Job Description:

PLC Controls Engineer – Industrial Automation (Material Handling & Controls)

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 Experience 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 to (url removed) I can also be contacted directly on (phone number removed). I look forward to hearing from you!

ATA Recruitment specialise in the recruitment of Engineers across the UK, so if this role is not for you, please do have a look on our website for further potential opportunities which may suit your skills and experience better - If you have the skill, we have the recruitment knowledge and together we can find you your perfect job! - (url removed)  

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