Lead Industrial Programmer - Engineering & Automation

About Us

Pillar Innovations is an Industrial Solutions and Service Company with over 15 years of experience in the Energy, Mining, Industrial Construction, Aggregate, and Renewables Industries. The Corporate Headquarters are located in Grantsville, MD with several offices throughout the country. Are you looking for a place to expand your skills and grow in a career? Our company promotes continuous learning, diverse work opportunities, and flexibility. We also provide defined career path advancement, full benefits, and a variety of apprenticeship/continuing education programs. We pride ourselves on the versatility of our skillsets and the variety of services that we provide to our customers. We maintain a high level of respect and dignity for our employees, customers, and for the communities that we serve. We have always held a high regard for providing a flexible work-life balance for our employees and we will continue to do so. We are a diverse and rapidly growing company that is continually on the lookout for emerging markets and opportunities. As an employee, the keys to success are maintaining a positive, can-do attitude and a strong sense of ambition and safety. These key attributes have contributed greatly to the success of our company and to the advancement of our workforce. Openings for experienced workers and training for entry level positions are always available. Start a career with us today!

Position Overview

As a Lead Industrial Programmer – Engineering & Automation, you’ll be at the forefront of designing and delivering advanced automation solutions—guiding projects from initial concept through installation and startup. This is a leadership role for someone who enjoys both high-level problem-solving and rolling up their sleeves to make things work in the real world.

 

You’ll support a diverse mix of projects, including custom electromechanical equipment, control panels, robotics, vision systems, drives, and other industrial automation technologies. In this role, you’ll provide technical direction and mentorship to assigned engineering personnel while collaborating closely with technicians, engineers, project managers, and customers to ensure successful project execution.

 

This position offers variety and challenge, with work performed on customer sites, in the shop, and in the office as project needs dictate. If you enjoy seeing your code drive real machinery and systems in the field, this role delivers that hands-on impact.

 

The ideal candidate brings expert-level knowledge of industrial controls, a strong automation programming background, and a willingness to be hands-on in both shop and field environments. Flexibility is key, as this position requires travel with overnight stays and overtime as needed to support project demands.

What You'll Do

• Oversee and perform SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) development
• Oversee and advise as to PLC and HMI programming, (ex. RS Logix 500/5000, Studio 5000, etc.) commissioning, testing, and troubleshooting on machines, production lines, conveyor systems, etc.
• Oversee integration of various instrumentation such as pressure sensors, load cells, flow meters, etc.
• Create project bids on projects as needed and review and approve bids from other personnel
• Direct and define the scope of work and be able to communicate parameters with customers and Engineering personnel
• Recognize, maintain, and pursue business opportunities with new and existing customers
• Recognize and recommend improvements and enhancements to customers
• Recognize and immediately communicate design changes to Engineers and Project Management that are not included in the Scope of Work or active Change Orders

Working Conditions

• Walk / use hands to finger, handle or feel objects or tools / reach with hands and arms / climb ladders and stairs / crawl / kneel
• Sit, talk, listen, observe, read, write, and type
• Lift and/or move up to 50 pounds unassisted
• Perform work on site in industrial locations with occasional underground and/or at heights

What You'll Bring

• 8+ years’ relevant programming experience preferred
• Possess relevant programming certifications or coursework preferred
• Advanced proficiency with personal computers to include Microsoft Office Suite, setup, configuration, networking, IP Addresses, etc.
• Active as a customer point of contact
• Proficient with PLC and HMI software such as Rockwell Automation RSLogix, FactoryTalk View, and Ignition required
• Possesses a strong understanding of overall industrial systems, processes, and control methods
• Ability to oversee multiple projects simultaneously
• Experience bidding/quoting required

How We'll Support You