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Have you thought about becoming a PLC programmer? The role of a senior PLC programmer has several requirements, including education and background experience. You will also want to know the responsibilities of the job. Here is a deep dive into what a senior PLC program is, what skills you must have, the expertise to succeed, and the overall responsibilities of the job.

Education

A bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering, automation engineering, or a related field is often preferred. However, some professionals may acquire the necessary skills and experience through technical diplomas or certifications.

Skills

The skills required for PLC programmers include the following:

• Proficiency in PLC programming languages: A senior PLC programmer should have in-depth knowledge of various PLC programming languages such as ladder logic, structured text, function block diagram, and sequential function chart. They should be able to design, program, troubleshoot, and maintain PLC systems effectively.
• Knowledge of PLC hardware: Understanding the architecture and operation of different PLC hardware platforms is essential. This includes familiarity with input/output modules, communication protocols, and networking.
• HMI and SCADA systems: Experience with Human-Machine Interface (HMI) and Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems is beneficial, as these are often used with PLCs to monitor and control industrial processes.
• Electrical and control system knowledge: An understanding of electrical circuits, control systems, instrumentation, and industrial automation is vital for senior PLC programmers. They should be able to interpret electrical schematics, perform troubleshooting, and integrate PLC systems with other equipment.
• Software development skills: Programming in general-purpose languages such as C/C++, Python, or Java can be valuable for advanced PLC programming tasks, custom software development, and integration with other systems.
• Problem-solving and troubleshooting: Senior PLC programmers should possess strong problem-solving abilities. They should be able to analyze complex issues, identify root causes, and implement effective solutions efficiently.

Experience

Employers hiring for these roles look for specific experience, including:

• Extensive PLC programming experience: Typically, several years of hands-on experience working with PLCs and related systems is required to reach the senior level. This includes designing, programming, testing, and commissioning PLC systems across various industrial applications.
• Project management skills: Senior PLC programmers may be responsible for leading or managing automation projects. Experience in project management, including planning, coordinating resources, and meeting project deadlines, is beneficial.

Responsibilities

The daily responsibilities of a senior PLC programmer revolve around designing, programming, and maintaining Programmable Logic Controller systems. They collaborate with engineers and technicians to understand the requirements of industrial automation projects, analyze control system needs, and develop PLC programming solutions. They create or modify ladder logic diagrams, function block diagrams, or other programming languages to control machinery and processes. Senior PLC programmers conduct thorough testing and debugging to ensure proper functionality and optimize system performance. They provide technical support and troubleshooting expertise, resolving any PLC-related issues that may arise. Additionally, they may collaborate with cross-functional teams, oversee project timelines, and provide guidance to junior programmers or technicians. Continuous learning and staying updated on emerging technologies in PLC programming are also part of their responsibilities.

For help finding your next PLC programmer position, get in touch with our team!

Hiring a senior engineer is a high-stakes game. You need someone who has plenty of experience, can be an excellent mentor to less experienced engineers and has a vast array of technical skills. So what qualities are most important when evaluating senior engineers before making a hiring decision? Let's take a closer look.

Determination

Engineers should have the tenacity to begin a project, problem-solve when necessary, hit deadlines, and complete the requirements within an established time frame. Determination sums up all of these instincts. Look for accomplishments on their resume that showcase the ability to follow a problem to its conclusion and resolve issues important for their success.

Simplification

It's not uncommon for engineers to make the process feel overcomplicated. Not necessarily because it is, but because they understand concepts not everyone does. You want to work with engineers who can simplify the ideas to explain them to anyone who may not have the same background, experience, or knowledge.

Critical Thinking

Problem-solving is often the most crucial aspect of any engineering project. Even when the work goes smoothly, engineers need to be able to see several steps forward, and that takes critical thinking skills. You can see this on the resume in terms of data regarding their previous work experience. You can also assess critical thinking skills through testing.

Motivation

You also want to hire engineers who are excited about the opportunity and eager to advance their careers with your organization. Motivation can be challenging to measure, but you can see evidence of how they've taken action in the past. How often did they change jobs to get more responsibility? You can also ask questions related explicitly to motivation, such as "how do you stay motivated on the job?"

