PLC Software Engineer in Runcorn, Borough of Halton

PLC Software Engineer – Siemens / Logistics Automation – Cheshire / Hybrid – £67k Package

+++ Hybrid working – 1–2 days in the office +++ Siemens PLC programming from scratch +++ Complete automation projects +++ £67k overall package +++

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.