PLC Software Engineer – Industrial Automation (Material Handling & Controls)
Location: North West UK (must be based in the region)
Type: 6-Month Contract → Permanent (Full-time)
Salary: £60,000 – £80,000
On-site: 5 days per week (38 hours) with global travel required
About the Role
We are seeking an experienced PLC Software Engineer to join a specialist engineering team delivering advanced automated material handling systems used in aviation security environments worldwide.
This is a hands‑on role focused on the development, commissioning, and support of high-throughput conveyor-based systems used in airport passenger screening lanes. You will play a key role across the full system lifecycle—from design, development, straight through to global deployment commissioning and on‑site support.
Key Responsibilities of the PLC Software Engineer
- Develop and maintain PLC control systems for automated conveyor and material handling solutions
- Support integration of robotics and automated movement systems
- Perform on‑site commissioning, installation, and system optimisation
- Diagnose and resolve faults in live operational environments
- Collaborate with multidisciplinary engineering teams across design, build, and deployment phases
- Provide technical support during international project delivery
- Design and develop comprehensive PLC‑controlled material handling systems, including hardware selection, plc programming, and integration
- Configure and program managed switches, including VLAN setup, port access control, security patching, redundancy implementation, and performance monitoring
- Troubleshoot and resolve operational issues with integrated systems promptly and systematically
- Provide technical support and assistance to field engineers during system installation and commissioning
- Document and maintain detailed records of PLC programmes and system configurations
Essential Requirements of the PLC Software Engineer
- Must be based in Cheshire
- Strong experience with material handling systems (conveyors and robotics essential)
- Proven Siemens PLC expertise (e.g. TIA Portal, S7 series)
- Demonstrated hands‑on commissioning experience
- Strong fault‑finding and troubleshooting skills in live environments
- Ability to read and interpret electrical and mechanical drawings
- Willingness to travel internationally
- Experience integrating robotics systems
- Background in high‑throughput or automated environments (e.g. logistics, airports, warehousing)
- Practical experience in commissioning and support background
- 5+ Years relevant industry experience within automotive, aerospace or automation
- Experience of leading mechanical material handling projects
- HND Automation and Controls Engineering (ESSENTIAL)
- Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering (Desirable)
- Experienced on Siemens products and toolsets
Important Note
❌ This role is not suitable for candidates from process industries (e.g. oil & gas, chemicals, water treatment).
What’s on Offer
- Work on cutting‑edge aviation security automation systems deployed globally
- Opportunity for international project exposure within airport environments
- Involvement across the full system lifecycle (build → test → deploy → support)
- Long‑term career opportunity within a specialist, high‑growth sector
- Competitive salary and clear path to a permanent position
ATA is committed to creating a diverse workforce and is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of age, disability, gender, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation.
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