What does a process control programmer do?
Process control programmer responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real process control programmer resumes:
- Implement and automate existing manual process, to create CRF by creating new database objects in SQL and macro in excel.
- Play key role in developing and installing Wonderware HMI to interface to PLC and DCS systems.
- Convert customer files from FTP sites to BCC compatible formats ensuring files meet USPS postal regulations.
- Modify PLC and DCS systems and programs to adapt the steelmaking process to be more efficient, cleaner, and safer.
- Analyze and correct errors in JCL and programs.
- Process, program, and assist in set-up of CNC mills.
- Design and implement extensive sequential state logic (SC/SA) in the DCS.
- Process counts and orders according to client specifications using various software and QC tools.
- Create band pass filters and fft routines in MATLAB for time series analysis of resting state fMRI data.
- Coordinate with UCLA's LONI group, in developing XML data structures to allow index uploads to their repository.
- Create custom pages integrate with company database using HTML and VisualForce to allow public access to records via company website.
- Authore project scope documents and define technical specifications; direct technical team members in coding, testing, and debugging systems/applications.
- Authore project scope documents and define technical specifications; direct technical team members in coding, testing, and debugging systems/applications.
Process control programmer skills and personality traits
We calculated that 20% of Process Control Programmers are proficient in HMI, PLC, and Data Processing. They’re also known for soft skills such as Computer skills, Dexterity, and Mechanical skills.
We break down the percentage of Process Control Programmers that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- HMI, 20%
Developed HMI graphics, consolidating large amounts of information into intuitive displays.
- PLC, 19%
Update and modify prints and schematics for PLC and DCS Systems.
- Data Processing, 15%
Automated data processing for a major asset management company's campaign.
- Control Systems, 14%
Provide guidance and training as necessary to support the Process Control Systems.
- XML, 4%
Coordinated with UCLA's LONI group, in developing XML data structures to allow indexed uploads to their repository.
- BCC, 4%
Converted customer files from FTP sites to BCC compatible formats ensuring files met USPS postal regulations.
Common skills that a process control programmer uses to do their job include "hmi," "plc," and "data processing." You can find details on the most important process control programmer responsibilities below.
Computer skills. One of the key soft skills for a process control programmer to have is computer skills. You can see how this relates to what process control programmers do because "metal and plastic machine workers often must be able to use programmable devices, computers, and robots on the factory floor." Additionally, a process control programmer resume shows how process control programmers use computer skills: "general computer systems maintenance and troubleshooting throughout the office for windows based machines. "
Dexterity. Many process control programmer duties rely on dexterity. "metal and plastic machine workers who work in metal and plastic machined goods manufacturing use precise hand movements to make the necessary shapes, cuts, and edges that designs require.," so a process control programmer will need this skill often in their role. This resume example is just one of many ways process control programmer responsibilities rely on dexterity: "analyzed finesse system to determine economic feasibility and usability to add on to deltav. "
Mechanical skills. Another skill that relates to the job responsibilities of process control programmers is mechanical skills. This skill is critical to many everyday process control programmer duties, as "metal and plastic machine workers set up and operate machinery." This example from a resume shows how this skill is used: "generated all of the electrical schematic diagrams, panel layouts and mechanical drawings for the system using autocad. "
Physical strength. A big part of what process control programmers do relies on "physical strength." You can see how essential it is to process control programmer responsibilities because "metal and plastic machine workers must be strong enough to guide and load heavy and bulky parts and materials into machines." Here's an example of how this skill is used from a resume that represents typical process control programmer tasks: "designed and programed psychophysical tasks for fmri using python, matlab, e-prime, and unix shell scripting. "
The three companies that hire the most process control programmers are:
- Japs-Olson2 process control programmers jobs
- Kelly Services1 process control programmers jobs
- American Fidelity1 process control programmers jobs
Compare different process control programmers
Process control programmer vs. Senior associate
The Responsibilities of a Senior Associate will depend on the line of organization or industry. Most of the time, the duties will revolve around conducting various testing and assessments, planning and analysis, developing innovative solutions to boost company productivity, and keeping an organized flow of documentation. Furthermore, it is the responsibility of a Senior to Associate to lead a team of skilled professionals and shape them with extensive knowledge while adhering to its policies and regulations.
There are some key differences in the responsibilities of each position. For example, process control programmer responsibilities require skills like "hmi," "plc," "data processing," and "control systems." Meanwhile a typical senior associate has skills in areas such as "project management," "business development," "powerpoint," and "financial services." This difference in skills reveals the differences in what each career does.
The education levels that senior associates earn slightly differ from process control programmers. In particular, senior associates are 14.5% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree than a process control programmer. Additionally, they're 8.4% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Process control programmer vs. Module lead
The primary duties of a Module Lead include academic leadership, management, and assessment of the assigned modules. They conduct all monitoring, evaluation, and review of activities, as well as respond to students feedback.
Each career also uses different skills, according to real process control programmer resumes. While process control programmer responsibilities can utilize skills like "hmi," "plc," "data processing," and "control systems," module leads use skills like "java," "onsite," "web services," and "data warehouse."
In general, module leads achieve higher levels of education than process control programmers. They're 21.2% more likely to obtain a Master's Degree while being 8.4% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Process control programmer vs. Technical analyst
A technical analyst is responsible for analyzing technical information and aligning it to the business strategies and procedures in meeting project goals. Technical analysts monitor technical system errors and provide immediate resolutions to ensure an efficient and smooth flow of operations. They comply with the business requirements and clients' specifications to facilitate the technical team with the best techniques to get the job done. A technical analyst should have excellent critical-thinking and communication skills, as well as having a broad knowledge of the technology industry and disciplines.
Some important key differences between the two careers include a few of the skills necessary to fulfill the responsibilities of each. Some examples from process control programmer resumes include skills like "hmi," "plc," "data processing," and "control systems," whereas a technical analyst is more likely to list skills in "java," "digital transformation," "customer service," and "strong analytical. "
Most technical analysts achieve a higher degree level compared to process control programmers. For example, they're 8.7% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree, and 0.4% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Process control programmer vs. Systems analyst
A systems analyst is responsible for monitoring the effectiveness of technology systems and analyzing its efficiency for business operations and clients' needs. Systems analysts create specific modifications to operating systems and help design solutions and processes. Other tasks include managing the system's workflow, diagnosing and detecting malfunctions, performing troubleshooting, and assisting clients' with their concerns. A systems analyst must have excellent command with programming languages and the knowledge with the technology industry to understand systems' complexities and processes.
Types of process control programmer
Updated January 8, 2025
