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- Tasks: Join a team to develop and support advanced automated material handling systems in aviation security.
- Company: Specialist engineering firm focused on innovative automation solutions.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, international project exposure, and clear path to permanent role.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for international travel and career growth.
- Why this job: Work on cutting-edge technology and make a global impact in airport environments.
- Qualifications: 5+ years experience in PLC controls, strong Siemens PLC expertise, and hands-on commissioning skills.
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.
PLC Controls Engineer in Widnes employer: ATA Recruitment
Contact Detail:
ATA Recruitment Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land PLC Controls Engineer in Widnes
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend local meetups, and join relevant online forums. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your skills! Create a portfolio that highlights your past projects, especially those involving PLC systems and automation. This will give potential employers a clear view of what you can bring to the table.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on common technical questions related to PLC controls and material handling systems. Practice explaining your thought process when troubleshooting issues, as this is key in live operational 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 individuals like you to join our team.
We think you need these skills to ace PLC Controls Engineer in Widnes
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 automation and how your background fits the role. Mention any international project experience you have, as we love candidates who can bring that global perspective.
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 optimisation. If you've worked with robotics or high-throughput environments, 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’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy—just hit that 'Apply' button!
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. Be prepared to discuss your involvement in design, development, commissioning, and support phases, as this will illustrate your comprehensive understanding of the process.
✨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 performance monitoring, as these are key aspects of the job.