If you need help finding quality senior engineers, consider working with an experienced partner like itec group!

s it ever okay to include your hobbies in a resume? The engineering industry expands across many fields, so there may be some overlap in your free-time activities. If you have some engineering-related hobbies, it could round out your resume and make you a more attractive and exciting candidate to employers. Here is what you might consider including. 

Product Design and Invention  

Do you like to tinker with things in your garage? Have you invented things like Arduino robots or programmed anything with Raspberry Pi? If you have done product designs or inventions in your spare time, these are well worth showcasing on your resume, especially if you can point in the direction of the product or concept in action.  

Engines or Motorized Vehicles 

Tinkering doesn't have to be about invention. Working with mechanical machines, like car engines or other motorized vehicles, can also give you skills that will benefit an engineering employer. Feel free to put your car enthusiast experience on your resume if you've worked with engines, assembling, or other aspects of automotive technology.  

Interest in Med Tech Advancements 

Med tech has also been a hobby that can lead to a career in engineering and advancements in the industry. One such example was a cyber security expert who wanted to see if the insulin pump he was using was safe. He was able to hack into his own device and took this experience to conferences, eventually improving the security of these kinds of medical devices. Something like that is a great resume builder.  

Computer Programming and Languages 

Or maybe you love to geek out on computer programming or learn coding languages. If you've learned to work with computers, maybe to design a game or play around with websites, it can be a great introduction to your skills to include it as a hobby on your resume.  

If you're looking for ways to stand out against your engineering competition, these are a few jumping-off points! For help finding your next engineering role, turn to itec group! 

Have you thought about a career in quality control? There are many things to consider when looking into a new career path. What is quality control? What qualifications do you need for success? And how can you get started? Here are a few things you should know if you believe a quality control position is right for you.

What Is Quality Control?

Quality control is a significant part of manufacturing. As products are assembled or fabricated, it's essential to ensure that each piece meets the expected standards. Someone who works in any aspect of quality control will maintain these standards and ensure that products are compliant and correct when used.

What is a Day in the Life of Quality Control?

Several job titles fall under quality control. You may work as an analyst, associate, technician, or specialist, but all QC positions handle many of the same tasks. You will inspect and test products or parts and keep accurate records of the results. You will log all defects you discover. You'll also be responsible for maintaining any equipment for these processes.

What Skills Do You Need for Quality Control?

Along with any specific technical skills you might need for the industry for which you apply, you will also need to bring several soft skills to the table. You'll need good teamwork skills, fantastic attention to detail, good communication skills, excellent writing skills, and the ability to prioritize and manage your time.

How Do You Find a Quality Control Position?

Do you think a quality control position is right for you? If you have the background and skills to become a quality control technician, the first step is to apply with an agency specializing in manufacturing or similar industries like itec group. 

If you think you're ready to pursue a QC career, browse the open roles at itec group! 

Have you considered working with a recruiter to advance your engineering career? While most job seekers could benefit from working with a recruiter, tech job seekers should always harness the power of a staffing firm. Why? Because they have access to a vast network in your industry to help you find your next great opportunity. Here's what you should know.

Recruiters Want to Find the Best Talent

The top priority for recruiters is finding the best talent for their open positions. They are committed to their client companies to source top talent and place them in the roles. That means they will work hard to find a job for you because you will reflect well on their abilities to identify top candidates.

Recruiters Have Access to Jobs Not Available to the Public

One of the hidden benefits of working with recruiters is having access to more jobs than the public. Many companies will approach a staffing service before publishing a job posting online. If the recruiter fills the position, it never ends up posted to the public. You will have access to these opportunities.

Recruiters Can Help You Negotiate the Best Offer

Negotiating salary can be scary and even tricky. But when you work with a recruiter, they're on your side. They will work between you and their client to get you a great package.

Recruiters Become Your Career Support System

Just because you've accepted a position doesn't mean your relationship with your recruiter is over. Careers go through many ebbs and flows, and if you find yourself looking for a new job in the future, your recruiter is the best person to contact immediately. They know that you're a proven performer and will be able to help you find your next opportunity.

