Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Design and build innovative machines for smart manufacturing using cutting-edge technology.
- Company: Join Reelables, a pioneer in reel-to-reel manufacturing for 5G tracking labels.
- Benefits: Full-time role with hands-on experience and opportunities for growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in modern manufacturing and see your work in action daily.
- Qualifications: Experience in controls engineering and passion for industrial automation required.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with a tight-knit team of engineers.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Join to apply for the PLC Engineer role at Reelables. We are not just designing machines, we are defining how smart manufacturing will scale. At Reelables, we are building the world’s first reel-to-reel manufacturing lines for ultra-thin 5G tracking labels. We are combining real-time, vision-based quality control with OOP-driven TwinCAT PLC architecture to tackle mass manufacturing challenges head-on. If you are passionate about industrial automation, love writing structured text (no ladder logic), and enjoy using Python or C when needed, you will feel right at home here.
We are pushing the boundaries of what is possible with Beckhoff systems, PackML architectures, and a tight-knit crew of mechatronic and electrical engineers who genuinely love building cool, purposeful machines. If that sounds like your kind of playground, we would love to hear from you.
Responsibilities:
- Resolve complex control logic challenges during commissioning and real-time operations—troubleshooting hardware and software in concert.
- Design and tune control loops including PID for heating, inertia compensation, and motion-based systems in multi-axis motion contexts.
- Architect, review, and own structured-text, OOP TwinCAT PLC code with PackML or equivalent state-machine method.
- Define and drive good coding practice across version control, documentation, modular design, and code reviews.
- Integrate vision-based QC systems and motion control into a unified control framework.
- Design and implement intuitive, robust HMI interfaces with a strong focus on ease-of-use for technicians.
- Develop TCP hooks to enable PLC-to-Python interfaces for traceability, telemetry, and automation tools.
- Mentor junior engineers and assume leadership for escalated debugging and design strategy.
- Hands-on mapping of electrical/IO panels, I/O troubleshooting, and assisting with physical commissioning.
Experience:
We are looking for a practically experienced controls engineer, not just someone who ticks boxes. Experience building machines, debugging them in the field, and knowing what good work looks like is essential. References, project examples, or real-world experience stories are all welcome.
About:
The ideal candidate will have experience with some (or most) of the following:
- Working on reel-to-reel, tension-controlled, or continuous manufacturing systems involving tapes, labels, films, etc.
- Creating clean, intuitive HMI designs that allow technicians to operate, diagnose, and restart machines quickly.
- Comfortable tackling cross-disciplinary challenges with mechanical, software, and electrical engineers.
- Integrating vision systems into real-time control loops or QC workflows.
- Experience with dispensing applications, especially where timing, precision, and coordination matter.
- Designing and commissioning multi-axis motion systems, including linear motors and coordinated servo drives.
- Implementing and tuning PID control systems, especially thermal loops.
- Reading and interpreting electrical schematics, and confidently debugging issues across both software and control panels.
- Writing robust, maintainable PLC software using structured text, preferably in TwinCAT 3 with an OOP architecture.
- Familiarity with PackML or structured state-machine implementations.
- Building TCP/IP hooks to connect PLCs to external software.
Seniority level: Mid-Senior level
Employment type: Full-time
Job function: Supply Chain Transportation, Logistics, Supply Chain and Storage
Location: London, England, United Kingdom.
PLC Engineer employer: Reelables
Contact Detail:
Reelables Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land PLC Engineer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with industry folks on LinkedIn or at local meetups. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! If you’ve got a portfolio of projects or examples of your work, bring them along to interviews. It’s a great way to demonstrate your hands-on experience and passion for what you do.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for technical interviews by brushing up on your PLC knowledge and coding skills. Practice solving real-world problems that you might face as a PLC Engineer, so you can impress the hiring team with your expertise.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our awesome team at Reelables.
We think you need these skills to ace PLC Engineer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When you’re writing your application, let your enthusiasm for industrial automation shine through! We want to see that you’re genuinely excited about the role and the innovative work we’re doing at Reelables.
Tailor Your Experience: Make sure to highlight your relevant experience with PLC programming and machine design. We love seeing real-world examples, so don’t hesitate to share specific projects or challenges you've tackled that relate to our work.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon unless it’s necessary. Remember, we’re looking for structured text enthusiasts, so show us you can communicate effectively!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Reelables
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of PLC programming, especially structured text and TwinCAT. Be ready to discuss your past projects and how you've tackled complex control logic challenges. Reelables is looking for practical experience, so have some real-world examples at the ready!
✨Show Off Your HMI Skills
Since designing intuitive HMI interfaces is key for this role, prepare to talk about your experience in creating user-friendly designs. Bring along any examples or sketches that showcase your ability to make machines easy to operate and diagnose.
✨Get Technical with Control Systems
Be prepared to dive deep into your understanding of PID control systems and multi-axis motion control. You might be asked to solve a hypothetical problem on the spot, so practice explaining your thought process clearly and confidently.
✨Team Player Vibes
Reelables values collaboration, so highlight your experience working with cross-disciplinary teams. Share stories about how you've successfully collaborated with mechanical and electrical engineers during commissioning or troubleshooting to show you're a team player.
