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- Tasks: Join a team to develop and support advanced automated material handling systems.
- Company: Specialist engineering firm focused on aviation security automation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, international travel, and long-term career growth.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for international project exposure.
- Why this job: Work on cutting-edge technology in a high-growth sector with global impact.
- Qualifications: Strong PLC experience, hands-on commissioning skills, and robotics integration knowledge.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Location: North West UK - Cheshire (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 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.
PLC Controls Engineer in Farnworth employer: ATA Recruitment
Contact Detail:
ATA Recruitment Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land PLC Controls Engineer in Farnworth
✨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 might not even be advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Prepare a portfolio showcasing your past projects, especially those involving PLC systems and automation. This will give potential employers a clear idea of what you can bring to the table.
✨Tip Number 3
Ace the interview! Research common interview questions for PLC Controls Engineers and practice your answers. Be ready to discuss your hands-on experience with Siemens PLCs and how you've tackled challenges in live environments.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we’re always on the lookout for talented engineers like you, so make sure you get your CV in!
We think you need these skills to ace PLC Controls Engineer in Farnworth
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the PLC Controls Engineer role. Highlight your experience with material handling systems and Siemens PLCs, as these are key for us. Use specific examples that showcase your skills in commissioning and troubleshooting.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Tell us why you're passionate about this role and how your background fits perfectly with our needs. Mention any relevant projects you've worked on, especially those involving high-throughput systems.
Showcase Your Technical Skills: Don’t forget to highlight your technical skills in your application. We want to see your expertise in PLC programming and system integration. If you have experience with robotics, make sure to include that too!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any updates. Plus, it’s super easy!
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 your systematic approach to troubleshooting, as this is crucial for the role and will demonstrate your problem-solving abilities.
✨Understand the Full System Lifecycle
Familiarise yourself with the entire lifecycle of automated material handling systems—from design to deployment. Be prepared to discuss your experience in commissioning and supporting these systems, as well as any collaboration with multidisciplinary teams.
✨Be Ready for Technical Questions
Expect technical questions related to hardware selection, PLC programming, and integration of robotics. Brush up on your knowledge of configuring managed switches and security patching, as these are key aspects of the role that interviewers will want to explore.