Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Develop and support advanced automated material handling systems in aviation security.
- Company: Join a specialist engineering team in a high-growth sector.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, international project exposure, and clear path to permanent position.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for international travel and career growth.
- Why this job: Work on cutting-edge technology with global impact in airport environments.
- Qualifications: Strong PLC expertise and hands-on commissioning experience required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
We are seeking an experienced PLC Controls 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, develop straight through to global deployment commissioning and on-site support.
Key Responsibilities of the PLC Controls 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 programs and system configurations
Essential Requirements of the PLC Controls 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
Experience of the PLC Controls Engineer:
- 5+ years relevant industry experience within automotive, aerospace or automation
- Experience of leading mechanical materials 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
To be considered for this role please either hit the 'Apply' button on this site or email your CV directly. You must be eligible to live and work within the UK. Sponsorship is not provided. 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.
Locations
PLC Controls Engineer in Cheshire, Warrington employer: ATA Recruitment
Contact Detail:
ATA Recruitment Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land PLC Controls Engineer in Cheshire, Warrington
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the engineering field, especially those who work in automation or material handling. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings that aren't even advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! When you get the chance to meet potential employers, whether at a job fair or an informal meet-up, bring along examples of your work. A portfolio showcasing your PLC programming and commissioning projects can really make you stand out.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on common technical questions related to PLC systems and material handling. We recommend practising with a friend or using online resources to simulate the interview experience. Confidence is key!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s super easy and ensures your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we’re always updating our listings, so keep checking back for new opportunities that match your skills.
We think you need these skills to ace PLC Controls Engineer in Cheshire, Warrington
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience with PLC systems and material handling. We want to see how your skills match the role, so don’t be shy about showcasing your Siemens PLC expertise!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re the perfect fit for the PLC Controls Engineer role. Share specific examples of your hands-on commissioning experience and how you've tackled challenges in live environments.
Showcase Your Technical Skills: When filling out your application, be sure to mention your technical skills clearly. Highlight your experience with robotics integration and fault-finding, as these are key aspects of the job we’re looking to fill.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity in the aviation security sector!
How to prepare for a job interview at ATA Recruitment
✨Know Your PLCs Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your Siemens PLC expertise, especially with TIA Portal and S7 series. Be ready to discuss specific projects where you've developed or maintained PLC control systems, as this will show your hands-on experience.
✨Showcase Your Troubleshooting Skills
Prepare examples of how you've diagnosed and resolved faults in live operational environments. Highlight any experiences where you had to think on your feet, as this role requires quick problem-solving in high-pressure situations.
✨Understand the Full System Lifecycle
Familiarise yourself with the entire process from design to deployment and support. Be ready to discuss how you've collaborated with multidisciplinary teams during these phases, as teamwork is crucial in this role.
✨Be Ready for Technical Questions
Expect questions about configuring managed switches and integrating robotics systems. Brush up on VLAN setup, port access control, and performance monitoring, as these are key aspects of the job that you’ll need to demonstrate knowledge in.