At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the design and delivery of PLC software for automated baggage handling systems.
- Company: Join Wise Technical, a leader in innovative airport solutions.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, health benefits, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Dynamic work environment with excellent career advancement opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on airport operations with cutting-edge technology.
- Qualifications: Experience in PLC development and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 70000 - 90000 £ per year.
Wise Technical is seeking an experienced Lead LLC Development Engineer to lead the design, architecture and delivery of PLC-based control software for automated baggage handling systems (BHS). This is a senior, hands-on technical leadership role responsible for setting the standards, structure and quality of our low-level controls development, while directly architecting and writing PLC code for large-scale, safety- and performance-critical airport baggage systems. The successful candidate will own the technical delivery of PLC applications from first principles through to commissioning, ensuring robust integration with HMI/SCADA platforms, Sort Allocation Computer (SAC) systems, and hold baggage screening infrastructure. They will provide technical leadership to the wider LLC development team, working closely with the LLC Product Manager on day-to-day technical direction and reporting into the LLC Solutions Senior Manager for line management matters.
Key Responsibilities
- Technical Leadership & Architecture
- Lead the architecture and design of large-scale PLC control applications for baggage handling systems, built from the ground up.
- Define coding standards, structure and best practice for the LLC development team, and ensure their consistent application across projects.
- Provide technical direction and mentorship to PLC engineers, reviewing code and designs for quality, maintainability and performance.
- Act as the senior technical point of contact for PLC development matters, working closely with the LLC Product Manager to align development with product and project priorities.
- PLC Development & Systems Integration
- Design and develop PLC software for conveyor control, bag tracking, sortation and system sequencing across large, multi-PLC BHS installations.
- Develop and integrate control logic for hold baggage screening (HBS), ensuring compliance with relevant screening standards and airport operational requirements.
- Develop and maintain interfaces to Sort Allocation Computer (SAC) systems, Host Level Controller (HLC) systems, and airport IT/BRS platforms.
- Architect and implement bag tracking logic, ensuring accurate, reliable and auditable bag status and routing data throughout the system.
- Integrate PLC applications with HMI and SCADA systems, ensuring reliable real-time visualisation, alarming and operator control.
- Design and implement robust fault handling, diagnostics and system recovery strategies.
- Project & Delivery Management
- Produce and maintain functional design specifications, software design documents and test documentation for PLC applications.
- Plan and lead FAT (Factory Acceptance Testing) and SAT (Site Acceptance Testing) activities for control software.
- Support on-site commissioning, working with site teams to install, test, and go-live PLC applications.
- Identify technical risks early and work with the LLC Product Manager and Senior Manager to mitigate delivery risk.
- Team & Stakeholder Management
- Line-manage and/or technically lead junior and mid-level PLC engineers, supporting their development and performance.
- Liaise with mechanical, electrical, IT and project engineering teams to ensure coordinated system delivery.
- Represent Wise Technical in technical discussions with clients, integrators and screening equipment suppliers.
Requirements
Essential Experience & Skills
- Proven track record architecting and developing large-scale PLC applications from scratch (not just modifying existing code bases).
- Strong hands-on experience with major PLC platforms used in baggage handling (e.g. Siemens S7/TIA Portal, Rockwell/Allen-Bradley, or equivalent).
- Demonstrable experience writing PLC code for bag tracking within automated baggage handling systems.
- Demonstrable experience integrating and coding for hold baggage screening (HBS) systems.
- Demonstrable experience developing HLC (Host Level Controller) interfaces and associated communication protocols.
- Experience integrating PLC systems with SAC (Sort Allocation Computer) platforms.
- Strong working knowledge of HMI/SCADA system design, development and integration (e.g. WinCC, FactoryTalk, Ignition, or equivalent).
- Solid understanding of industrial networking and communications protocols (e.g. Profinet, Ethernet/IP, OPC UA, TCP/IP).
- Experience producing and working from functional design specifications and control philosophy documents.
- Experience leading or heavily contributing to FAT/SAT and site commissioning activities.
- Strong understanding of industrial safety systems and functional safety principles (e.g. safety PLCs, e-stop and interlock design).
- Degree or equivalent qualification in Electrical/Electronic Engineering, Control Systems, Computer Science, or a related discipline (or equivalent demonstrable industry experience).
- Ability and willingness to be based at Wise Technical's LHR offices a minimum of 4 days per week.
- Right to work in the UK and eligibility to obtain UK airside/airport security clearance.
Desirable Experience & Skills
- Prior experience within the airport baggage handling industry, working with systems from vendors such as BEUMER, Vanderlande, Siemens Logistics, Babcock Airports or similar.
- Experience with baggage handling simulation tools and/or discrete event simulation of material handling systems.
- Familiarity with airport-specific standards and regulations relevant to hold baggage screening and BHS (e.g. ECAC, TSA equivalents, or applicable national regulatory frameworks).
- Experience with version control and structured software lifecycle management for PLC codebases.
- Previous experience in a technical leadership, principal engineer, or team lead capacity.
- Knowledge of database/reporting integration for bag tracking and management information systems.
- Recognised functional safety qualification (e.g. TÜV Functional Safety Engineer) or equivalent.
Lead LLC Development Engineer (PLC Development Lead - Baggage Handling Systems) employer: Wise Technical
Wise Technical is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where innovation meets collaboration. As a Lead LLC Development Engineer, you will not only lead the design and delivery of cutting-edge PLC control software for automated baggage handling systems but also benefit from a culture that prioritises professional growth and mentorship. With a commitment to excellence and safety in a critical industry, our LHR office provides a unique opportunity to make a significant impact while enjoying a supportive team atmosphere and access to ongoing development opportunities.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead LLC Development Engineer (PLC Development Lead - Baggage Handling Systems)
✨Get Involved in Local Automation Meetups
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✨Show Off Your Projects
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✨Leverage Your Uni Career Services
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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 Lead LLC Development Engineer (PLC Development Lead - Baggage Handling Systems) role at Wise Technical!
We think you need these skills to ace Lead LLC Development Engineer (PLC Development Lead - Baggage Handling Systems)
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 Wise Technical 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 Wise Technical
✨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 Wise Technical.
✨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 Wise Technical, 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.