If you're considering working with a recruiter, get in touch with our team at itec group!

Are you looking for designers and drafters for your company? You will want to consider experience with engineering platforms when evaluating new talent, but which are most important and why? Here is a brief overview of the most common platforms and software programs designers and drafters are fluent in and how hiring someone with this expertise can help you achieve your business goals. 

AutoCAD

AutoCAD has been around since the early 1980s and is still one of the most popular tools for engineering today. It's computer-aided design software that allows drawing and modeling in both 2D and 3D. For drafters and engineers, it's one of the top tools at their disposal and may be one of the most common that you come across when hiring new talent. 

MATLAB

Used in engineering and science, MATLAB is a programming platform designed to allow users to analyze and develop systems and products. The system uses MATLAB, a matrix-based language designed for computational mathematics. It can make models, analyze data, and establish algorithms. 

SolidWorks

Developed in the 1990s, SolidWorks is a computer-aided design and computer-aided engineering applicant used for solid modeling. A 3D CAD component, the ability to analyze data, and production management software are all part of the SolidWorks platform. 

SketchUp

One of the most accessible design tools on the market today is SketchUp. It's a suite of easy-to-use subscription-based design tools. Many people interested in personal design took to SketchUp due to its simplicity and accessibility. Its intuitive 2D and 3D modeling platform makes it a popular choice for drafters and designers. 

MicroStation

This CAD software platform creates 2D and 3D designs for drafting, architecture, and engineering. It generates vector graphics for objects and elements and can include building information modeling. This platform can even create animations. 

If you're ready to hire your next drafter, reach out to our team at itec!

We are living in the age of The Great Resignation. Engineering talent all across Canada are considering alternatives to their current career paths. When you can't afford to lose your engineering experts, engagement is paramount. Engaged talent equals retained talent. Here are six tips for keeping your engineers engaged.

Develop Mentorships

Not only can a mentorship provide valuable insight for new employees, but it can also keep your current staff engaged. Allowing someone to share their knowledge, experience, skills, and insight will help them see where they fit in with the big picture of your company.

Provide Advancement Opportunities

Incoming employees don't want to feel like their new role will be the end of the road in their careers. They know that advancement won't happen overnight, but they want to see a clear path to a future with your organization. Show them how this is handled in your company.

Offer Additional Training

In the same vein, continue to invest in additional training for team members. This isn't just valuable for them; you will be able to take advantage of their new skills along the way. It's a great way to introduce new ideas and technology into your workplace culture.

Focus on Work/Life Balance

If the pandemic taught us one thing, our lives outside of work are critical to our professional success. Offering flexible, remote, or hybrid job opportunities will help your employees find better work/life balance. If you're not offering these perks, someone else will.

Communicate Your Corporate Culture

Your company culture and employer brand are essential for demonstrating your value to current and potential employees. They want to see how the company they work for participates in the community and treats their staff.

Value Your Employees

At the end of the day, if you're not valuing your employees' skills and experience, they will gladly find a new position with a company that does. Reevaluating your salary packages, benefits, and additional perks will help you stay competitive in this challenging employment market.

Are you struggling to bulk up your team? Get in touch with itec group!

As a technical candidate, it's not surprising that you focus on your analytical skills. If you have trouble with interpersonal relationships in the workplace, now may be the perfect time to reflect upon your soft skills. Soft skills are things like communication and teamwork. Here are a few examples of the soft skills people in highly technical roles need to cultivate.

Communication

Regardless of the specific skills or experience, every position relies on communication. Even if you typically work independently, there will always be some level of accountability with your managers, coworkers, or even customers. You will need to demonstrate your ability to communicate throughout the application and interview process effectively.

Creativity

While engineering and technology are analytical, data-based roles, there is always room for innovation. Problem-solving and critical thinking sometimes take a little added creativity to figure out the way out of a tight spot. Creative thinking will also help you develop new ideas that can move your position and company to the next level.

