Programming / PLC Technician
About the job
- At least 2 years of experience in industrial automation or mining controls is preferred.
- Proficiency with Allen-Bradley ControlLogix and CompactLogix platforms is required; experience with ABB or Toshiba systems is a plus.
- Strong understanding of electrical schematics, control wiring, and instrumentation is required.
- MSHA certification is preferred, or willingness to obtain it.
- An associate or bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering Technology, Industrial Automation, or a related field is preferred.
- Develop, modify, and maintain PLC programs for mining equipment, conveyors, ventilation, dewatering, and power distribution systems.
- Troubleshoot automation faults using ladder logic, function block, and structured text programming.
- Integrate and calibrate field devices, including sensors, variable frequency drives, relays, encoders, and communication interfaces.
- Perform diagnostics and network maintenance on Ethernet/IP, Modbus TCP, and fiber-optic communication systems.
- Support real-time data acquisition, historian, and SCADA interfaces.
- Coordinate with electrical and mechanical maintenance teams to minimize downtime and resolve faults rapidly.
- Maintain and document PLC backups, I/O maps, network diagrams, and revision control for all systems.
- Assist in commissioning new equipment and verify interlocks, control logic, and safety circuits.
- Provide technical training and field support to electricians and maintenance personnel on control systems.
- Work with engineering and operations to improve process efficiency and equipment reliability through automation upgrades.
- Experience with ABB or Toshiba control systems is a plus.
- MSHA certification is preferred.
- An associate or bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering Technology, Industrial Automation, or a related field is preferred.
- Experience in industrial automation or mining controls is preferred.
About the company
Foresight Energy produces and sells thermal coal from underground mines in the Illinois Basin. Its affiliated mining operations extract coal with longwall and continuous-miner equipment, then process it in preparation plants for shipment. Electric utilities and industrial customers purchase coal in specified qualities and volumes for domestic use and export markets. The business coordinates mine operators, preparation facilities and transport access, including blending to specified quality and supplying customers by rail, barge and truck. Foresight Energy LLC was formed in 2006, and the group maintains its corporate headquarters in St. Louis, Missouri.
Company Size
501-1,000
Company Stage
N/A
Total Funding
N/A
Headquarters
St. Louis, Missouri
Founded
2006
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Simplify's Take
What believers are saying
- Foresight's October 2025 mechanical-engineer posting advertised $65,000 to $78,000 annually plus potential performance bonuses.
- Foresight reports fire-emergency training for over 125 miners, building dedicated response skills within its workforce.
- Foresight complexes are designed for up to seven longwalls and 50 million tons of annual productive capacity.
What critics are saying
- Foresight's idle Macoupin mine carries a $2 million annual fee to Natural Resource Partners through at least 2026.
- Foresight targets utilities with emission controls, tying market access to customers' scrubber and blending capabilities.
- Viking mine examiners face 12-hour shifts, several miles of underground walking and lifting up to 115 pounds.
What makes Foresight Energy unique
- Foresight's wholly owned Sitran Terminal offers 25 million tons of annual throughput capacity and coal blending.
- Sugar Camp's two longwall mines share surface infrastructure while retaining separate personnel and equipment access.
- Foresight's portable rescue drill reaches 1,000 feet, paired with a surface escape hoist and rescue capsules.
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Benefits
- Health Insurance
- Dental Insurance
- Vision Insurance
- Life Insurance
- 401(k) Retirement Plan
- Paid Holidays
- Paid Vacation