Senior PLC Controls Engineer

We are recruiting a Senior PLC Controls Engineer to join an established engineering and automation business, working on a varied portfolio of industrial automation and material handling projects across the UK.

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced PLC Controls Engineer who enjoys taking ownership of projects from initial design and programming through to installation and commissioning.

You will play a key role within the existing engineering team, working independently on projects while helping shape the future of the department as the business brings more control systems work in-house and builds a team around this position.

THE ROLE

This is a varied, hands-on position combining home working, office-based design and programming, and site-based installation and commissioning.

You will typically spend several months designing and developing control systems before moving on-site to install, test and commission the completed systems. Site assignments can last up to a month at a time, so flexibility and a willingness to work away from home are essential.

Projects will primarily involve warehouse automation, material handling and industrial automation systems.

Responsibilities will include:

• Designing, developing and modifying PLC programs for industrial automation systems.
• Programming PLCs using Siemens, Allen-Bradley Rockwell, Mitsubishi and Codesys platforms.
• Developing control systems using Ladder Logic, Structured Text (ST), Function Block Diagram (FBD) and SCL.
• Designing and programming SCADA and HMI applications, including Siemens WinCC, Ignition and FactoryTalk View.
• Developing bespoke industrial software applications and internal tools using C++, C# and Visual Basic.
• Working with electrical control panels and understanding their design, operation and integration with PLC systems.
• Installing, testing, commissioning and fault-finding control systems at customer sites.
• Reverse engineering existing systems to support replacement, upgrades and redevelopment.
• Producing technical documentation and providing system training where required.
• Managing projects independently, taking responsibility for technical delivery and maintaining strong client relationships.
• Contributing to the development of the wider engineering team as the business expands its in-house capabilities.

ESSENTIAL SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

• Strong Siemens PLC programming experience.
• A solid electrical engineering background, including an understanding of electrical control panels.
• Experience designing, developing and modifying PLC programs.
• A good understanding of industrial automation and control systems.
• Confidence working directly with customers and communicating technical information clearly.
• The ability to manage projects independently, from initial design through to on-site installation and commissioning.
• A full UK driving licence and willingness to travel throughout the UK and stay away from home when required.

DESIRABLE SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

• Experience with Allen-Bradley Rockwell, Mitsubishi or Codesys PLC systems.
• SCADA development using Ignition, Siemens WinCC or FactoryTalk View.
• HMI programming using Siemens, Allen-Bradley, Proface or EZ Automation.
• JMobile applications.
• Programming languages including C++, C# and Visual Basic.
• Functional safety and safety control system design.
• AutoCAD and technical system documentation.
• Experience with warehouse automation, material handling equipment or similar industrial environments.

WHAT'S ON OFFER?

Salary of £50,000 - £75,000, depending on experience.

A varied role combining home, office and UK-wide site-based work.

The opportunity to take ownership of projects and work with a high level of autonomy.

A senior position with the opportunity to help shape and develop a growing team.

A supportive engineering environment within an established team of approximately 10–20 people.

Team-building events and a positive, collaborative working culture.

The opportunity to help bring technical expertise back in-house and make a genuine impact on the future of the business

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