Adaptability

Whether it's individual situations or technological changes, adaptability is vital for technical roles. Stubborn behavior will only keep you boxed into old ideas and unwilling to explore new things. You may also find yourself in situations where you need to keep an open mind about your work, how you're doing, or the customers you're working with.

Interpersonal Skills

Beyond simple communication, technical professionals also need to understand interpersonal skills. It's okay if you have a particular communication style, but you may have to consider how other people communicate or work. You'll be adaptive but cooperative to determine solutions and develop positive relationships.

Are you ready to find a new engineering job? Start your search with itec group!

Are you a recent graduate with a bachelor's in engineering? Engineers are in demand across Canada, so now is the time to find your next great opportunity. With public works projects planned across Canada and many independent employees, it's important to strike while the iron is hot. As you begin your job search, here are the top three jobs you should consider.

Civil Engineering

Infrastructure projects and systems rely on civil engineers. A civil engineer will create a concept, design, and build these components. They're also responsible for operations, construction, and maintenance. These projects can include public and private sector projects such as roads, buildings, airports, bridges, dams, and more. Water supply and sewage treatment are other specializations for civil engineers.

It's an exciting career opportunity, especially if you are interested in public works. With new projects beginning in 2022 and beyond, now is a great time to get into the field with your new engineering degree.

Mechanical Engineer

A vast category of engineering, mechanical engineers, can have their hands in multiple industries and projects. At its core, mechanical engineering is the use of engineering processes for the design and manufacturing of products for the marketplace. That can mean almost anything from automotive to robotics and more. This means using your degree in mechanical engineering can lead you into multiple possible career futures.

An engineering degree can be your entry into anything from computer-aided design jobs to cyber security. Biotechnology, ergonomics, production planning, and manufacturing are also just a few other industries that utilize mechanical engineers.

Development Engineer

One of the most exciting uses for your engineering degree is as a development engineer. Development engineers are the problem solvers. When something does not work, their job is to make it work again. Companies across all sectors and industries will work with development engineers to help them develop new technologies or improve existing tools.

As you get into your engineering career, you can become a developmental engineer to help companies optimize their solutions and create new ways of doing things to increase efficiency and effectiveness.

Connect with us to discuss current opportunities in engineering.

2022 is already here. After a difficult two years, we're all looking forward to the future. Here are the things we're predicting in the engineering field and the job outlook. The industry as a whole is expected to grow 4% before 2029, but some areas anticipate faster growth, with industrial engineering at a surprising 10% jump. 95,000 engineers were predicted to retire across Canada in the last two years, though the pandemic affected that number. What does all of this mean for Canadian employers looking to build their team of rockstars? Here are some ideas to get you started.

Update Your Job Offer

With all the lessons we've learned around COVID-19 and The Great Resignation, companies need to adjust their job offers to attract top candidates at all levels. You need to know what the talent pool wants most in a job, and while salary and benefits are essential, there are plenty of other things on which to focus. Make sure you're competitive but offering what job seekers want.

Use Employee Referral Programs

Up to 40% of new hires come from employee referrals. On top of that, those employees are more likely to stay with your company for four or more years. Employee referral programs work when you tie the process into the success of the new hire. Employees want to maintain their reputation and increase their employer trust by making great recommendations.

Hone Interviewing Techniques

Interviewing is as much an art as it is a science. To drill down to find top talent when you're in the hiring process, you need to create an effective interview strategy. Not only do you have to make sure your hiring is fair and compliant, but you also need to ask the right questions. To increase your effectiveness, use a checklist for each candidate, so you compare all of the same criteria before making a decision.

Improve Employer Brand

Your employer brand is your reputation as an employer. It encompasses things like your social media presence, your candidate experience, and your employee brand ambassadors. Just like most of us don't make a purchasing decision without checking reviews, candidates will evaluate all aspects of your employer brand before deciding if they want to pursue an opportunity with your company. By improving your brand, you can attract top Canadian talent to your company.

Partner with a Recruitment Firm

If you need to build your team of engineering rockstars in 2022, the first step can be as simple as connecting with a recruitment firm. By partnering with itec group, we can help you source, interview, hire, and onboard excellent engineering talent in your open positions.

Contact itec group to learn more today!