At a Glance
- Tasks: Develop Siemens PLC software for exciting automation projects and take ownership from design to commissioning.
- Company: Join a growing specialist automation business in Cheshire with a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive £67k package, hybrid working, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with opportunities for travel and excellent career advancement.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in logistics automation while enjoying flexibility and innovative projects.
- Qualifications: Strong Siemens PLC programming skills and experience in logistics automation or industrial systems.
Samuel Frank is recruiting for a PLC Software Engineer to join a growing specialist automation business based in Cheshire. This is an opportunity to take technical ownership of complete PLC control systems for major automation projects, from initial design through to site commissioning and handover.
The ideal PLC Software Engineer will have strong Siemens programming skills and experience in logistics automation, automated warehousing, conveyors, sortation or material handling. Similar experience on complex machinery or industrial automation systems will also be considered.
The PLC Software Engineer role offers genuine hybrid flexibility. During design and software development phases, you would typically spend just one or two days per week in the Daresbury office, with PLC software development completed from home where practical.
Key aspects of the PLC Software Engineer role include:
- Developing Siemens PLC software from scratch for complete automation systems
- Taking ownership of projects from concept, control philosophy and FDS through to testing, commissioning and handover
- Programming and modifying HMI systems and integrating equipment such as scanners, barcode readers, RFID and cameras
- Producing functional specifications, network topologies and electrical control requirements
- Reviewing electrical schematics and working closely with external design partners
- Working with project, sales and software colleagues to deliver technically sound, commercially viable solutions
- Providing technical support and guidance to other engineers within the team
Key skills and experience required:
- Strong Siemens PLC programming experience, including developing software from scratch
- Ideally, experience in intralogistics, conveyors, sortation, automated warehouses or material handling
- Ability to develop the control philosophy and Functional Design Specification for a complete system
- Good understanding of electrical controls, industrial networks and system integration
- Experience delivering PLC projects through commissioning and customer handover
- Rockwell / Allen-Bradley experience would be an advantage
The PLC Software Engineer will also attend customer sites across the UK for commissioning. The business typically delivers two or three major projects per year, with commissioning periods usually lasting six to eight weeks, Monday to Friday.
There is a paid on-call rota, typically one week in three or four. Most issues are resolved remotely and software-related calls are infrequent.
The package is approximately £67,000, comprising a £60,000 basic salary, £5,000 car allowance and additional on-call payment. There may be flexibility for a PLC Software Engineer with particularly strong Siemens and logistics automation experience.
The office is accessible from Warrington, Runcorn, Daresbury, Widnes, Liverpool, Manchester, Chester, Northwich and surrounding areas.
PLC Software Engineer in Runcorn employer: Samuel Frank
Join a forward-thinking automation business in West Yorkshire, where you'll be part of a dynamic engineering team dedicated to designing and commissioning bespoke machinery. With a state-of-the-art facility, a full order book, and a commitment to employee growth through training and development support, this company offers a competitive benefits package including flexible working arrangements and a company bonus. Embrace the opportunity to work on innovative projects while enjoying a supportive work culture that values long-term employment and collaboration.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land PLC Software Engineer in Runcorn
✨Get Involved in Local Automation Meetups
We can’t stress this enough – getting your face out there in the automation and control systems community can really set you apart. Look for local meetups or workshops where you can chat with industry professionals, learn about what’s trending, and even discover hidden job gems. Who knows, you might meet someone from a company like Samuel Frank!
✨Show Off Your Projects
Make sure you have a portfolio of your work ready to roll. Whether it’s academic projects, internships or personal experiments, showcase how you’ve tackled automation challenges. When you apply for the PLC Software Engineer position at Samuel Frank, linking your portfolio gives your application that extra oomph and demonstrates your practical knowledge.
✨Leverage Your Uni Career Services
If you’re fresh out of uni, don’t forget about your career services! Many universities have established connections with companies in the automation field. They may know when Samuel Frank is looking for fresh talent or even have internships that lead to full-time positions. So, hit them up!
✨Keep an Eye on Industry Certifications
While hunting for roles, consider getting certified in relevant automation technologies. It shows dedication and gives you a leg up in the job market. Plus, many organisations offer job boards or networking events to certified professionals. This might just lead you to that coveted PLC Software Engineer role at Samuel Frank!
We think you need these skills to ace PLC Software Engineer in Runcorn
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Skills:When applying for an automation-control-systems role, it’s crucial to highlight your technical skills. Whether it's your proficiency in programming languages like Python or understanding control systems, make sure your CV showcases these prominently. Don't forget to mention any specific software or tools you're experienced with – that’s music to the ears of hiring managers!
Tailor Your Projects to Automation:If you've worked on any relevant projects, especially those involving automation or control systems, make them stand out in your CV. Use a dedicated section to highlight these projects, explaining your role and the impact of your contributions. This could be the difference between getting noticed and getting overlooked!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine, so tell us why you’re passionate about automation-control-systems! Discuss specific experiences that sparked your interest in this field. Maybe it's a university project or a previous job that truly got you hooked. We love seeing that spark! Make sure to reference how you can contribute to Samuel Frank and its goals.
Quantify Your Achievements:In the world of automation, results matter. When listing your experiences, quantify your achievements wherever possible. Did you improve system efficiency by a percentage? Did you reduce downtime? Putting numbers to your successes not only demonstrates your impact but also lets us see the tangible outcomes of your efforts. It makes your application pop!
How to prepare for a job interview at Samuel Frank
✨Master Your Technical Knowledge
In the automation control systems field, you need to brush up on your technical know-how. Be prepared to talk about specific control systems you’ve worked with, such as PLCs or SCADA systems, and expect technical questions or even hands-on problem-solving scenarios during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Projects
Whether it's freelance projects or your academic work, come ready to showcase your portfolio of automation projects. Bring along any diagrams, code samples, or automation solutions you’ve implemented—these can really set you apart and demonstrate your applied skills to Samuel Frank.
✨Understand Industry Trends
Stay updated on the latest trends in automation technologies and methodologies, like Industry 4.0 or IIoT. We'll want to discuss how these concepts may affect the role and future projects at Samuel Frank, so showing that you're knowledgeable about current and emerging technologies can give you an edge.
✨Commit to Continuous Learning
As this is a full-time role, it's essential to express your eagerness for continuous improvement and learning. Share how you plan to enhance your skills and keep pace with the evolution of automation in the workforce – companies love candidates who are committed to growth and adaptability.
