summary
A professional summary on a resume serves as an introduction for hiring managers, providing a snapshot of your skills and accomplishments. You can decide whether to use a summary or a resume objective based on your experience level and career goals.
A professional summary is a short paragraph showing your experience, skills, and achievements. It’s best for people with lots of experience in their field, like a PLC programmer who has been in the industry for years. The purpose is to highlight what you’ve done and why you’re valuable to potential employers.
On the other hand, resume objectives are statements about career goals. They work well for those just starting, changing careers, or returning to work after time off. Think of it as “what I’ve accomplished” versus “what I aim to contribute.” Now, we’ll look at examples of both summaries and objectives tailored for different industries and levels of experience.
PLC programmer resume summary examples
Entry-level
Recent graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering, specializing in industrial automation and PLC programming. Familiar with ladder logic and HMI development through academic projects and coursework. Holds a Siemens PLC certification and eager to apply foundational skills in control systems to support engineering teams in optimizing machinery performance.
Mid-career
PLC programmer with over five years of experience in manufacturing environments, focusing on automation solutions for process improvement. Skilled in programming Allen-Bradley and Siemens PLCs, developing efficient control algorithms, and troubleshooting system malfunctions. Contributed to a 15% increase in production line efficiency at previous employer by implementing advanced automated controls.
Experienced
Seasoned PLC programmer specializing in complex automation systems across diverse industries, including automotive and pharmaceuticals. Proven track record of leading cross-functional teams to design and integrate innovative control solutions that reduce downtime by up to 30%. Expert in SCADA systems implementation and recognized for mentoring junior programmers to improve team capabilities.
PLC programmer resume objective examples
Entry-level
Detail-oriented entry-level PLC programmer with a strong background in electrical engineering seeking to apply technical skills and knowledge to design, program, and maintain automated systems. Eager to contribute to a team-focused environment while improving the efficiency and reliability of operations through innovative PLC solutions.
Career changer
Dedicated professional transitioning into PLC programming from a career in industrial maintenance, bringing hands-on experience with machinery and automation technologies. Aspiring to leverage practical insights and newly acquired programming skills to support the development and optimization of automated processes.
Recent graduate
Enthusiastic recent graduate with a Bachelor of Science in electrical engineering, specializing in automation systems. Seeking an entry-level PLC programmer role to apply academic knowledge in logic controllers and system integration within a forward-thinking company focused on technological advancement.
Choose a clean and straightforward resume template with clear section headings and readable fonts, avoiding excessive design elements or flashy styles to let your skills stand out.
Showcase your credentials
For a PLC programmer, having certifications shows that you know your stuff. In technical fields, it’s important to prove you have the skills and knowledge needed for the job. Certifications do just that by showing you’ve met certain standards.
Creating a certifications section on your resume helps employers see these at a glance. It can sit right beside your education section to give a fuller picture of your qualifications. Here are a few examples of certifications to include on your resume:
- Siemens Certified Programmer
- Rockwell Automation Certified Programmer
- Mitsubishi Electric PLC Programming Certification
- Schneider Electric PLC Expert Certification
- Allen-Bradley ControlLogix Certificate
Listing these certifications makes it clear to employers that you’re ready for the challenges of being a PLC programmer. They show that you’re up-to-date with industry trends and tools. This focus on credentials can set you apart from others.
Example of a certifications section
Certified PLC Programmer
Issued by: Automation Training Institute
Issued 2022
Siemens S7 Programming Certification
Issued by: Siemens
Expires 2025
Rockwell Automation ControlLogix Programmer Certificate
Issued by: Rockwell Automation
Issued 2021
ISA Certified Automation Professional (CAP)
Issued by: International Society of Automation (ISA)
Expires 2026
Industrial Ethernet Specialist Certification
Issued by: Moxa Academy
Issued 2023
Use a polished and professional resume format that aligns with your experience level to ensure your skills and qualifications stand out to hiring managers.
FAQ
Do I need to include a cover letter with my PLC programmer resume?
Yes, including a cover letter with your PLC programmer resume can give you an edge over other applicants. It offers a chance to highlight your specific interest in the company and the role, while detailing any specialized skills or projects you’ve worked on.
For instance, if the company uses a particular brand of PLCs or has ongoing automation projects, mention your relevant experience or enthusiasm for those technologies.
You might consider using tools like our Cover Letter Generator to craft a personalized letter based on your resume or start from scratch with detailed guidance.
Additionally, reviewing cover letter examples tailored to technical roles can inspire and ensure that yours is structured effectively.
How long should a PLC programmer’s resume be?
For a PLC programmer, aim for a concise one-page resume to effectively showcase your key skills and experiences, like your expertise in programming languages, skill with PLC hardware and software, and experience in system troubleshooting and optimization.
If you have significant industry experience or advanced certifications relevant to specific systems or technologies, extending to a two-page resume is acceptable. Ensure every detail shows your problem-solving capabilities and recent projects demonstrating your skill in automation solutions.
Explore our guide on how long a resume should be for examples and tips tailored to different career stages.
How do you write a PLC programmer resume with no experience?
If you’re just stepping into a role as a PLC programmer without direct experience, focus on showcasing your programming and automation skills. Here are a few tips:
- Education and certifications: Highlight any degrees in engineering, computer science, or related fields. Include relevant coursework and certifications like Siemens or Allen-Bradley training programs.
- Projects and hands-on learning: Detail any personal or academic projects involving PLC systems. Mention programming languages used, such as Ladder Logic or Structured Text, and describe the project’s scope.
- Technical skills: Emphasize your knowledge of PLC hardware/software and any exposure to HMI/SCADA systems. List proficiencies in troubleshooting, logic development, and the use of simulation tools.
- Transferable skills: Showcase problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, analytical thinking, and teamwork skills drawn from other experiences or roles.
Explore our guide on how to write a resume with no experience for tips and examples to help you get started.
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